How to Turn On or Off “Scroll Inactive Windows” in Windows

Windows has a feature that lets users browse the content of inactive windows simply by hovering over them and scrolling using the mouse scroll wheel. This functionality can enhance the multitasking experience, especially in multi-monitor or multi-application setups, because it allows interaction with background windows without clicking and bringing them into focus. However, this may become undesirable in specific environments where precision input or simplified behavior is preferred.

If you are an IT administrator or advanced user who wants to control this behavior, keep reading to learn how to turn on or off scroll inactive windows functionality in Windows. This article will discuss various methods for individual or managed deployment scenarios, including using the Settings app, Registry Editor, and PowerShell.

How to enable or disable inactive window scrolling in Windows

There are multiple ways to configure the “Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them” setting in Windows, providing flexibility for various users. Each method can offer different advantages in terms of accessibility, control, and scalability, so you should find at least one method to suit your goals and environment adequately.

💡 Note: The methods and configuration paths described in this guide apply to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The only difference is in the Settings app navigation path:

• In Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse
• In Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Mouse

All Registry and PowerShell methods work the same across both versions.

Method 1: Enable or disable via Settings app (GUI)

The Settings app offers a quick and user-friendly approach to managing inactive window scrolling that persists across reboots. This method applies the configuration immediately and provides visual feedback of the current settings, so it is ideal for individual users making one-time changes and support personnel in non-technical environments.

1. Open the Settings app. Press Windows + I or manually find it using the Start menu search bar.
2. On the left pane, select Bluetooth & devices.
3. On the right pane, click Mouse.
4. Under the Scrolling section, find the Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them option.
5. Toggle the switch beside the option to:

• • On = Enable scrolling on background windows (default)
  • Off = Disable scrolling unless the window is focused

Method 2: Enable or disable via Registry Editor

This method is the best option if you need more precise configurations that can be scripted for deployment in environments without access to the Settings UI. It is best for IT administrators managing shared systems and power users who are fine-tuning the behavior of their PCs.

⚠️ Reminder: Before you proceed, make sure to back up the registry. Errors while editing the registry can cause serious system issues.

1. Open the Registry Editor. Press Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and hit Enter.
2. On the left pane, follow this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. On the right pane of the Desktop key, double-click the MouseWheelRouting DWORD.
4. If MouseWheelRouting doesn’t exist, create it. Right-click the Desktop key, hover over New, select DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it “MouseWheelRouting.”
5. In the pop-up dialog box, change the Value data to:
   • 2 = Enable scrolling on inactive windows (default)
   • 0 = Disable scrolling on inactive windows
6. Click OK.
7. To apply the changes, restart the computer or log off and log back in.

Method 3: Enable or disable via PowerShell

Using PowerShell is the best method for IT professionals working on automation and large-scale deployment via Intune, SCCM, logon scripts, or configuration baselines. It enables consistent settings across many systems and can be easily integrated into broader automation or compliance frameworks.

Note: This method may require administrator rights when done in managed environments.

1. Open PowerShell. Press Windows key + R, type “powershell,” and hit Enter.
2. Copy and paste the appropriate command for the action you want to take before hitting Enter:
   • To enable scrolling on inactive windows:
     Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Control Panel\Desktop” -Name “MouseWheelRouting” -Value 2
   • To disable scrolling on inactive windows:
     Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Control Panel\Desktop” -Name “MouseWheelRouting” -Value 0
3. To apply the changes, restart your computer or log off and log back in.

What does “Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them” mean?

“Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them” is a Windows feature that allows users to scroll the contents of an inactive window, which is an open background window that is not currently selected. With this feature enabled, you can simply hover your mouse over any visible part of a background window and use your mouse scroll wheel to scroll up and down through its contents without clicking it to make it active.

Why manage this setting?

Windows inactive window scrolling feature offers a more efficient window interaction, but its effects may vary depending on how users interact with their systems. Managing this setting should help you do the following:

Improve user experience

Inactive window scrolling helps users seamlessly navigate and interact with content across windows. It also improves workflow efficiency by reducing repetitive clicking, especially in multitasking or multi-monitor environments.

Prevent accidental scrolling

In kiosk or public access settings, hovering-based interactions can lead to unintended actions, such as exiting main windows or seeing irrelevant content. Additionally, accidentally scrolling on background windows can confuse users and interfere with expected screen content.

Standardize scroll behavior

Consistency is essential in managed IT environments, so enforcing a uniform configuration across workstations should help reduce variability and streamline onboarding or training processes.

Customize input behavior

Background window scrolling may not be an expected functionality for stylus and touchscreen users. This may interfere with touch accuracy or create inconsistencies in gesture recognition.

Align with app behavior and UI design

Some legacy applications and specialized software tools are not designed to consider this input, so background scrolling can result in unexpected behavior or interface glitches.

Understanding the varied impact of this feature should help administrators and power users decide whether to turn inactive window scrolling on or off.

Additional considerations when managing the inactive window scrolling functionality

Turning the inactive window scrolling feature on or off is a very straightforward task, but you should consider several factors that can help you avoid unintended consequences and ensure a consistent user experience, especially in managed environments.

Roaming profiles and user-based settings

This setting persists per user profile and will follow users when they log into different machines in environments with roaming user profiles.

Touchpad and precision drivers

This feature’s behavior may differ slightly depending on the hardware and drivers. For example, precision touchpads on newer laptops may implement their own scrolling behaviors that can override or interact differently with this setting. Consider fully updating touchpad drivers and system firmware to avoid scrolling behavior conflicts or inconsistencies.

Accessibility scenarios

Users with fine motor limitations may inadvertently scroll through background content. This can be disorienting or frustrating, so you should consider turning off the feature on their devices for more predictable and controlled output.

Multi-monitor use

This feature is beneficial in setups where users often glance at and interact with multiple open applications simultaneously. Enabling this functionality can ensure efficient reading, comparing, or referencing content without frequent window switching.

Streamlining scroll behavior in Windows

Knowing how to manage the Windows scroll inactive windows feature can offer better control for users in various environments, so administrators must carefully decide whether to turn this functionality on or off.

Always choose the most appropriate method to configure scrolling behavior according to your specific goals, whether through the Settings app, Registry Editor, or PowerShell. With thoughtful considerations, this simple setting can significantly enhance the overall user experience while maintaining control and consistency in managed environments.