How to Fix Screen Turns Sideways Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, your Windows 11 screen might suddenly turn sideways or upside down. This can be confusing and disrupt your workflow. Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward and does not require expert knowledge.

Screen rotation problems often happen due to accidental key presses or incorrect display settings. Knowing how to quickly correct the screen orientation can save you time and frustration.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to fix the screen turning sideways error on Windows 11. Each step is explained in basic terms, so you can follow along easily.

Let’s get started and bring your screen back to its normal position.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before trying the solutions, here are a few quick checks to keep in mind:

Make sure your keyboard and mouse are connected and working properly.
Check if any keys are stuck or accidentally pressed, especially the arrow keys combined with Ctrl or Alt.
If you are using multiple monitors, confirm which screen is affected.
Save your work, as some steps might refresh or briefly interrupt your display.

Step 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Rotate Screen

The quickest way to fix a rotated screen is by using simple keyboard shortcuts. Windows allows you to rotate your display using certain key combinations.

Try pressing these keys together:

Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow – This will set your screen to the normal, upright orientation.
Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow – Rotates the screen 90 degrees to the left.
Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow – Rotates the screen 90 degrees to the right.
Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow – Rotates the screen upside down (180 degrees).

If your screen is sideways, pressing Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow should fix it immediately. This method is fast and does not require opening any settings.

Step 2: Change Screen Orientation via Display Settings

If the keyboard shortcuts don’t work, you can manually adjust the screen orientation through Windows 11 settings.

Follow these steps:

Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Select Display settings from the context menu that appears.
In the Settings window, scroll down to find the Display orientation section.
Click the dropdown menu under Display orientation.
Select Landscape to set the screen upright.
Click Apply.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to keep these display changes. Click Keep changes if the screen looks correct.

This method is reliable because it directly tells Windows how to display the screen. It’s useful if keyboard shortcuts are disabled or unavailable.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Display Drivers

If your screen keeps rotating by itself or the orientation settings reset, there might be a problem with your display drivers. Drivers control how Windows interacts with your graphics hardware.

Here’s how to check and update your display drivers:

Press Windows + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
In Device Manager, expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics device (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD).
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for the latest driver and install it if available.
Restart your computer after the update.

If updating doesn’t help, you can also try uninstalling the driver by right-clicking it and selecting Uninstall device. After that, restart your PC and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Keeping drivers updated ensures your display hardware works correctly and prevents glitches like screen rotation errors.

Step 4: Check Graphics Control Panel Settings

Some graphics cards have their own control panels that manage display settings outside of Windows. For example, Intel Graphics Command Center, NVIDIA Control Panel, or AMD Radeon Settings.

To fix screen rotation here:

Open your graphics control panel. You can usually find it by right-clicking the desktop and selecting the relevant option.
Look for a Display or Rotation section.
Ensure the rotation is set to 0 degrees or Normal.
Apply changes and close the control panel.

Sometimes these settings override Windows display settings, so it’s good to double-check them.

Alternative Method: Use Settings App Search

If you prefer, you can quickly access display orientation by using the Windows 11 search feature:

Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar.
Type display orientation.
Select Change display orientation from the results.
From here, adjust the orientation to Landscape and apply changes.

This shortcut saves time by taking you directly to the relevant setting.

FAQs

Why does my screen suddenly turn sideways?

This often happens due to accidental pressing of keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys. It can also be caused by incorrect display settings or driver issues.

Can I disable screen rotation keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, some graphics drivers allow you to disable hotkeys in their control panel if you find accidental rotation annoying.

Will these fixes work for external monitors?

Yes, the same steps apply, but make sure you select the correct monitor in display settings if you have multiple screens.

What if the screen rotates back after I fix it?

This could indicate corrupted drivers or software conflicts. Updating or reinstalling drivers usually solves the problem.

Is it safe to update display drivers manually?

Yes, it is safe and recommended to keep your drivers updated for the best performance and stability.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix your screen rotation issue, consider the following:

Run the Windows Update tool to ensure your system is fully updated.
Perform a system restart in Safe Mode to see if the problem persists; this can help identify software conflicts.
Visit the official support website of your PC or graphics card manufacturer for driver downloads and troubleshooting guides.
Contact Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer if the problem continues despite all efforts.

Conclusion

Screen turning sideways on Windows 11 is a common but easily fixable issue. Starting with simple keyboard shortcuts and moving to display settings usually resolves the problem quickly. Keeping your display drivers updated and checking graphics control panels can prevent future occurrences.

By following these clear, step-by-step instructions, you can restore your screen to the correct orientation and continue working without interruption. Remember, if all else fails, official support resources are available to help.