Mouse automatically scrolling down problem, nothing online is fixing it

Troubleshooting Unintended Auto-Scrolling in Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing unexpected auto-scrolling issues can be both frustrating and disruptive, especially when standard troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the problem. Recently, a user reported an issue where their mouse would automatically scroll downward, line by line, continuously—specifically during gameplay and within certain application windows, but not across all websites or applications.

Understanding the Issue

The problem began suddenly while the user was engaged with a game, Geometry Dash. Notably, the auto-scrolling behavior persisted in some contexts—such as system settings pages—while remaining absent in others like web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Importantly, the issue was confirmed not to be hardware-related; turning off the mouse did not halt the behavior, indicating a likely software or system configuration cause.

Initial Troubleshooting Attempts

Standard troubleshooting steps included:

• Disabling the “Scroll inactive windows while hovering over them” setting.
• Examining various system and mouse settings.
• Checking for hardware malfunction by disconnecting or turning off the mouse.

Despite these efforts, the auto-scrolling persisted, leaving the user searching for alternative resolutions.

Potential Causes and Solutions

When faced with such an issue, consider the following avenues:

1. Mouse Driver and Software Conflicts

Outdated, corrupted, or conflicting mouse drivers often cause unusual behavior. To address this:

• Update your mouse driver through Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website.

• If you’re using specialized mouse software (such as Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, etc.), ensure it is updated. Sometimes, custom software introduces bugs.

• Check for Stuck or Faulty Input Devices

Even if the mouse is turned off, other input devices might interfere:

• Try disconnecting all other peripherals.

• Use a different USB port or switch to a different mouse to rule out hardware issues.

• Review Accessibility Settings

Windows includes features that can influence scrolling:

• Navigate to Settings > Ease of Access > Mouse and Keyboard.

• Disable features like “Hover over items repeatedly to select” or “Scroll inactive windows”.

• Scan for Malware or Background Applications

Certain malicious software or background applications can manipulate input devices:

• Run a comprehensive antivirus scan.

• Check Task Manager for any suspicious processes.

• System Updates and Troubleshooting

Keep your operating system current: