Disable Sticky Scroll in VS Code

Problem

Sticky scroll is a VS Code feature that pins contextual lines (usually function signatures or class definitions) at the top of your editor during scrolling. While designed to improve code navigation, accidentally enabling this feature can cause visual clutter, distraction, and an undesirable persistent header that overlaps with your working code area.

Solution

Here are three effective methods to disable sticky scroll in VS Code, ranked by simplicity:

Method 1: Right-click Context Menu (Quickest)

1. Locate the sticky scroll header (pinned lines at editor's top)
2. Right-click directly on the sticky header
3. Select Disable Sticky Scroll from the context menu

![Disable via Context Menu](https://via.placeholder.com/600x400?text=Right-click+sticky+header+>+Disable+Sticky+Scroll)
*Visual: Right-click context menu on sticky header*

Method 2: Command Palette

1. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P macOS)
2. Type "Disable Sticky Scroll"
3. Execute the command when it appears

Ctrl+Shift+P → "Disable Sticky Scroll" → Enter

Method 3: Permanent Settings Change

For persistent disabling across all files:

1. Open Settings (Ctrl+, or Cmd+, macOS)
2. Search "sticky scroll"
3. Toggle off Editor > Sticky Scroll: Enabled

Alternative JSON configuration (File → Preferences → Settings → Open Settings (JSON)):

{
  "editor.stickyScroll.enabled": false
}

Understanding Sticky Scroll Behavior

• Purpose: Shows structural context during scrolling (classes, functions, etc.)
• Activation: Auto-enables when scrolling large files, or manually via Command Palette ("Enable Sticky Scroll")
• Temporary Options: Use method 1 for per-file disabling, method 3 for global preference

💡 Editor Navigation Tip: When sticky scroll reappears unexpectedly, check if you've triggered it via the Command Palette. Its persistent state depends on your settings configuration.

Re-Enabling Sticky Scroll

Should you want to return this feature later:

1. Command Palette → "Enable Sticky Scroll"
2. Settings → Toggle "Editor > Sticky Scroll: Enabled" on
3. Settings JSON:

   "editor.stickyScroll.enabled": true

All methods take effect immediately without restarting VS Code. For custom behavior adjustments, explore additional settings like editor.stickyScroll.maxLineCount and editor.stickyScroll.defaultModel.