How to rotate the screen on Windows 10
Want to work in portrait mode, or someone played a prank on you setting the screen upside down? Here are four ways to rotate the screen on Windows 10.
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OnWindows 10, the ability to rotate the screen can come in handy in many scenarios. For instance, if you’re a programmer using an external monitor, turning the screen to portrait mode can improve efficiency when reviewing code. If you’re using a tablet, switching the orientation of the screen can be a better way to read a book or document. You can even flip the screen upside down to prank a friend, or return to landscape mode after accidentally invoking the rotate shortcut.
Whatever the reason, Windows 10 includes multiple ways to rotate the screen in landscape, portrait, or flipped mode using the Settings app and keyboard shortcuts or through the vendor graphics control panel software.
In thishow-to guide, I will explain the different methods for rotating the screen on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. (Theseinstructions are for Windows 11.)
How to rotate screen using Settings
To rotate the screen with the Settings app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the display will change to your preferred orientation.
If the rotation option is grayed out, or the keyboard shortcuts aren’t working, you may need to update the video drivers. In the case that you need assistance, you can userefer to these instructions.
How to rotate screen using keyboard shortcut
Alternatively, if your tablet, laptop, or desktop supports it, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to rotate the screen on Windows 10:
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Important:This option may only work with some graphics cards. If it’s not working for you, then use the Settings app option.
To return to the normal orientation, use the"Ctrl + Alt + Up arrow"keyboard shortcut.
How to rotate screen using graphics control panel
Whether you use a graphics card from Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD, each vendor offers a control panel software to control various aspects of the video settings, including an option to rotate the screen.
To rotate the screen using the NVIDIA Control Panel, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the screen will switch to the orientation you specified.
I’m focusing these instructions for the control panel from NVIDIA, but you can find similar options in the control panel provided by Intel and AMD.
How to rotate screen disabling rotation lock on Windows 10
If you’re rotating a tablet and the screen doesn’t rotate the screen, you may need to change the system settings.
To disable the rotation lock on Windows 10, use these steps:
Alternatively, you can also enable or disable the feature by going to the Quick action settings in the Notifications center using the"Windows key + A"keyboard shortcut and clicking the"Rotation lock"button.
In the case that the option is grayed out, then it’s likely that you have a keyboard attached to the device.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
