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Tablet auto rotate is a useful feature that automatically adjusts your screen orientation when you turn your device. On Windows 11 tablets, this can make using apps and browsing much easier. However, sometimes this feature might stop working, causing frustration.

Fortunately, fixing the auto rotate issue in Windows 11 is often straightforward. This guide will walk you through simple troubleshooting steps to get your tablet rotating again. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners.

By following these instructions, you will understand why auto rotate might fail and how to fix it efficiently. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving deeper into solutions.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting. The problem is usually minor and can be resolved without advanced technical knowledge.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, make sure to check the following:

• Is your device a tablet or a 2-in-1 with rotation sensors? Auto rotate depends on sensors that detect orientation changes.
• Check if auto rotate is enabled in settings. Sometimes the feature is accidentally turned off.
• Make sure your device is running the latest Windows 11 updates. Updates often fix bugs related to hardware and software.
• Restart your device. A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.

Step 1: Verify Auto Rotate Setting is Enabled

The first and simplest step is to check if the auto rotate feature is turned on in Windows 11.

1. Swipe from the right side of the screen or click the Notification Center icon in the taskbar.
2. Look for the Rotation Lock button.
3. If the Rotation Lock is on (highlighted), click it to turn it off. When it’s off, your screen should auto rotate.

Why this matters: If Rotation Lock is enabled, it prevents the screen from rotating regardless of sensor input.

Step 2: Calibrate the Sensors

If the screen still does not rotate, your device’s sensors might need recalibration.

1. Press Windows + S to open search, type Calibrate, and select Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
2. In the Tablet PC Settings window, go to the Display tab.
3. Click on Reset to recalibrate the sensors.
4. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete calibration.

Why this helps: Sensors can become misaligned or inaccurate, causing the auto rotate feature to malfunction.

Step 3: Check Sensor Drivers

Auto rotate depends on hardware sensors controlled by drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers can stop rotation from working.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category named Sensors or Human Interface Devices.
3. Look for entries like Accelerometer, Orientation Sensor, or similar.
4. Right-click each sensor device and select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
6. If updating doesn’t help, right-click and select Uninstall device, then restart your tablet. Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.

Why this step is necessary: Proper drivers ensure Windows communicates correctly with hardware sensors.

Step 4: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix hardware issues automatically.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter and click Run.
4. Follow the instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

Why use this: Troubleshooters scan the system for common problems and can fix them without manual intervention.

Step 5: Check Group Policy or Registry Settings (Advanced)

Sometimes, system policies or registry settings may disable auto rotation. This step is for more advanced users.

Using Group Policy Editor

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Sensor and Location.
3. Double-click Turn off Sensor and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Using Registry Editor

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. It’s recommended to back up the registry before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAutoRotation
3. Find the value named Enable. Double-click and set its data to 1.
4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your device.

Why this matters: Policies or registry keys might disable sensors or rotation functionality at the system level.

Step 6: Update Windows 11

Keeping Windows updated is important for hardware compatibility and bug fixes.

1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates and restart your device if prompted.

Why update: Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve device drivers and fix known issues.

FAQs

Why is my tablet auto rotate not working after an update?

Sometimes updates can reset settings or cause driver conflicts. Rechecking rotation lock and updating drivers usually resolves this.

Can third-party apps affect auto rotate?

Yes, some apps can lock screen orientation. Try closing all apps or booting in safe mode to test.

How do I know if my device supports auto rotation?

Most tablets and 2-in-1 devices have orientation sensors. Check your device specifications or look for sensor entries in Device Manager.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to toggle auto rotate?

Windows does not have a universal shortcut, but you can toggle rotation lock from the Quick Settings panel.

What if my screen rotates incorrectly?

Calibrating your sensors (Step 2) typically fixes incorrect rotations.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your tablet still does not auto rotate, consider the following:

• Contact your device manufacturer’s support for hardware diagnostics.
• Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 issues: support.microsoft.com/windows.
• Perform a system restore to a point where auto rotate was working.
• Reset Windows 11 as a last resort, making sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Auto rotate issues on Windows 11 tablets are common but usually easy to fix. Start by ensuring rotation lock is off and your sensors are working properly. Updating drivers and Windows can solve many problems. For advanced users, checking system policies and registry settings may help. If these steps fail, seek professional support or consider system recovery options.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore smooth auto rotate functionality on your Windows 11 tablet and enjoy a better device experience.