Screen upside down? Here’s how to turn it back again – or sideways on purpose

Martin Jud

14.7.2025

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Pictures: Martin Jud

If you want to use a monitor in portrait format or annoy a co-worker, here’s how to change the screen orientation.

Recently, «someone» in our open-plan office «accidentally» used a key combination on a colleague’s unlocked laptop. Their Windows desktop promptly turned upside down.

The fact that this key combo actually worked was down to the age of the computer. As it turns out, the shortcut they used (Ctrl + Alt + up/down/left/right arrow key) no longer works on every system. Newer graphics chips and drivers from Intel and Nvidia no longer allow it. It still works a bit with AMD, it just has to be activated first in the Adrenalin software.

How to rotate the display (without a key combo)

It doesn’t go quite as quickly as it used to, but even today you can use a screen in portrait format or try this classic PC prank.

Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings in the context menu. You can also access the same location in the settings via System > Display.

Check at the top whether the right screen is already selected.

Select the display. You can also adjust the screen layout here.

Under Scale & layout, choose between Landscape, Portrait, Landscape (flipped) or Portrait (flipped) under Display orientation.

You can change the display orientation in the settings under System > Display > Scale & layout.

I hope you’ll enjoy productively using a screen in portrait mode. That, or causing some ruckus to strengthen social cohesion – maybe also putting a strain on IT along the way.

Need more Windows tips? In the following article, you’ll find an overview of all previously published tips.