How to Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11 for a Mouse: A Step-by-Step Guide

On Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, you can enable natural scrolling if you use a mouse, although enabling this feature is not as easy as it is on other platforms like macOS and Linux. In this tutorial we will explain how you can enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 if you use a mouse as your pointing device.

What is Natural Scrolling?

Natural scrolling is a feature that changes the way you interact with content on your computer by adjusting the direction of your scrolling gestures. Traditionally, when you move your fingers upward on a touchpad or scroll wheel, the on-screen content moves in the same direction, mimicking the physical motion of the input device. However, natural scrolling flips this paradigm, making the scrolling experience more akin to how we interact with touch-based devices like smartphones and tablets. With natural scrolling enabled, you move the scroll wheel upwards to scroll down.

Why Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11?

If you switch between macOS and Windows remembering to scroll in the opposite direction every time you change operating systems can be confusing and frustrating. Enabling natural scrolling on Windows 11 will give you a more consistent user experience on both desktop platforms.

A Note for Touchpad Users:
If you use a touchpad as your pointing device, you can enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 easily from the Settings app and you therefore should not follow this tutorial. However, if you use a mouse as your pointing device and are determined to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11, then continue reading.

How to Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11 in 9 Steps

Step 1: Open Device Manager

To get started, click on the Start button in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. From the Start menu, search for “Device Manager” and then click the icon once it appears.

Search for Device Manager in the Start menu on Windows 11

Step 2: Locate and Expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” Category

In the Device Manager window, find the “Mice and other pointing devices” category. Click on the arrow next to it to expand the list of devices.

Step 3: Find Your Mouse

Look for your mouse in the expanded list of devices. It may be listed as a “HID-compliant mouse” or have a specific model name. Right-click on your mouse device, and from the context menu, select “Properties.” This will open the Properties window for your mouse.

HID-compliant mouse selected in the Windows 11 Device Manager.

Step 4: Navigate to the “Details” Tab and Find the “Device instance path” for your Mouse

In the Mouse Properties window, navigate to the “Details” tab. From the “Property” dropdown menu, select “Device instance path.” See screenshots below for reference:

Windows 11 Device Manager property inspector.

Step 5: Note the “Device instance path” Value

You will see a value in the “Value” box. Write down this value, as you will need it for step 7.

Device instance path property value in the Device Manager inspector on Windows 11.

Step 6: Open Registry Editor

Open the Start menu again and search for “Registry Editor” and then click the icon to open Windows’ Registry Editor. Modifying the Registry Editor will allow us to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Search for the Registry Editor in the Windows 11 Start menu.

Step 7: Navigate to the Mouse Registry Key

Using the Registry Editor’s left-hand navigation, expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder to reveal its subfolders. Then expand the following subfolders: SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Enum -> HID. Once HID is expanded look for the device instance path from step 5 as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 by finding the mouse in the Registry Editor.
Note: There may be several entries within the HID section with similar names. Carefully look to ensure that you choose the one that matches the “Device instance path” value from step 5. Expand the subfolders to reveal a folder named “Device Parameters” and select it.

Step 8: Modify the FlipFlopWheel DWORD

Having the “Device Parameters” folder selected in the left-hand navigation reveals a list of entries in the right-hand navigation that includes an entry titled “FlipFlopWheel.” Right click on “FlipFlopWheel” and choose “Modify” from the context menu. This will reveal a “Edit DWORD” window. In this window change “Value data” from 0 to 1 and click the “OK” button. Then close the Registry Editor.

Right click on FlipFlopWheel in Registry Editor and choose 'Modify' to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Change FlipFlopWheel from 0 to 1 to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Step 9: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to apply the changes!

Conclusion:

To enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 for a mouse requires using the Device Manager and making a modification in the Registry Editor. While this method may seem a bit more technical, following these steps allows you to customize your mouse settings to align with your scrolling preferences. Always exercise caution when making changes to the registry, and ensure you follow the steps accurately.

How to Install ChatGPT as a Mac App on macOS Sonoma for Free

Apple’s macOS Sonoma has brought a plethora of features to enhance your computing experience, and one of these is the ability to easily create apps from your favorite websites. This is particularly useful for services like ChatGPT, where having quick, streamlined access to the website can be a real game changer. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to install ChatGPT as a Mac app using Safari’s “Add to Dock” feature.

Step 1: Open Safari

First things first, open your Safari browser. This feature is specific to Safari, so using Chrome or Firefox won’t work in this instance.

Step 2: Navigate to the ChatGPT Website

Type in the URL for ChatGPT or search for it in your Safari browser. Make sure you are on the official ChatGPT page.

Step 3: Access the Share Menu

Once the ChatGPT page has fully loaded, look at the top of your Safari window. You’ll find the share icon in the toolbar (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward). Click on this icon to open the share menu.

Step 4: Choose “Add to Dock”

In the share menu, you’ll see several menu options; select the one titled “Add to Dock.” This essentially saves the website as a standalone app you can open from the Dock and/or from Launchpad just like regular Mac apps.

Install ChatGPT as a Mac app from the Share menu in Safari.

It’s worth mentioning that you can also perform the “Add to Dock” action from the menu bar by choosing File -> Add to Dock as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Choose File -> Add to Dock to save ChatGPT as a Mac App from Safari.
You can also save ChatGPT as a Mac app from the menu bar on macOS Sonoma and later.

Step 5: Rename (Optional)

After selecting “Add to Dock,” you are given the option to rename the web app. You can keep it as ChatGPT or change it to something else that you’ll easily recognize.

The Add to Dock panel used to save ChatGPT as a Mac app.

Step 6: Locate the ChatGPT Icon in Your Dock

Once you’ve added ChatGPT to your Dock, you should see the icon appear. It’s usually at the end of your Dock, but you can click and drag it to change its position.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New ChatGPT Mac App

Congratulations, you now have ChatGPT installed as a Mac app! Just click on the icon in your Dock whenever you want to use ChatGPT. It will open in a window that’s separate from your main Safari browser, giving you an app-like experience.

    Additional Tips and Tricks

  • Internet Connection: Remember, since this is essentially a shortcut to the web version of ChatGPT, you’ll need an active internet connection to use it.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize the web app further by changing its icon. You can do this by opening the Settings window from the menu bar when you have the ChatGPT app opened. From there, you can replace the icon with any image you’ve prepared.

Install ChatGPT as a Mac App and get a More Native Experience

ChatGPT Mac app settings window.
Double click on the ChatGPT icon image in the Settings window to change it.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully turned ChatGPT into a convenient app on your Mac. This process can be used for virtually any website, making your most visited pages more accessible than ever. Enjoy the seamless integration of ChatGPT into your macOS Sonoma experience!

File Cabinet Pro Version 8.5.2 Update Released for macOS

File Cabinet Pro macOS Big Sur app icon
            Download on the App Tyrant Store button.

File Cabinet Pro version 8.5.2 has been released for macOS.

macOS Ventura Screenshot of File Cabinet Pro  app running.

What’s New?

-The Preferences window has been renamed to Settings.

-Performance improvements.

Previously:

What is a Plist File?

Document icon image for the plist file type.

The Property List (plist) file is a data format used to store configuration settings and other types of structured data in macOS, iOS, and other Apple operating systems. The history of the plist file can be traced back to the NeXTSTEP operating system, which was developed by NeXT Computer, Inc. in the late 1980s.

The NeXTSTEP operating system used a file format called NeXT Property List, which was similar in structure to the current plist format. NeXT Property List was used to store system preferences and other configuration data in a hierarchical format. When Apple acquired NeXT Computer in 1997, they inherited the NeXTSTEP operating system and its associated file formats.

In 2001, Apple released Mac OS X, which was based on the NeXTSTEP operating system. The plist file format was included in Mac OS X. Plist files are stored in either XML or binary format. Each format has its own advantages. While the XML version of a plist can be edited using a simple text editor, the binary format is more efficient for storing large amounts of data.

Today, plist files are used extensively throughout Apple’s operating systems to store a wide range of configuration data, from system preferences to application settings. They are also used by developers to store application-specific preferences and other data.

Are you a developer looking to improve your productivity with plists?

Plist Converter is an app for macOS that can batch convert plist files to and from the XML and Binary formats. Plist Converter can also convert property list files to Swift and Objective-C source code. Learn more about the Plist Converter app here.

How to Enable a Finder Extension on macOS Ventura

In this tutorial, we will explain what Finder extensions are and how to enable a Finder extension on macOS Ventura.

What is a Finder Extension?

A Finder extension is a type of macOS plugin that adds functionality to the Finder app. These extensions can be created by developers to add new features to the Finder, such as the ability to perform custom actions on the files and folders you are viewing in Finder. Once enabled, Finder extensions can appear in the context menu when you right-click on a file or folder. A Finder extension can also add a custom button to Finder’s toolbar.

Image showing user interface elements added to the Finder via a Finder extension.

How to Enable a Finder Extension on macOS Ventura

Step 1: Open the System Settings app

The first step is to open the System Settings app. You can do this by clicking on the System Settings icon in the Dock or from Launchpad. You can also open the System Settings app by clicking on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Settings” from the dropdown menu.

Screenshot showing how to open the System Settings app from the menu bar on macOS Ventura.

Step 2: Click on “Privacy”

In the System Settings window, click on the “Privacy & Security” option in the sidebar. Scroll all the way down in the main pane and choose “Extensions” as highlighted in the screenshot below:

The "Privacy & Security" section of the System Settings app on macOS Ventura.

Step 3: Enable the Finder Extension in the “Added extensions” List

Click on “Added extensions” to view the app extensions list. You will see a list of all available extensions provided by your installed apps here. It’s worth noting that other types of extensions are displayed in this list as well. To enable a Finder extension specifically, simply click on the “Finder extensions” checkbox that appears below the app name.

The "Added extensions" list in System Settings is where you enable Finder extensions on macOS Ventura

Step 4: Use the Extension

Once you have enabled the extension, open the Finder app and you can begin using the extension. It’s worth noting that some extensions may require additional permissions to work properly. If this is the case for your Finder extension, ask the the app developer what additional steps are required to get the Finder extension working.

Final Thoughts

Finder extensions are a powerful tool that can add a lot of functionality to the Finder app on macOS Ventura. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily enable and use a Finder extension to streamline your workflow and make working with files and folders on your Mac even easier.

Want to use Finder extensions on your Mac now? Check out these great apps:

  • File Cabinet Pro provides a Finder extension that allows you to create various text documents right in a Finder window.
  • Desktop Ghost Pro provides a Finder extension that allows you to show and hide all the icons on your Desktop from the Finder when you are viewing the desktop directory.
  • Open Directory in Terminal allows you to open the selected directories in Finder in a new Terminal window or tab.

How to Locate App Crash Reports on iOS 16

Apps can crash for a variety of reasons, including issues with the app itself, conflicts with other apps or software on the device, or problems with the operating system. When an app crashes on iOS, a crash report is usually generated. A crash report is a file that contains information that can often help app developers identify and fix the underlying issue. In this tutorial, we’ll go over how to locate app crash reports on iOS 16.

Steps to Locate App Crash Reports on iOS 16:

Open the “Settings” app on your iOS 16 device and tap on “Privacy & Security” in the list.

Screenshot of the Settings app on iOS 16 with the "Privacy & Security" item selected.

Select “Analytics & Improvements” as demonstrated in the screenshot below:

Screenshot of the "Privacy & Security" section of the iOS 16 Settings app with "Analytics & Improvements" selected in the list.

Scroll down to the “Analytics Data” section and select it in the list.

Screenshot of the Settings app on iOS 16 in the "Analytics & Improvements" section with the "Analytics Data" item selected in the list.

Here in the “Analytics Data” section is where you can locate app crash reports on iOS 16. It’s worth noting that not all the files shown in the list represent crash reports (other diagnostic information is captured in files shown in the list). Look for any entries that include the name of the app that recently has crashed. You can filter the entries by typing the name of the app that crashed in the search bar to find a crash report.

Analytics data section in the Settings app on iOS 16.

Tap on a report to view more details.

Detail view of a Crash Log on iOS 16.

You can save the report to a file, send it in a e-mail or text message from the Share Sheet by clicking the “Share” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Final Thoughts

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you should be able to easily locate crash reports on iOS 16. While these reports can be technical, they provide valuable information that can help you and app developers identify and fix issues that may be causing crashes. If you’re having trouble with a specific app, consider sharing the crash report with the app developer to help them improve their app and provide a better user experience for everyone.

How to Convert Decimal to Hexadecimal

Decimal and hexadecimal are two number systems that are widely used in the fields of computer science and mathematics. Decimal is a base-10 number system that uses the digits 0-9, while hexadecimal is a base-16 number system that uses the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F. In this tutorial, we will show you how to convert decimal to hexadecimal.

Step 1: Divide the Decimal Number by 16


The first step in converting a decimal number to a hexadecimal number is to divide the decimal number by 16. Write down the quotient and remainder of the division.

For example, let’s convert the decimal number 4096 to hexadecimal.

4096 ÷ 16 = 256
Quotient = 256
Remainder = 0

Step 2: Convert the Remainder to Hexadecimal


The next step is to convert the remainder from the previous step to hexadecimal. To do this, you can use the following conversion chart:

Decimal Hexadecimal
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 A
11 B
12 C
13 D
14 E
15 F

In our example, the remainder is 0, so the hexadecimal equivalent is also 0.

Step 3: Repeat the Process Until the Quotient is 0


The next step is to repeat the previous two steps until the quotient is 0. In our example, we have:

256 ÷ 16 = 16
Quotient = 16
Remainder = 0

16 ÷ 16 = 1
Quotient = 1
Remainder = 0

1 ÷ 16 = 0
Quotient = 0
Remainder = 1

Step 4: Write the Hexadecimal Equivalent


Once the quotient is 0, you can write down the hexadecimal equivalent by writing the remainders from the last step in reverse order. In our example, the remainders are 0, 0, 0, and 1, so the hexadecimal equivalent of 4096 is 1000.

Therefore, the decimal number 4096 is equivalent to the hexadecimal number 1000.

Final Thoughts


Converting decimal to hexadecimal may seem complicated at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the process. Just remember to divide the decimal number by 16, convert the remainder to hexadecimal, and repeat the process until the quotient is 0. By following these steps, you can easily convert decimal to hexadecimal for any number.

Want to convert Decimal to Hexadecimal Even Faster?


Hex Converter is an application for macOS that can instantly convert decimal numbers to hexadecimal (and vice versa); get Hex Converter on the Mac App Store at a very low price here!

How to Redeem a Promo Code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura

Redeeming promo codes on the Mac App Store is a simple process that allows you to download and use apps for free. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to redeem a promo code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura.

Step 1: Launch the Mac App Store

The first step is to launch the Mac App Store on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the App Store icon in the Dock or by searching for it using Spotlight.

Step 2: Sign in to your account

Before you can redeem a promo code, you need to sign in to your Apple ID on the Mac App Store. Click on the ‘Sign In’ button located at the bottom of the sidebar on the left-hand side of the screen. Enter your Apple ID and password and click ‘Sign In.’

Step 3: Access the Redeem Page

Once you’ve signed in, click on your name in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear, and you should select ‘Redeem’ from the options listed.

Screenshot of the Account page on the Mac App Store.

Step 4: Enter the Promo Code

On the Redeem page, enter the promo code you received in the text field provided. Make sure to enter the code exactly as it was given to you. Promo codes are usually case sensitive, so be sure to enter uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.

The Mac App Store redeem page.

Step 5: Confirm your Redeem

Click on the ‘Redeem’ button to confirm your code. If the code is valid, the app or item associated with the code will start to download. If the code is not valid or has already been used, you’ll receive an error message.

Step 6: Download and Install the App on your Other Macs

Once the code has been redeemed, you can download and install the app from the Mac App Store on any Mac signed in with the same Apple ID you used when you initially redeemed the code. You can do this by clicking on your name in the bottom left-hand corner of the Mac App Store screen again. The app will now appear in the “Purchased section” of your account and you can download it at no charge.

The Mac App Store Purchased page.

That’s it! You’ve successfully redeemed a promo code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura. Promo codes can be a great way to try out new apps for free, if the App developer is nice enough to give you one.

Next Level News Version 1.3.9 Allows you to Save RSS Articles as .Webloc Files

Next Level News iOS app icon image.

          Download on the App Store

Next Level News version 1.3.9 has been released for iOS and iPadOS.

What’s New?

-You can now save RSS articles as .webloc files.

-Fixed a bug that could cause some articles to improperly appear in search results when a feed is refreshed while search results are being displayed.

  Save RSS articles as .webloc files (Web Location Files) in Next Level News via the share sheet.

Previously:

Next Level News RSS Reader Now Supports Print in Version 1.3.8

Next Level News iOS app icon image.

          Download on the App Store

Next Level News version 1.3.8 has been released for iOS and iPadOS.

What’s New?

-You can now print articles from the Share Sheet or by using the Command+P keyboard shortcut if you are using an iPad with an attached keyboard.

-You can now save articles as PDF files with your own annotations using the Markup action in the Share Sheet.

  Next Level News iPhone app screenshot of share sheet wth print command selected.
  Next Level News iPhone app screenshot of print options screen.

Previously: