Do you want to play a video game that requires a vertical screen? Do you want to install an unusual screen for your computer? Are you planning a retro-looking arcade? Rotating a monitor is not a common procedure, but with the right equipment you can set up your monitor however you like. Once the monitor is assembled, you can change the way the Windows operating system is projected, so you don't have to turn your head to look at it the right way. Plus, you can calibrate your monitor to display colors as best as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Changing the Screen Orientation
Step 1. Try rotating the screen using keyboard shortcuts
This is the quickest way to turn the screen, but it is not valid on all systems. To find out if it works on yours, you just have to try. If using the following shortcuts doesn't change anything, skip to the next step:
- Ctrl + Alt + ← rotates the screen 90 ° counterclockwise.
- Ctrl + Alt + → rotate the screen 90 ° clockwise.
- Ctrl + Alt + ↓ flips the screen upside down.
- Ctrl + Alt + ↑ returns the screen to its starting position.
Step 2. Open the Screen Resolution window
In Windows 7 and 8, right click on the desktop and select "Screen Resolution". In Windows Vista, select "Personalization" and then click on the "Display Settings" option.
In Windows XP, select "Properties" and then click on the Settings tab
Step 3. Select the orientation
Look for the "Orientation" drop-down menu from which to choose how to rotate the screen, and then click Apply.
If the "Orientation" option is not available, skip to the next step
Step 4. Open the video card control panel
The orientation of the screen is regulated by the video card, and not by Windows. Although most modern video cards allow you to adjust the screen orientation from the Windows "Screen Resolution" window, in some cases you may need to open the video card control panel to control this feature.
- Typically, you can access the control panel by right clicking on the desktop and selecting the option for the video card control panel. Or, go to the Windows Control Panel and open the video card settings from there.
- Select the "Rotation" and "Orientation" options from the control panel. With these options you can customize the screen rotation to your liking.
- If you can't rotate the screen using keyboard shortcuts, or you don't have options in the Screen Resolution window or video card control panel, then you can't do anything to rotate the display.
Part 2 of 3: Adjusting the Monitor Settings
Step 1. Open a calibration image
There are many free images for calibration online. A calibration image serves as a reference for adjusting your monitor settings.
Step 2. Open the monitor menu
Most monitors have a menu accessible from the screen, from which to adjust their color, brightness and contrast. Alternatively, there may be physical buttons for these functions.
Step 3. Select the color temperature
Usually, calibration images have bright color blocks. Use them to find a color temperature that gives a natural look and allows you to easily distinguish all shades.
6500K is the standard value for monitors, although some calibration images require raising to 9300K. Not all monitors allow you to change the temperature value
Step 4. Adjust the brightness and contrast
Use the brightness and contrast controls to better view the dark blocks of the calibration image. You have to be able to distinguish the last blocks, while the first ones usually remain indistinguishable. This way you can seamlessly view darker scenes in movies and video games.
Step 5. Adjust the screen position
Sometimes the screen size does not exactly match the size of the monitor: the mouse goes "off screen" or black bands appear on the edges. You can adjust these features from the monitor menu.
You can move the screen horizontally or vertically, you can shrink or enlarge it. Use these controls to best match the screen size to your monitor size
Part 3 of 3: Manually Rotate the Screen
Step 1. Mount the screen on the wall
If you want the screen to be permanently rotated (perhaps for an arcade game), it's safer to use a wall mount kit. Check the compatibility between the make and model of your monitor and the mounting kit.
Step 2. Purchase a monitor that can rotate
Numerous screens are already prepared for orientation variations from the base, guaranteeing you a 90 ° rotation. Please note that when you manually rotate your monitor, you always need to adjust its video card settings.
On the market there are supports (also cheap) that allow you to manage the rotation of your monitor. Make sure these systems are compatible with your devices
Step 3. Check that your monitor supports tilt
Some monitors have tripods that allow them to be folded over. This is especially useful with LCD monitors, the visibility of which depends on the angle of the screen. To flip them, gently grab the base and top of the monitor and pull (or push).
Step 4. Avoid turning the screen if you don't have adequate support
Some monitors do not support tilting, as is the case with older CRT monitors. Whenever you turn the monitor, it should be held by a stand or fastener. If you use any object to hold the screen in place, it can cause it to become unstable or overheated.
