Rotate Screen Windows 11 Shortcut Not Working: 5 Fixes

Enabling auto rotate feature can fix Windows 11 not turning issue

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Key notes

  • Outdated graphics drivers can cause the auto rotate not to work on Windows.
  • Updating windows can fix auto rotate issues.
  • Using some selected shortcuts can allow you to access the screen rotation features.

One of these display features on Windows is the screen auto rotate mode. Undoubtedly, most users are unaware you can use your computer in another display orientation other than Landscape.

However, some users complain about not being able to use the auto rotate feature on Windows. Hence, the need to provide ways to fix the Windows 11 auto rotate not working issue is essential.

Furthermore, several things can be responsible for the Windows 11 auto rotate not working or rotation lock greyed out issues.

However, it can be a graphics driver issue, hardware issues, or display settings error. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes for the Windows 11 auto rotate not working issue.

Hence, this article will discuss what to do if auto rotate doesn’t work on Windows and help users access Windows 11 screen rotation shortcut.

Why has my Windows 11 auto rotate stopped working?

  • Outdated graphics drivers: Whenever your computer’s drivers are outdated, it can affect many components like the screen auto-rotate feature. Moreover, outdated graphics drivers can become corrupt and, as a result, malfunction due to bugs.
  • Outdated Windows: It is undoubtedly true that outdated Windows can cause many difficulties with your computer. Likewise, it can be the culprit for the Windows 11 rotate screen shortcut not working. It prevents the system from accessing necessary updates that help it function properly.
  • Hardware interference: Plugged-in gadgets and hardware like keyboards can cause issues with your computer like the auto-rotate feature. However, this may not be so with users who use laptops without an external keyboard.
  • Auto rotate is not enabled: The auto-rotate display feature can’t work without being allowed. So, not enabling the auto-rotate screen will prompt the Windows 11 auto rotate not working issue.

How do I fix the rotate screen Windows 11 shortcut not working?

1. Restart your computer

  1. Press the Alt + F4 keys together to prompt the Shut Down Windows.
  2. Click on Restart, then OK.

Restarting your computer can fix auto rotate issues.

2. Update graphics drivers

  1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to prompt the Run dialogue box.
  2. Type devmgmt.MSC into the search space, then click the OK button.
  3. Locate and expand Display adapters.
  4. Select the driver, right-click on it, and choose the Update driver.
  5. Then select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Updating your graphics drivers will help it run better and can fix the Windows 10/11 upside-down screen resolution issue.

2.1. Update drivers automatically

While Windows has a small database of drivers, sometimes it won’t find the one you are looking for. Why not go for a database of over 18 million driver files? Outbyte Driver Updater has this kind of driver database.

Fast and reliable, Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your entire system, find any outdated drivers, and update or repair them if possible. This tool will also create a backup for every driver it updates/repairs so the installation process is safe.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Safest tool to update your drivers for an optimized system.

3. Update Windows

  1. Click Start on your screen.
  2. Select Settings from the options.
  3. Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available.

4. Disconnect the external keyboard

Disconnecting your keyboard from the computer can fix the Windows 11 auto rotate not working issue. Also, we recommend you disconnect other hardware and see if the problem persists.

5. Disable Rotation lock

  1. Right-click on your screen and select Display settings.
  2. Under Scale & Layout, locate the Rotation lock and toggle it off.

We recommend that you restart your computer to allow the changes to sync correctly.

Why won’t some of my apps rotate?

The main reason auto-rotate doesn’t work for some apps is the rotation locked grey-out issue. However, the auto rotation lock prevents the computer from rotating, which can affect some apps.

We recommend you read more about how to fix the rotation lock greyed out issue on Windows 10/11 issue.

How do I force an app to rotate?

  1. Press the Windows + A keys to prompt the Action Center.
  2. Expand the drop-down, then click on the Rotation lock to turn it off.

Turning off the rotation lock can help you force an app to rotate.

Windows 11 screen rotation shortcut

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow keys simultaneously to rotate the screen to landscape mode.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow keys simultaneously to set the screen on flipped landscape mode.
  3. Press Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow keys simultaneously to set the screen on flipped Portrait mode.
  4. Press Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow keys simultaneously to set the screen on Portrait mode.

These are various shortcuts users can use to access the screen rotation features in Windows 11.

These are the best fixes for the Windows 11 auto rotate not working problem. Ensure to follow all the steps included in the fixes for optimal results.

Furthermore, we recommend that users with MacBooks read through our article about how to rotate your screen on MacBook. Also, you can check out our article on how to rotate the screen on Windows 10.

Leave your comments and feedback below if the guide has been helpful to you in solving the rotate screen Windows 11 shortcut not working issue. We’d like to hear your response.

More about the topics: Windows 11