Are you tired of the smooth scrolling feature in Microsoft Edge getting in the way of your browsing experience? Do you find it annoying or unnecessary? You’re not alone! Many users have been searching for a way to turn off smooth scrolling in Edge, but unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward way to do so. Or is there?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of smooth scrolling, its benefits, and its drawbacks. We’ll also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to turn off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge using various methods. So, buckle up and let’s dive in!
What is Smooth Scrolling, and Why Do We Need It?
Smooth scrolling, also known as momentum-based scrolling, is a feature that allows web pages to scroll smoothly and continuously when you swipe or click on the scrollbar. This feature is designed to provide a more fluid and intuitive browsing experience, especially on touch-enabled devices.
The main idea behind smooth scrolling is to make scrolling feel more natural and effortless. When you scroll through a webpage, the browser takes into account the speed and direction of your scroll gesture, and then continues to scroll in that direction even after you’ve lifted your finger off the screen. This creates a sense of momentum, making it easier to navigate through long web pages or documents.
Smooth scrolling has its benefits, especially for:
- Touch-enabled devices: Smooth scrolling is essential for touch-enabled devices, as it allows users to scroll through web pages with ease and precision.
- Long web pages: Smooth scrolling makes it easier to navigate through long web pages, reducing the need for repetitive scrolling gestures.
- Accessibility: Smooth scrolling can be beneficial for users with disabilities, as it allows them to navigate through web pages with greater ease and control.
The Dark Side of Smooth Scrolling
While smooth scrolling has its advantages, it can also be a source of frustration for many users. Here are some reasons why:
- Slow performance: Smooth scrolling can be resource-intensive, leading to slow performance and lagging issues, especially on older devices.
- Unpredictable behavior: Smooth scrolling can sometimes behave erratically, jumping to unexpected sections of the webpage or causing unwanted scrolling.
- Interference with keyboard navigation: Smooth scrolling can interfere with keyboard navigation, making it difficult to navigate through web pages using keyboard shortcuts.
Method 1: Disable Smooth Scrolling using the Edge Settings
Microsoft Edge provides a built-in option to disable smooth scrolling, but it’s not easily accessible. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner to open the menu.
- Click on Settings from the menu.
- Scroll down to the Accessibility section.
- Under Accessibility, toggle the switch next to Show scroll bars to the On position.
- Close the Settings window.
This method will disable smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge, but it will also remove the scroll bars from the browser window. If you want to keep the scroll bars, you can try the next method.
Method 2: Disable Smooth Scrolling using the Registry Editor
Warning: This method involves editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly. Proceed with caution!
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Edge - Right-click on the Edge key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value SmoothScrollingEnabled and set its value to 0.
- Close the Registry Editor.
This method will disable smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge without removing the scroll bars. However, it requires editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly.
Method 3: Use the Microsoft Edge Experimental Features
Microsoft Edge provides an experimental feature that allows you to disable smooth scrolling. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Microsoft Edge and type edge://flags in the address bar.
- Press Enter to open the Experimental Features page.
- Search for Smooth Scrolling in the search bar.
- Click on the Smooth Scrolling dropdown menu and select Disabled.
- Click on Restart to restart the browser.
This method will disable smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge, but it’s only available in the experimental features section. If you’re not comfortable with experimental features, you can try the next method.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Extension
There are several third-party extensions available that can disable smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner to open the menu.
- Click on Extensions from the menu.
- Search for Disable Smooth Scrolling in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store.
- Click on the Add to Chrome button to install the extension.
- Click on the extension’s icon in the top-right corner to toggle smooth scrolling on or off.
This method is easy and convenient, but it requires installing a third-party extension, which may raise security concerns.
Conclusion
Turning off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. We’ve explored four different methods to disable smooth scrolling, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you’re looking for a simple toggle switch or a more advanced registry edit, we’ve got you covered.
Remember, smooth scrolling is a feature that’s designed to enhance your browsing experience, but it’s not for everyone. If you find it annoying or unnecessary, it’s perfectly fine to turn it off. Just be aware of the potential consequences and benefits of doing so.
So, which method will you choose to turn off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge? Let us know in the comments!
What is Smooth Scrolling in Microsoft Edge?
Smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge is a feature that allows the browser to automatically adjust the scrolling speed to provide a smoother and more comfortable browsing experience. This feature is enabled by default in Microsoft Edge, and it can be beneficial for users who scroll through long web pages or documents frequently. However, some users may find this feature annoying or distracting, especially if they are used to a more traditional scrolling experience.
The smooth scrolling feature in Microsoft Edge uses an algorithm to predict the user’s scrolling intention and adjusts the scrolling speed accordingly. This can result in a more seamless and fluid scrolling experience, especially on touch-enabled devices. However, some users may find that this feature can cause issues with certain websites or web applications, or that it can be disorienting, especially if they are not used to it.
Why Would I Want to Turn Off Smooth Scrolling in Microsoft Edge?
There are several reasons why you may want to turn off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge. One reason is that you may find it distracting or annoying, especially if you are used to a more traditional scrolling experience. Smooth scrolling can also cause issues with certain websites or web applications, such as making it difficult to stop scrolling precisely at a certain point. Additionally, some users may find that smooth scrolling can cause motion sickness or other issues, especially if they are prone to these types of issues.
Another reason to turn off smooth scrolling is if you are using a mouse with a high precision scroll wheel. In this case, smooth scrolling can interfere with the precise scrolling experience that you are used to. Overall, turning off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge can provide a more traditional scrolling experience that is more comfortable and familiar for some users.
How Do I Turn Off Smooth Scrolling in Microsoft Edge?
To turn off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge, you can follow these steps: Open Microsoft Edge, click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner of the browser window, and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. In the “Settings” page, scroll down to the “Accessibility” section and toggle the switch next to “Use smooth scrolling” to the “Off” position. You can also type “edge://settings/accessibility” in the address bar to directly access the “Accessibility” page.
Once you have turned off smooth scrolling, you will notice that the scrolling experience in Microsoft Edge will be more traditional and instantaneous, without the smooth acceleration and deceleration. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a more direct and precise scrolling experience.
Will Turning Off Smooth Scrolling Affect My Browsing Experience?
Turning off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge will not significantly affect your browsing experience, except for the scrolling behavior. You will still be able to access all the features and functionality of Microsoft Edge, including its performance and security features. The only difference will be the way the browser responds to scrolling inputs, which will be more traditional and instantaneous.
However, if you are used to the smooth scrolling experience, you may notice a slight difference in the way the browser responds to your scrolling inputs. You may need to adjust your scrolling behavior slightly to get used to the new experience. But overall, turning off smooth scrolling will not affect your ability to browse the web or access your favorite websites and web applications.
Can I Turn Off Smooth Scrolling Only for Specific Websites?
Currently, there is no built-in option to turn off smooth scrolling only for specific websites in Microsoft Edge. The smooth scrolling feature is a global setting that applies to all websites and web pages. However, you can use the “Site permissions” feature in Microsoft Edge to customize the browsing experience for specific websites.
You can access the “Site permissions” feature by clicking on the lock icon in the address bar and selecting “Permissions” from the drop-down menu. From there, you can customize the permissions and settings for specific websites, including the ability to override global settings such as smooth scrolling. However, this feature is not specifically designed to customize smooth scrolling, and it may not provide the level of customization you are looking for.
Is Smooth Scrolling Available in Other Browsers?
Yes, smooth scrolling is available in other browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. In fact, smooth scrolling is a common feature in many modern browsers, and it is often enabled by default. However, the behavior and implementation of smooth scrolling can vary slightly between browsers, and some browsers may provide more customization options than others.
If you prefer a more traditional scrolling experience, you may want to explore the settings and options available in other browsers to see if they provide the level of customization you are looking for. Alternatively, you can try turning off smooth scrolling in Microsoft Edge to see if it provides a more comfortable and familiar scrolling experience.
Will Microsoft Edge Remember My Smooth Scrolling Preference?
Yes, Microsoft Edge will remember your smooth scrolling preference across browsing sessions. Once you toggle the smooth scrolling switch to the “Off” position, the browser will retain this setting even after you close and reopen it. This means that you only need to toggle the switch once to turn off smooth scrolling, and the browser will remember your preference for future browsing sessions.
However, if you use multiple profiles or accounts in Microsoft Edge, you may need to toggle the smooth scrolling switch separately for each profile or account. The browser stores the smooth scrolling preference on a per-profile basis, so you may need to customize the setting for each profile or account separately.