How To Rotate Laptop or Desktop Screen Image

Sometimes, a wonky setting can lead to your desktop image getting rotated so that the image is sideways or upside-down. This issue can be caused by a mishap with hotkeys or graphic card properties.

This walkthrough will show you how to fix the issue and get your computer's image back to normal.

1. Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Keyboard Shortcuts
2. Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Display Settings
3. Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Graphic Settings
4. Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen on Mac

Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Keyboard Shortcuts

You can simply try to rotate your screen using the following keyboard shortcut: [CTRL] + [ALT] + [Up/Down/Left/Right arrows]. Alternatively, you can press and hold [CTRL] + [Up/Down/Left/Right arrows].

Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Display Settings

You can try checking your desktop display properties to rotate an upside-down computer screen. On the Desktop, right-click to access the Properties option. Select Screen Resolution in Windows 7 and 8/8.1 or Display settings in Windows 10. Choose Landscape in the Orientation option. 

Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen Image via Graphic Settings

With the Desktop screen displayed in front of you, left-click to access the Graphic Properties option. There, you should select the Rotation Tab and uncheck the box labeled Enable Rotation: 

Rotate an Upside-Down Computer Screen on Mac

N.B. Not all monitors can be rotated. This fix works better on external monitors than it does on built-in computer displays. 

Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple logo at the top-left of your screen or by selecting the cog logo in your Dock. Select Displays: 



Now, change the Standard rotation option to 90 degrees to rotate your screen clockwise one quarter-turn. Continue to do this as needed to bring your screen back to normal.