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How to Fix Windows 10 Photos Not Scrolling Error with Easy Steps

Many Windows 10 users enjoy browsing their photos easily using the built-in Photos app. However, sometimes the scrolling feature may stop working, making it difficult to view pictures smoothly.

This issue can interrupt your workflow and cause frustration, especially when you want to quickly flip through your images. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix the Photos app scrolling problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy steps to resolve the scrolling error with clear explanations. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

Let’s get started and bring back smooth scrolling to your Windows 10 Photos app.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs and improve apps.
  • Check if the issue happens only in the Photos app or also in other programs.
  • Restart your computer before trying the steps below; sometimes a simple reboot can fix minor glitches.
  • Have your mouse or touchpad drivers updated, as outdated drivers can affect scrolling.

Step 1: Restart the Photos App

Sometimes the app itself may freeze or glitch temporarily. Closing and reopening it can fix simple problems.

  1. Click the Close (X) button on the Photos app window.
  2. Wait a few seconds to ensure it fully closes.
  3. Open the Photos app again by clicking its icon from the Start menu or taskbar.

This simple step refreshes the app and can restore scrolling functionality.

Step 2: Update the Photos App

Outdated apps may have bugs that cause issues like scrolling errors. Updating the Photos app ensures you have the latest fixes.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
  2. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Downloads and updates.
  3. Click Get updates to check for new versions of your installed apps.
  4. If the Photos app has an update, it will download and install automatically.
  5. After updating, open the Photos app and test the scrolling again.

Keeping apps updated solves many common problems.

Step 3: Reset the Photos App

If restarting and updating don’t help, resetting the app can clear corrupted data or settings causing the issue.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Scroll down and find Photos in the list.
  4. Click on Photos and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click the Reset button.
  6. Confirm the reset. This will delete the app’s data but not your photos.
  7. After resetting, open the Photos app and check if scrolling works.

Resetting restores the app to its default state, often fixing bugs.

Step 4: Check Mouse or Touchpad Settings

Sometimes the problem is not with the app but with the input device settings.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Devices > Mouse.
  3. Make sure the Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them option is turned on.
  4. Adjust the mouse scroll speed to a comfortable level.
  5. If you use a touchpad, go to Touchpad settings and check if scrolling gestures are enabled.
  6. Test scrolling in the Photos app after adjusting these settings.

Proper input settings ensure your scrolling commands are recognized correctly.

Step 5: Reinstall the Photos App

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the Photos app can replace corrupted files causing the issue.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to uninstall the Photos app:
Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage
  1. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for Microsoft Photos and click Get to reinstall it.
  3. Once installed, open the app and check if scrolling works normally.

Reinstalling gives you a fresh copy of the app, fixing deeper issues.

Alternative Method: Use a Different Photo Viewer

If you need an immediate workaround, consider using another photo viewing program like Windows Photo Viewer or third-party apps such as IrfanView or FastStone Image Viewer.

This can help you continue viewing and scrolling through photos smoothly while you troubleshoot the Windows 10 Photos app.

FAQs

Why is Photos app not scrolling smoothly?

This can be caused by app glitches, outdated software, corrupted app data, or input device issues.

Does resetting the Photos app delete my pictures?

No. Resetting only clears app settings and cache, not your actual photo files.

Can mouse driver updates fix scrolling problems?

Yes. Faulty or outdated mouse drivers can cause scrolling issues, so updating them can help.

Is reinstalling the Photos app safe?

Yes. Reinstalling replaces the app without affecting your personal photos or other files.

What if scrolling works in other apps but not in Photos?

This indicates the problem is likely within the Photos app itself or its settings.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the Photos app still won’t scroll, you can try the following:

  • Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • Create a new user account to see if the problem is specific to your profile.
  • Contact Microsoft Support for further assistance: https://support.microsoft.com.
  • Consider using third-party photo viewing software as a long-term alternative.

Conclusion

Fixing the Windows 10 Photos app scrolling error is usually straightforward. Start with simple steps like restarting and updating the app, then move on to resetting or reinstalling if needed.

Checking your mouse or touchpad settings is also important to ensure scrolling commands are properly detected. If all else fails, alternative photo viewers or official support can help.

With these easy-to-follow steps, you should be able to restore smooth scrolling in the Photos app and enjoy browsing your pictures again.

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