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PowerShell is a powerful tool for managing Windows systems, but sometimes users face issues with scrolling inside the PowerShell window on Windows 11. This problem can interrupt your workflow and make it difficult to review past commands or outputs.

Fortunately, fixing the PowerShell scroll problem is usually straightforward and can be done with simple adjustments or settings changes. In this guide, we will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to resolve the issue.

Whether you are new to PowerShell or an experienced user, these solutions will help you get scrolling working correctly again. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.

By the end of this article, you will understand why the issue happens and how to fix it effectively.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before attempting any fixes, make sure you have the following checked:

• Your Windows 11 system is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, system updates fix underlying bugs.
• You are using the default Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal app. Custom third-party terminals might behave differently.
• If you use a mouse or touchpad, confirm that the scroll function itself works properly in other apps.
• Close and reopen PowerShell before trying fixes, as some issues can clear with a simple restart.

Step 1: Adjust PowerShell Window Properties

One common reason why scrolling does not work is because the screen buffer size is too small. The screen buffer controls how much output PowerShell keeps available for scrolling.

Follow these steps to increase the buffer size:

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Right-click the title bar (the top bar of the PowerShell window).
3. Click on Properties from the dropdown menu.
4. Go to the Layout tab.
5. Under Screen Buffer Size, increase the Height value to a larger number, such as 3000 or 5000. This controls how many lines PowerShell keeps in memory for scrolling.
6. Click OK to save changes.
7. Try scrolling in the PowerShell window again.

Why this matters: If the buffer size is too small, PowerShell only keeps a limited amount of output visible, so scrolling won’t show older commands or results.

Step 2: Use Windows Terminal as an Alternative

If you are using the classic PowerShell console, consider switching to the Windows Terminal app. Windows Terminal supports better scrolling and customization by default.

To use Windows Terminal:

1. Press Windows key and type Windows Terminal.
2. Open the app from the search results.
3. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the tab bar and select PowerShell.
4. Try scrolling now to see if the issue persists.

Windows Terminal also supports mouse wheel scrolling smoothly and allows you to customize the scrollback buffer size in its settings.

Step 3: Check Mouse or Touchpad Settings

Sometimes, the issue may not be with PowerShell but with your input device settings.

Try these checks:

• Test scrolling in other applications (like a web browser or Notepad). If scrolling does not work there, the problem might be with your mouse or touchpad.
• Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse (or Touchpad), and make sure scrolling is enabled and configured properly.
• If you have specialized mouse software, check for updates or reset settings.

Step 4: Run PowerShell as Administrator

Sometimes, permissions or profile settings can affect PowerShell behavior.

Try running PowerShell with administrative privileges:

1. Press Windows key, type PowerShell.
2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Test scrolling inside the window.

If scrolling works here, the issue may be related to user profile settings or permissions.

Step 5: Reset PowerShell Defaults

If none of the above work, resetting PowerShell settings to default might help.

To do this:

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Right-click the title bar and select Defaults.
3. Go to the Layout tab and set the Screen Buffer Size Height back to a reasonable value like 3000.
4. Click OK.
5. Close and reopen PowerShell and test scrolling again.

Advanced Option: Modify Registry Settings (Use With Caution)

If you feel comfortable, some users have reported fixing scroll issues by adjusting registry settings related to console windows. This is an advanced step and should be done carefully.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERConsole.
3. Look for keys related to PowerShell or general console settings.
4. Adjust values such as ScreenBufferSize (height) to a higher number.
5. Restart your computer after making changes.

Note: Always back up your registry before making any changes to avoid system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t I scroll in PowerShell even after increasing the buffer size?

Besides buffer size, the issue could be with the terminal application you are using or device input settings. Try using Windows Terminal or checking your mouse/touchpad configuration.

Is Windows Terminal better than classic PowerShell for scrolling?

Yes, Windows Terminal offers a modern interface with improved scrolling, multiple tabs, and customization options that the classic console lacks.

Does running PowerShell as administrator affect scrolling?

Sometimes it does. Administrator mode can bypass certain restrictions or profile issues that might interfere with normal PowerShell behavior.

Can third-party PowerShell consoles have scroll issues?

Yes, third-party or heavily customized terminals might not handle scrolling the same way as the official Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal.

Will updating Windows 11 fix PowerShell scroll problems?

It can. Microsoft regularly releases fixes and improvements that may resolve console-related bugs.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face scrolling issues, consider these final options:

• Reinstall Windows Terminal: Uninstall and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
• Create a new user account: Sometimes profile corruption causes issues.
• Check for system file corruption: Run sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt to repair Windows files.
• Visit official Microsoft support: Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The PowerShell scroll issue on Windows 11 is commonly related to buffer size settings, terminal application choice, or input device configurations. Starting with simple checks like adjusting the screen buffer size or switching to Windows Terminal often resolves the problem quickly.

By following the step-by-step solutions outlined above, you should be able to restore scrolling functionality and improve your PowerShell experience. Remember to verify your hardware and software environment, and don’t hesitate to explore advanced options if needed.

With these tips, you can keep your PowerShell workflow smooth and efficient on Windows 11.