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By default, Windows 11 hides most scrollbars when they’re not in use. If you’d prefer to always see scrollbars in windows on your screen, there’s an easy way to keep them on. Here’s how to set it up.

First, open Windows Settings. You can press Windows+i on your keyboard or find it in the Start menu. Open “Start,” search for “Settings,” and then click the “Settings” app icon.

When Settings opens, click “Accessibility” in the sidebar. In Accessibility, select “Visual Effects.”

In Visual Effects, flip the switch beside “Always Show Scrollbars” to the “On” position.

In Visual Effects settings, switch "Always show scrollbars" to "On."

And that’s it! Close Settings, and you’ll always see scrollbars in your windows (unless an app handles its scrollbars independently). If you ever want to hide them again, launch Settings and navigate to Accessibility > Visual Effects, and then turn “Always Show Scrollbars” off.

As an aside, if you’re still using Windows 10, you can find this setting in Settings > Ease of Access > Display. Switch “Automatically Hide Scrollbars in Windows” to “Off.” Happy scrolling!

RELATED: How to Always Show Scroll Bars in Windows 10

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Benj Edwards is a former Associate Editor for How-To Geek. Now, he is an AI and Machine Learning Reporter for Ars Technica. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast.
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