Changing the touchpad scroll direction in Windows 10 can make using your laptop more intuitive and comfortable. Whether you want the scroll direction to match your touchscreen device or prefer a more traditional setup, it’s easy to switch. Follow these steps, and you’ll have it adjusted in no time.
How to Change Touchpad Scroll Direction Windows 10
Changing the touchpad scroll direction in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves accessing the Settings menu and tweaking some touchpad settings. Follow these steps to get it done.
Step 1: Open the Settings Menu
Start by opening the Settings menu on your Windows 10 device.
To do this, click on the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen) and then click on the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Devices
Next, go to the Devices category within the Settings menu.
In the Settings window, you’ll see several options. Click on "Devices" to access your device settings, which include options for Bluetooth, printers, and the touchpad.
Step 3: Select Touchpad
Within the Devices menu, find and select the Touchpad tab.
Once you’re in the Devices menu, look for the "Touchpad" tab on the left-hand side. Click on it to view the touchpad settings.
Step 4: Find Scroll and Zoom Section
Scroll down to find the Scroll and Zoom section.
In the Touchpad settings, scroll down until you see a section labeled "Scroll and zoom." This is where you can adjust the scrolling direction.
Step 5: Change the Scrolling Direction
Toggle the scrolling direction setting to your preference.
In the "Scroll and zoom" section, you’ll find an option for changing the scrolling direction. Toggle the setting to "Down motion scrolls down" if you want a natural or reverse scrolling direction, or switch it off for the standard direction.
After completing these steps, your touchpad’s scroll direction will be updated according to your preference. You should notice the change immediately, making your browsing and scrolling experience more comfortable.
Tips for Changing Touchpad Scroll Direction Windows 10
- If the "Touchpad" tab is missing, ensure that your touchpad drivers are up-to-date.
- Restart your computer if the changes don’t take effect immediately.
- Use the "Additional settings" link in the Touchpad menu to access more advanced settings.
- Consider creating a restore point before making changes, so you can easily revert back if needed.
- If you’re using an external mouse, check its settings separately as they may not sync with touchpad settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the touchpad settings on my laptop?
Your touchpad drivers might be outdated or not installed. Check Device Manager and update the drivers if necessary.
Can I change the scroll direction for an external mouse separately?
Yes, the settings for an external mouse are usually found under "Mouse" in the Devices menu and can be adjusted independently.
What if my touchpad settings still don’t appear?
Try accessing the control panel and looking for "Mouse" settings. Some devices use different software for touchpad settings.
Will changing the touchpad direction affect my mouse scroll direction?
No, changing the touchpad scroll direction only affects the touchpad. Mouse settings are separate.
How can I revert the changes if I don’t like the new setting?
Simply follow the same steps and toggle the setting back to your original preference.
Summary
- Open the Settings menu.
- Go to Devices.
- Select Touchpad.
- Find Scroll and Zoom section.
- Change the scrolling direction.
Conclusion
Changing the touchpad scroll direction on your Windows 10 device is a simple yet effective way to enhance your user experience. Whether you’re more familiar with the natural scrolling direction of touchscreen devices or prefer the traditional setup, adjusting this setting can make your day-to-day tasks smoother.
If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this article, you should now have a touchpad that scrolls just the way you like it. If you encountered any issues, don’t hesitate to refer back to the tips and FAQs section.
For those who want to dive deeper into touchpad customization, exploring additional settings and driver options can further optimize your device’s performance. So go ahead, make those tweaks, and enjoy a more personalized computing experience. And remember, if you ever need to change the touchpad scroll direction again, you’ll know just what to do!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.