How to Fix Rotation Lock Greyed Out in Windows 10?

If you’re using Windows on a tab or folding laptop, you can utilize the auto-rotation option to ensure that the screen and device are in the correct orientation. Like with your phone, you may use the auto-rotation lock to activate and deactivate this feature as you see fit.

Even while the auto-rotation lock is quite simple to use, there are occasions when it may become inoperable, which makes it impossible to make effective use of the rotating feature. This tutorial will examine the troubleshooting techniques you can use to restore the auto-rotation lock in this situation.

Take Out Any Keyboards That Are Attached

We advise you to take out the keyboard and check if that resolves the problem before moving on to the more complex troubleshooting procedures. In certain devices, if the keyboard is attached, the auto-rotation lock might be grayed out by default.

Update The Drivers for The Display and Sensors

Drivers are necessary for all external gadgets to operate correctly on the system. In basic terms, the drivers serve as a means for communication between the system and the hardware parts. Therefore, Update Drivers Windows 10 to enjoy a smooth experience with your PC.

If the required drivers are not working properly, you are likely to have problems when using functions like the one under consideration. In this instance, the answer is straightforward: try updating the drivers first to see if that resolves the issue. Reinstalling the driver from scratch is an option if the error continues.

In this procedure, we will start by updating the display drivers. Reinstall the driver if it doesn’t work.

Here’s how to accomplish that:

  • In Windows Search, type Device Manager, then select Open.
  • Expand the Display adapters tab and right-click your display card driver.
  • Click the context menu and select Update driver.
  • Next, select “Search for drivers automatically.” The new driver software will now be installed automatically by the system.
  • After installing the latest driver version, select Sensors and then update the accelerator.
  • Once all the updates have been installed, exit Device Manager and check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Also Read: Best Free Disk Partition Software for Windows 11/10/8/7

Adjust the Display Orientation Configuration

If your device does not automatically switch to portrait mode, you can manually activate it in Windows Settings. After doing so, the auto-rotation lock ought to be visible once more.

To continue, take these actions:

  • To launch Windows Settings, press the Win + I keyboard shortcut.
  • From the available options, select System.
  • Now, pick Display from the left window and navigate to the Display orientation area in the right pane.
  • Expand the dropdown underneath it and select Portrait from the menu.
  • After finishing, exit the Settings window and see if that resolved the issue for you.

Change the Windows Registry

Another solution is to alter the AutoRotation key in the Windows Registry. In this approach, we will update the LastOrientation value to erase prior settings and force the system to use the sensor to detect changes.

However, before you follow the instructions below, we advise that you make a Registry backup. In the event that something goes wrong when making the modifications, this will assist you in returning to the Registry’s present operational state.

Before continuing, confirm that you are logged into Windows as an administrator.

After creating a backup, take the following actions:

  • To launch Run, press the Win + R buttons simultaneously.
  • In Run, type regedit and hit Enter.
  • In the User Account Control window, choose Yes.
  • Navigate to the following place in the Registry Editor:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AutoRotation

  • Now, right-click on an empty spot in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • This value should be renamed LastOrientation.
  • Click LastOrientation twice.
  • In the window that appears, type 0 in the text box under Value data and click Ok.
  • After that, generate a new DWORD value and give it the name SensorPresent.
  • In the next dialog, enter 1 in the Value data text area and click OK.
  • Lastly, restart your computer and exit the Registry Editor.

Hopefully, the problem will be fixed after rebooting.

Install System Updates

Although system upgrades may not seem important in this context, if your operating system is outdated, a number of features may become incompatible, leading to problems such as a grayed-out screen rotation option.

If this case is applicable, we strongly advise you to install the remaining system updates one at a time.

Also Read: How to Fix Screen Flickering Issues in Windows

Conclusion

The auto-rotation feature provides numerous benefits. When activated, it will automatically align your screen with the device’s orientation, saving you the time it would have taken to do this manually. The strategies given above should help you quickly resolve issues with auto-rotation lock.

However, if the problem persists, you can report the problem to the official Microsoft support staff and apply the solution they offer.

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