How to Change Mouse Scroll Direction in Windows 11 – A Quick Guide

By / September 5, 2025

Does your mouse scroll feel “backward” in Windows 11? By default, the scroll direction is set a certain way, but many users prefer the opposite—especially if you’re used to touchpads or macOS-style “natural scrolling.”

Changing the mouse scroll direction in Windows 11 is simple, but not always obvious. In this guide, I’ll show you how to reverse or customize your mouse scrolling direction step by step.

Why Change Mouse Scroll Direction?

Ever tried scrolling on one device, then switching to another, and suddenly everything feels wrong? That’s because different systems have different defaults.

  • Natural scrolling: Moves content in the same direction as your finger motion (like on smartphones and Macs).

  • Traditional scrolling: Moves the scroll bar up when you scroll down (default on many Windows setups).

Changing it can make your experience feel more intuitive and seamless—especially if you use multiple devices.

What You Need Before Changing Scroll Direction

  • A working mouse or touchpad.

  • Windows 11 installed on your PC or laptop.

  • Basic administrative access (for registry tweaks).

Method 1: Change Scroll Direction via Settings (Touchpad Only)

If you’re using a laptop with a touchpad, Windows 11 gives you a built-in option.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.

  3. Expand Scroll & zoom.

  4. Under Scrolling direction, choose:

    • Down motion scrolls down (default)

    • Down motion scrolls up (reverse)

This only affects your touchpad, not your external mouse.

Method 2: Change Mouse Scroll Direction Using Registry Editor

For external mice, Windows 11 doesn’t offer a direct toggle in Settings. But you can tweak it via the registry.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

  3. Right-click your mouse and choose Properties.

  4. Go to Details tab → Select Device Instance Path.

  5. Copy the value displayed.

Now:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\HID

  3. Use the copied path to locate your mouse folder.

  4. Open Device Parameters.

  5. Find FlipFlopWheel → Double-click → Change value:

    • 0 = default scroll

    • 1 = reverse scroll

  6. Restart your PC or unplug/replug your mouse.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Software

If you’re not comfortable editing the registry, third-party tools make it easier.

Popular Tools:

  • AutoHotkey script – Create a simple scroll-reversing script.

  • X-Mouse Button Control – Offers detailed mouse customization.

How to Reverse Scroll for Only One Mouse

If you have both a touchpad and a mouse, you might want different scrolling behaviors.

  • Use Settings to control the touchpad.

  • Use Registry Editor or third-party apps for the mouse.

Troubleshooting Scroll Direction Issues

Scroll Direction Didn’t Change?

  • Double-check the correct mouse device in Device Manager.

  • Restart Windows Explorer (Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Restart Explorer).

  • Update your mouse driver via Device Manager.

Mouse Behaves Erratically After Change?

  • Revert the registry value to its original setting (0).

  • Uninstall conflicting mouse customization software.

Should You Change Scroll Direction?

It’s entirely a matter of preference!

  • If you’re switching from MacBook to Windows, you’ll love natural scrolling.

  • If you’ve used traditional Windows scrolling for years, changing it might feel odd at first.

Does It Affect Gaming or Productivity?

Not really—most games use direct input, not system scroll direction. Productivity tools (Excel, web browsers, code editors) will respond based on your chosen setting.

How to Restore Default Scroll Direction

  • If you changed it in Settings: Just toggle it back.

  • If you used the Registry method: Change FlipFlopWheel back to 0.

  • If you used a third-party tool: Disable or uninstall it.

Quick Recap

  • Touchpad users can change it easily via Settings.

  • Mouse users need to edit the Registry or use third-party tools.

  • It’s fully reversible and safe when done correctly.

Conclusion

Changing mouse scroll direction in Windows 11 can make your daily workflow feel more natural and intuitive—especially if you switch between devices often. Whether you prefer natural scrolling like macOS or the traditional Windows style, you now know how to set it up in just a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Is reversing scroll direction safe for my mouse?
Yes, it doesn’t harm your hardware—it’s just a software-level change.

2. Can I set different scroll directions for different users on the same PC?
Yes, each Windows user account has its own settings.

3. Will changing scroll direction affect touch screens?
No, it only affects mice and touchpads.

4. Do all mice support this feature?
Most standard USB and Bluetooth mice do, but some gaming mice may require their own software.

5. Can I change scroll direction without admin rights?
Not via the Registry, but some third-party tools may allow it temporarily.

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