How to Fix Can’t Scroll in Microsoft Edge

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How to Fix Can’t Scroll in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge has steadily gained popularity as a fast, secure, and user-friendly web browser. However, like any software, it can sometimes experience issues that hinder the user experience. One of the frustrating problems users may encounter is the inability to scroll. This issue can stem from various sources, such as browser settings, extensions, system configurations, or corrupted files. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different reasons behind the scrolling problem in Microsoft Edge and provide you with detailed steps to resolve it.

Understanding the Scrolling Problem

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the scrolling issue in Microsoft Edge. Users may encounter the following symptoms:

  1. Inability to Scroll with Mouse or Touchpad: The scroll wheel on the mouse or gestures on the touchpad may not work at all.
  2. Lag or Jerky Scrolling: Scrolling may occur, but it feels sluggish or irregular.
  3. Scrolling Stops Functioning Suddenly: This may happen after a certain period of normal functionality.

Identifying which specific issue you are experiencing is crucial in determining the appropriate fix.

Possible Causes of the Scrolling Issue

Several factors can lead to scrolling problems in Microsoft Edge, including:

  1. Browser Settings: Incorrect settings or configurations can lead to unexpected behavior within the browser.
  2. Extensions: Some browser extensions may interfere with Edge’s performance, including its scrolling functionality.
  3. Mouse or Touchpad Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can impact scrolling capabilities.
  4. Hardware Acceleration: This feature can sometimes cause performance issues in certain cases.
  5. Corrupted User Profile: User profiles in Edge can become corrupted, leading to various issues.
  6. Windows Updates: Occasionally, an update to Windows can inadvertently impact browser performance.
  7. Third-party Software Conflicts: Software like antivirus or other applications may conflict with the browser.

By understanding these potential causes, you can more effectively target your troubleshooting efforts.

Preliminary Checks

Before implementing any solutions, start with some basic checks:

  1. Restart Microsoft Edge: Close and reopen the browser to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
  2. Test Other Browsers: Check if scrolling works in other browsers (like Chrome or Firefox). If it does, the issue is likely specific to Edge.
  3. Restart Your Computer: A reboot can often solve various minor issues by refreshing system resources.

Solutions to Fix Can’t Scroll in Microsoft Edge

Solution 1: Check Browser Settings

  1. Reset Edge Settings:

    • Open Microsoft Edge.
    • Click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
    • Select "Settings."
    • Navigate to "Reset settings" on the left panel.
    • Click on "Restore settings to their default values."
    • Confirm the action and restart Edge.

  2. Disable Smooth Scrolling:

    • Open Edge and type edge://flags in the address bar.
    • Search for “smooth scrolling.”
    • Change the status from "Enabled" to "Disabled."
    • Relaunch the browser.

Solution 2: Update Extensions

  1. Access Edge Extensions:

    • Click on the three-dot menu and select "Extensions."

  2. Disable Extensions:

    • Toggle off all extensions to check if scrolling works without them.

  3. Enable Extensions One by One:

    • After disabling all, enable each extension one at a time, checking scrolling functionality after each activation. This will help you identify if a specific extension is causing the issue.

Solution 3: Update Mouse and Touchpad Drivers

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Right-click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager."

  2. Update Mouse Drivers:

    • Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" section.
    • Right-click on your mouse device and select "Update driver."
    • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

  3. Update Touchpad Drivers (if applicable):

    • If you’re using a laptop, check the "Mice and other pointing devices" section for your touchpad driver and update it using the same method.

Solution 4: Disable Hardware Acceleration

  1. Access Edge Settings:

    • Go to the three-dot menu > "Settings."

  2. Navigate to System Settings:

    • Click on "System and performance."

  3. Disable Hardware Acceleration:

    • Turn off the option that reads "Use hardware acceleration when available."
    • Restart the browser for the changes to take effect.

Solution 5: Create a New User Profile

  1. Open Edge Settings:

    • Navigate to the three-dot menu > "Settings."

  2. Manage Profiles:

    • Click on "Profiles" and select "Add profile."

  3. Set Up New Profile:

    • Follow the steps to create a new profile. Use this profile to see if scrolling issues persist.

Solution 6: Update Microsoft Edge

  1. Check for Updates:

    • Click on the three-dot menu > "Help and feedback" > "About Microsoft Edge."

  2. Update Browser:

    • Edge will automatically check for updates and install any available ones. After updating, restart the browser.

Solution 7: Repair Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Settings in Windows:

    • Go to "Start" > "Settings" > "Apps."

  2. Locate Microsoft Edge:

    • Scroll to find "Microsoft Edge" and click on it.

  3. Choose Repair:

    • Click on the "Modify" button and select "Repair." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.

Solution 8: Check for Windows Updates

  1. Open Windows Settings:

    • Click on "Start" > "Settings."

  2. Navigate to Update & Security:

    • Click on "Windows Update" and check for updates.

  3. Install Updates:

    • If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Solution 9: Check for Third-Party Conflicts

  1. Disable Antivirus Temporarily:

    • Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it is causing the scrolling issues. Ensure to turn it back on afterward.

  2. Clean Boot:

    • Perform a clean boot by typing msconfig in the Run dialog (Win + R), unchecking all startup items, and then restarting your computer. Test scrolling in Edge after the reboot.

Solution 10: Reset Windows Settings

As a last resort, the issue might be deeper than Edge itself. Resetting Windows can help resolve persistent problems:

  1. Open Windows Settings:

    • Click on "Start" > "Settings."

  2. Go to Update & Security:

    • Click on "Recovery" in the left-hand menu.

  3. Reset This PC:

    • Under the "Reset this PC" section, click "Get started." Follow the prompts to reset your PC, choosing to keep your files or remove everything as per your preference.

Conclusion

Addressing scrolling issues in Microsoft Edge requires a methodical approach to identify and rectify the underlying cause. By implementing the solutions outlined above, users can regain full functionality of the scrolling feature in Edge. Regular software updates, maintaining user profiles, and being mindful of third-party extensions can further optimize browsing experience and prevent similar issues in the future.

If problems persist even after following these solutions, consider seeking specialized technical support or browsing Microsoft’s official forums for advice. Remember, troubleshooting can often take time, and being patient while systematically addressing each potential cause will lead to a resolution.

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