The shortcut to rotate screen windows 11 users try first is Ctrl + Alt + Up to set the display back to normal, with Ctrl + Alt + Left, Ctrl + Alt + Right and Ctrl + Alt + Down for the other directions. These keys come from the graphics driver, not Windows, so they work on many PCs with Intel graphics but not on all.
If they do nothing, rotate from Settings: press Win + I, choose System, then Display, and change Display orientation. This method works on every Windows 11 and Windows 10 computer.
Quick facts
Normal (landscape)
Ctrl + Alt + UpUpside down
Ctrl + Alt + DownPortrait
Ctrl + Alt + Left or Ctrl + Alt + RightSettings route
Win + I, System, DisplayRotation lock (tablets)
Win + ADepends on
Graphics driver hotkeys
Shortcut to rotate screen windows 11 and 10
| Keys | Orientation |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Alt + Up | Landscape, normal |
| Ctrl + Alt + Down | Landscape, upside down |
| Ctrl + Alt + Left | Portrait |
| Ctrl + Alt + Right | Portrait, flipped |
If one of these turned your screen upside down by accident, Ctrl + Alt + Up is the fix.
Rotate the screen from Settings
- Press Win + I to open Settings. If the screen is upside down, move the mouse in the opposite direction; it takes a moment to get used to.
- Choose System, then Display.
- Under Display orientation, pick Landscape, Portrait, or a flipped option.
- Click Keep changes. If you do nothing, Windows reverts after 15 seconds.
With two monitors, select the right one at the top of the Display page first.
Why the shortcut sometimes does not work
Ctrl + Alt + arrow keys belong to the graphics driver's hotkey feature, mostly on Intel graphics. Newer drivers often turn these hotkeys off by default, and PCs with other graphics chips may not have them at all. Where available, the setting is in the graphics control panel under hotkeys. The Settings method is reliable everywhere. Some laptops also include a rotation option in the maker's own display or graphics app, usually in the system tray near the clock.
Tablets and 2 in 1 laptops
Touch screen laptops rotate automatically when you turn them. If the picture keeps spinning while you hold the laptop in your lap, turn on Rotation lock from Quick Settings with Win + A. Rotation lock only appears when the device has a rotation sensor and is in tablet posture. Fold the laptop back into tent or tablet shape for presentations and drawing, and lock rotation once the picture faces the right way.
When the screen will not rotate
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Keys do nothing | Hotkeys are off or not supported; use Settings |
| Orientation option greyed out | Rotation lock is on, or the driver is basic; update it |
| Screen rotated by itself | Someone pressed Ctrl + Alt + arrow; press Ctrl + Alt + Up |
| External monitor rotates wrongly | Select the right display in Settings first |
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to rotate the screen in Windows 11?
How do I fix an upside down screen?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Up, or set Landscape in Display settings.
Why does Ctrl + Alt + arrow not rotate my screen?
Your graphics driver does not have the hotkeys turned on.
How do I rotate only one monitor?
Select that monitor in Display settings and change its orientation.
How do I stop a laptop screen rotating?
Turn on Rotation lock with Win + A.
Is there a rotate shortcut on Mac?
Use System Settings, Displays, Rotation for external screens.