How to Fix a Rotated Screen: 9 Steps
Intro:
A rotated screen can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re unable to use your device correctly. Luckily, there are several ways to fix a rotated screen on different devices in just a few simple steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through this issue and get your screen back to normal as quickly as possible.
1. Identify the problem
First, determine if your screen is indeed rotated or if you are simply viewing content in portrait or landscape mode. Ensure that the operating system UI, desktop icons, or any open windows are displaying incorrectly before proceeding.
2. Check your device settings
Ensure that the orientation lock is not enabled on your device. For most smartphones and tablets, this can be accessed through the quick settings menu found by swiping down from the top of the screen.
3. Use keyboard shortcuts (Windows)
If you’re using a Windows PC, try using the following keyboard shortcut: Hold down the “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys while simultaneously pressing one of the arrow keys (up/down/left/right). Each arrow key corresponds to a different orientation setting.
4. Access display settings (Windows)
Open Display Settings by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting ‘Display settings’ from the context menu. Here, locate and click on ‘Orientation’ under the display settings options and select the correct orientation (landscape or portrait) for your monitor.
5. Reset PRAM or NVRAM (Mac)
For macOS users experiencing a rotated screen issue on startup, resetting Parameter RAM (PRAM) or Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) might help. Shut down your Mac and turn it on while pressing ‘Option,’ ‘Command,’ ‘P,’ and ‘R’ keys together until you hear a second startup chime.
6. Use Mac’s System Preferences
Navigate to System Preferences > Displays and locate ‘Rotation’ settings. Select the right setting (0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°) depending on your desired screen orientation.
7. Check third-party applications
Some graphics card suites (like NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings) might have settings that rotate the display. Open the app and look under display settings for rotation options to reset the orientation.
8. Update graphics drivers
Old or incompatible graphics drivers may lead to rotated screen issues. Keep your system’s graphics drivers up-to-date by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest available versions.
9. Contact support
If none of these methods work and your screen remains rotated after attempting all solutions, consider contacting your device manufacturer’s support for further assistance.
Conclusion:
A rotated screen can be an annoying issue, but by following these nine steps, you should be able to fix it and get back to enjoying your device as intended. Remember to routinely update your device’s software and drivers for smooth performance and fewer issues in the future.