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How to Stop Horizontal Scrolling and Scrollbar Flicker in OneNote
Question details
The user is seeking a way to lock page width, disable horizontal scrolling, and stop the scrollbars from flickering in OneNote.
- Product
- OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Writing or navigating in OneNote using a pen or touch input where the screen shifts horizontally and the scrollbar glitches.
- Observed behavior
- The scrollbar flickers constantly and horizontal scrolling occurs involuntarily, even when the user's hand is not actively touching the display.
Make sure to install the latest Windows 11 updates and OneNote application patches, as display flickering bugs are frequently addressed in software rollouts.
Modify Windows Pen and Touch Settings
Since OneNote lacks a native feature to hide scrollbars or lock page width, adjusting Windows touch settings can help minimize unwanted screen shifting and flickering caused by palm rejection.
OneNote uses an infinite canvas design, which means there is no built-in option to restrict horizontal page width. However, if you use a stylus, the flickering is often triggered by the touchscreen registering both the pen and your hand simultaneously.
Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard, or click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Click on 'Bluetooth & devices' from the left-hand menu, then scroll down and select 'Pen & Windows Ink'.
Expand the 'Additional pen settings' section and check the box that says 'Ignore touch input when I'm using my pen'.
Close and reopen OneNote, then try writing or navigating with your pen to see if the horizontal scrolling and flickering have stopped.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently lock the page width in OneNote?
No. OneNote is built on an 'infinite canvas' model. It does not currently offer a built-in application setting to lock the page width, disable horizontal scrolling, or hide the scrollbars.
Why is my scrollbar flickering even when I'm not touching the screen?
This can happen due to overly sensitive digitizer drivers ghost-registering inputs, or display scaling conflicts in Windows 11. Ensuring your graphics and touch drivers are up to date can sometimes resolve ghost inputs.
How do I ask Microsoft to add a scrollbar toggle feature?
You can request this feature by opening OneNote, clicking on the 'Help' tab, and selecting 'Feedback'. Alternatively, you can post your suggestion on the official Microsoft OneNote Feedback Community website.
