Fix Word Document and Toolbar Displaying Vertically
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where Word documents and toolbar icons are unexpectedly displaying vertically in Read Mode and Print Layout.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Viewing documents in Read Mode or Print Layout within the word processor.
- Observed behavior
- Both the document layout and the application toolbar icons are oriented vertically, likely due to an accidental system screen rotation or a malfunctioning display adapter driver.
Before proceeding, check your computer desktop to see if all other applications and the taskbar are also displaying vertically, which confirms this is a system-wide display orientation issue rather than a Word-specific bug.
Adjust Windows Display Orientation Settings
This is the most common and direct solution. Resetting the Windows system orientation to landscape will immediately restore the normal layout for Word and its toolbars.
In many cases, an accidental keyboard shortcut or a sensitive gyroscope in a 2-in-1 laptop can trigger the screen to rotate automatically. Locking the rotation and manually setting it to landscape will fix the layout.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Click on System, then select Display from the left-hand menu.
Scroll down to the 'Scale and layout' section. Click on the dropdown menu next to 'Display orientation' and select 'Landscape'.
If you are using a tablet or a 2-in-1 laptop, look for the 'Rotation lock' option directly below the orientation settings and toggle it off to prevent unintended automatic rotations in the future.
Update or Reinstall Display Adapter Drivers
If adjusting the display orientation does not resolve the vertical display glitch, a corrupted or outdated graphics driver may be at fault.
Try WPS Office for a Bug-Free Word Processing Experience
If your current word processor continues to suffer from UI glitches or complex display issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and stable alternative for all your document needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the standard installation prompts.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer. You can directly open your existing .docx files and enjoy a perfectly formatted landscape layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word document suddenly turn sideways?
This usually happens if you accidentally press a keyboard shortcut that rotates your screen, or if you are using a laptop with tablet features and tilted the device while auto-rotate was enabled.
Can I change the page orientation just for my document without changing the whole screen?
Yes. If your screen is normal but your document pages are vertical, go to the 'Page Layout' tab in Word, click 'Orientation', and select 'Landscape'. This only affects the document layout, not your Windows desktop or toolbars.
Will updating my display adapter driver delete my personal files?
No, updating your graphics or display drivers only affects the software that communicates with your monitor hardware. Your Word documents, photos, and other personal files remain completely safe.
What if the orientation dropdown is greyed out in Settings?
If the orientation setting is locked or greyed out, it typically means your display driver is missing or failing. You will need to update or reinstall your display driver via Device Manager to restore full control over your display settings.
