Key takeaways:
- Windows Media Player in Windows 11 has a built-in rotate video feature
- You can easily rotate videos 90 degrees at a time to correct the orientation
- If Windows Media Player doesn’t work well, try alternative tools like the Photos app or VLC Media Player
Have you ever recorded a video on your phone, only to find out later that it’s sideways or upside down when you play it on your computer in Windows Media Player? This is a common issue, especially when recording in portrait orientation. Luckily, Windows Media Player in Windows 11 now has a simple built-in feature to let you rotate videos and fix the orientation. Here’s how to do it.
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Steps to Rotate Videos in Windows Media Player
Follow these steps to quickly rotate a video that is not in the correct orientation:
- Open the video file in Windows Media Player. You can right-click the file, select “Open with”, and choose Windows Media Player.
- Once the video is playing, click the “More options” button in the bottom right corner. It looks like three dots.
- In the menu that appears, hover over “Video settings” and then click “Rotate video” in the submenu.
- Each time you click “Rotate video”, it will rotate the video 90 degrees clockwise. Keep clicking until the video is in the correct orientation.
That’s it! With just a few clicks you can fix those sideways or upside down videos. The rotated orientation will be saved, so the video will play correctly in the future too.
Alternative Methods to Rotate Videos
If for some reason the rotate feature in Windows Media Player isn’t working well for you, there are some good alternative methods you can try:
Using the Photos App
The built-in Photos app in Windows 10 and Windows 11 has a video editor that makes it easy to rotate videos:
- Open the video in the Photos app
- Click “Edit & Create” and choose “Rotate”
- Keep clicking the rotate button until the orientation is correct
- Click “Save a copy” to save the rotated version
Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular free app that makes it easy to rotate videos:
- Open the video in VLC Media Player
- Go to Tools > Effects and Filters
- In the Video Effects tab, click the Geometry tab
- Check the box for “Rotate” and adjust the dial to the correct angle
- Click Save to apply the rotation
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Media Player | Built-in to Windows 11, easy to use | Limited to 90 degree rotations |
| Photos App | Also built-in, has more editing features | Takes a few more steps |
| VLC Media Player | Powerful free app, can rotate to any angle | Requires installing a separate app |
Tips for Recording Videos in the Right Orientation
Of course, the best solution is to record your videos in the correct orientation to begin with! Here are a few tips:
- When recording on a phone, always hold it horizontally for landscape orientation. This is how most videos are meant to be viewed.
- If you must record vertically in portrait orientation, see if your camera app has a setting to record in landscape when held vertically.
- Some phones and cameras can automatically detect orientation and adjust recording accordingly. Check your device settings.
With a little care when recording, and the rotate features in Windows Media Player or other apps, you can ensure your videos always look right.
FAQ
Can I rotate videos in Windows Media Player in Windows 10?
No, the rotate video feature was added in the Windows 11 version of Windows Media Player. Windows 10 users will need to use the Photos app or another video player like VLC to rotate videos.
Is rotating a video destructive? Will it reduce the quality?
No, rotating a video is not destructive and will not reduce the video quality. It simply changes the orientation metadata without re-encoding the video.
How can I rotate a video more than 90 degrees?
In Windows Media Player, you can only rotate in 90 degree increments by clicking the rotate button multiple times. For finer control, use VLC Media Player which lets you rotate to any angle.
Will the rotated video stay rotated in other apps and devices?
Yes, when you rotate a video in Windows Media Player or another app and save it, the rotation is saved in the video file’s metadata. So it will appear rotated correctly in other apps and devices too.
