How to reverse mouse and touchpad scrolling direction on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the mouse and touchpad are essential input devices that make easy navigation and interaction with the elements on the screen possible.

The only caveat is that they come with a default scrolling direction (scroll down to move up), even though it works for most users, it's not a preference that everyone agrees to or needs.

If you use a touchpad with your laptop or a mouse with your desktop, and you rather see pages move up as you scroll up for a more natural experience, you can reverse the scrolling direction using the Settings app, or modifying the Registry in the case of a mouse.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to reverse the scrolling direction of your touchpad or mouse.

• How to reverse touchpad scrolling direction on Windows 10
• How to reverse mouse scrolling direction on Windows 10

How to reverse touchpad scrolling direction on Windows 10

To reverse the scrolling direction of your touchpad using the Settings app, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.

3. Click on Touchpad.

   Important: The reverse scrolling option is only available for devices with a precision touchpad. If the option isn't available, you may still be able to change the scrolling behavior using the manufacturer software for the peripheral.

4. Under the "Scroll and zoom" section, use the drop-down menu to select the Down motion scrolls down option.

Once you complete the steps, using the scrolling up gestures on your touchpad will scroll pages in the downward direction for a more natural experience.

How to reverse mouse scrolling direction on Windows 10

If you're using a mouse to navigate on Windows 10, the Settings app doesn't include an option to reverse the scrolling direction. However, you can still modify the scrolling behavior using the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

Identifying mouse information

To identify the mouse identification number on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices branch.

4. Right-click the mouse that you're using, and select the Properties option.

5. Click on the Details tab.
6. Use the "Property" drop-down menu and choose the Device instance path option.

7. Note the VID ID value for the mouse — for example, VID_0E0F&PID_0003&MI_01.

After completing the steps, continue with the steps below to reverse the mouse scrolling using the Registry.

Reversing mouse scrolling direction

To reverse the mouse scrolling direction using the Registry, use these steps:

1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
2. Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.

3. Browse the following path:

   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\HID

   Quick tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.

4. Expand the key (folder) that matches the VID ID of your mouse — for example, VID_0E0F&PID_0003&MI_01.

5. Expand the available key.
6. Select the Device Parameters key.

7. Double-click the FlipFlopWheel DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.

8. Click OK.
9. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, when you scroll up with the mouse wheel, the page should also scroll up.

In the future, if you change your mind, you can revert the flip the direction of the mouse wheel to its original settings using the same instructions, but on step No. 7, make sure to set the value from 1 to 0.

Updated February 22, 2019: This guide has been revised and updated to make sure it's current with the latest version of Windows 10.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central