Scroll an Inactive Window Without Leaving Your Work
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Turn on “Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them” in Windows mouse settings, then point at a background window and use the mouse wheel. The setting can save clicks when comparing documents, spreadsheets or instructions.
When you are reading one window while writing in another, it is easy to keep clicking back and forth. Windows has a mouse setting that lets you scroll the window under the pointer without making it the active window.
Turn on inactive-window scrolling
- 1Open Start, then Settings.
- 2Select Bluetooth & devices, then Mouse.
- 3Under Scrolling, switch on “Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them”.
The wording above matches Microsoft’s current mouse-settings guidance. If you cannot find the option, check that Windows is up to date and review your device’s own settings or support information.
Use it while you work
- 1Open the document or application you are working in.
- 2Open a second window containing the information you need.
- 3Keep your working window active and move the pointer over the reference window.
- 4Use the mouse wheel or supported scrolling gesture. The window under the pointer should scroll while your keyboard focus stays in the active application.
It can be handy when you are reading research while writing, comparing two spreadsheets, checking a website while drafting an email or following instructions as you complete a task.
This setting controls mouse-wheel scrolling; it does not click links or change which application receives your typing. Behaviour can vary between applications and input devices. If scrolling feels unexpected, return to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse and switch the option off.
Check Microsoft’s current instructions for mouse settings →
Read IT Club’s guide to sharing selected PDF pages in Windows →
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Plain-English Takeaway
In Windows, switch on “Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them” under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse. Then move the pointer over a background window and scroll.
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