Alex Ruben
Fix Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Not Working in Windows 11/10
If you find that the Ctrl + Alt + Arrow key combination is not working on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, you’re not alone. Many users experience this issue, where pressing these keys either does nothing at all, or opens another application instead. Fortunately, this guide will outline several effective solutions to help you resolve this problem.
Step 1: Check if Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Key Combination is Assigned to Another App
The first step is to ensure that the Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys are not inadvertently assigned to another application. Follow these steps:
- Review your desktop shortcuts and application settings to check for any key assignments.
- If the key combination is assigned to another program, either change the key assignment in that app or uninstall the app if it is not needed.
- Once adjusted, try using the key combination again to rotate your screen.
Step 2: Enable Screen Rotation Hotkeys Using the Graphics Card Control Panel
If the issue persists, you may need to enable screen rotation hotkeys through the Graphics Card Control Panel:
- Download and install the Intel Graphics Command Center from the Microsoft Store (ensure it is the beta version for screen rotation options).
- Open the Intel Graphics Command Center from the Start menu or Search box.
- Navigate to the System menu on the left sidebar.
- Select the HotKeys tab and enable Enable System HotKeys.
- This will activate hotkeys for screen rotation, such as Ctrl + Alt + Up, Ctrl + Alt + Left, Ctrl + Alt + Down, and Ctrl + Alt + Right.
- You can also customize these hotkeys as per your preference.
Step 3: Change Display Orientation Using the Settings App
You can also manually change the screen orientation via the Settings app:
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down to the Display orientation section.
- Choose the preferred orientation from the dropdown: Landscape, Portrait, etc.
- Confirm the changes to apply the new display setting.
Step 4: Rotate the Display Manually Using the Graphics Card Control Panel
You can also rotate the display manually through the Intel Graphics Command Center:
- Open the Intel Graphics Command Center app.
- Navigate to the Display menu and select the General tab.
- Find the Rotation option, then select your desired mode from the dropdown.
- Press the Keep or Revert button in the confirmation box to finalize your choice.
For NVIDIA users, similar steps can be followed in the NVIDIA Control Panel, under Display > Rotate display.
Step 5: Use a Free Screen Rotate App
If none of the above solutions work, consider using a dedicated screen rotation application:
- Look for a screen rotation app in the Microsoft Store (for example, use the Screen Rotate app).
- Install the app and follow on-screen instructions to set it up.
- Use the app to rotate your display either with hotkeys or manually through the interface.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some extra tips to help troubleshoot common issues:
- Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date as outdated drivers can lead to functionality issues with hotkeys.
- Restart your PC after making changes to settings to ensure all adjustments take effect.
- Double-check for any other software running that may conflict with keyboard shortcuts.
In conclusion, try each of these steps to effectively resolve the issue with the Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys not working. By following this guide, you should be able to regain control over your display orientation settings effortlessly.
