Fix Word Vertical Scrolling Not Working After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
The user cannot scroll continuously in Microsoft Word using the vertical scroll bar; the document only moves after the mouse button is released.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Navigating through documents using the vertical scroll bar after a recent Microsoft 365 application update.
- Observed behavior
- The document fails to scroll continuously while dragging the vertical scroll bar. The page visually updates its position only once the left mouse button is released.
Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet connection and save all open documents, as installing Office updates will require you to restart Microsoft Word.
Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Build
Installing the latest Microsoft 365 build resolves known rendering and scrolling bugs introduced in specific versions.
Microsoft frequently releases patch updates to fix UI glitches, including the vertical scrolling issue that affects certain Microsoft 365 Click-to-Run builds (such as Version 2101). Forcing an immediate update usually replaces the bugged files with a patched version.
Open Microsoft Word on your Windows 10 PC. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu pane.
Under the 'Product Information' section, click on the 'Update Options' drop-down button to reveal update settings.
Select 'Update Now'. Microsoft 365 will automatically check for, download, and install the newest build. Wait for the process to complete.
Once the update finishes, restart Microsoft Word, open a multi-page document, and drag the vertical scroll bar to confirm continuous scrolling is restored.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office
If updating does not resolve the issue, repairing the Office suite can fix corrupted application files causing the scroll bar glitch.
Avoid Update Glitches with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with bugs and scrolling issues after forced Microsoft 365 updates? Switch to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your Word documents without the premium price tag or update headaches.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
- 2. Quick installation: Run the lightweight installer file and complete the setup in just a few minutes.
- 3. Open existing files: WPS Writer will automatically recognize and open your existing Word (.docx) files perfectly, with smooth scrolling out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word document only scroll when I release the mouse button?
This is a known bug introduced in certain builds of Microsoft 365 (like Version 2101). The visual rendering engine fails to update continuously during the drag but catches up once the mouse button is released. Updating Office typically resolves this rendering delay.
How do I check my current Microsoft 365 version?
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Under the 'About Word' section, you will see your current Version and Build numbers, along with your installation type (e.g., Click-to-Run).
Can I roll back to a previous Microsoft Word version if updating doesn't fix it?
Yes, you can revert to an earlier, stable build of Office using the Office Deployment Tool. However, this requires using command-line instructions. It is generally easier and safer to run the 'Update Now' tool to get the newest, patched version instead.
Does this scrolling issue affect Excel and PowerPoint as well?
While this specific glitch was primarily reported in Microsoft Word, Microsoft 365 updates apply to the entire suite. If a core user interface component is bugged, you might experience similar UI delays in Excel or PowerPoint until the suite is updated.
