The Invisible Interface
In an effort to create a cleaner, more modern interface, Microsoft implemented a feature in Windows 11 that automatically hides scrollbars in system applications and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps when you are not actively interacting with them. The scrollbars vanish into a thin line or disappear entirely, only reappearing when you hover your mouse cursor over the edge of the screen. While this saves a few pixels of screen real estate, it makes it incredibly difficult to determine at a glance how long a document or webpage is, or where you currently are within the content.
Restoring Persistent Scrollbars
If you prefer the classic desktop experience where scrollbars are always visible and easy to grab with your mouse, you can force Windows 11 to display them permanently through the Accessibility settings. Open the Start Menu and click the gear icon to launch the Settings application.
On the left-hand sidebar, select Accessibility. In the main pane, under the “Vision” section, click on Visual effects. Look for the toggle switch labelled Always show scrollbars. Click the toggle to turn it on. The change is immediate; you do not need to restart your computer. All modern Windows 11 applications, including the Settings app itself, the Microsoft Store, and Edge (depending on your specific flags), will immediately restore persistent, thick scrollbars that never fade away.