Question Rotate display and keep keyboard active on Lenovo Yoga 7i ?

[sanman98]

background (tablet mode
I found some info about Device Manager to disable the sensor, or to put a magnet on a certain area of the keyboard so it detects it as (open?)
So far, without trying a magnet, one of the sensors at least enables it to fold beyond 180degrees, but the moment it completely touches folded with screen and keyboard outward, it disables the keyboard and trackpad. I could put a cloth between it to keep it slightly open.

desk setup (software rotate one screen, but mirrored
I would like to be able to manually switch the keyboard, or touchscreen, on and off, while using an external monitor.
I want to rotate the display and maybe mirror it, but in Windows settings and also Intel Graphics utility, there's no option to only rotate one display if mirrored.

Peripherals and other control
I got a wireless handheld trackball mouse, and tried updating the bluetooth drivers of my computer to see if that somehow improves the flakey connectivity range.
I was trying some of those Mouse&keyboard apps on phone, and RDP also, but too laggy. Mostly if I can use command line, or some file transfer,
and then use the laptop/tablet or even if there's a way to connect that wirelessly, or screen share the phone.

next steps and summary:
Otherwise I guess I can just make due with trying a magnet next and maybe just physically turn my laptop/tablet upside down, or even physically rotate the monitor.
edit: nope, the monitor only rotates 90 degree, and the tablet mode laptop would have the vent fan towards me, or if it's stood up in tent mode...
really if I can just (software-)rotate one display, keep it mirrored somehow. then can click and drag on the mirrored screen.

 

[Ralston18]

Make and model monitor(s)?

Laptop specs and OS information?

= = = =

Not sure (full disclosure) about the scope of the requirements.

However, Windows does allow some screen rotations.

FYI (older link):

https://www.techlicious.com/tip/how-to-rotate-your-screen-in-windows-10/#google_vignette

And by right clicking an empty area of the desktop you should be able to access the Control Panel for the installed GPU(s).

Or the monitor itself may have either a built in menu function for screen rotations or even its own drivers that support 90 degree rotations.

And the "WIN" + "P" keys open "More Display settings".

That said - regarding:

"I would like to be able to manually switch the keyboard, or touchscreen, on and off, while using an external monitor."

Is that external monitor a touch screen monitor?

Lastly, I would be very wary about using a magnet or any physical means as a work around.

Such things may not end well.

Look for a software solution. Possibly Powershell or a registry edit .

Registry edit being absolute last resort. Only after full backups of everything.

FYI:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...stry-and/965a8a9a-ca1e-4173-a650-55c421ef0d6d

Note the listed Powershell scripts.

 

[sanman98]

Make and model monitor(s)?

Laptop specs and OS information?

= = = =

Not sure (full disclosure) about the scope of the requirements.

However, Windows does allow some screen rotations.

FYI (older link):

https://www.techlicious.com/tip/how-to-rotate-your-screen-in-windows-10/#google_vignette

And by right clicking an empty area of the desktop you should be able to access the Control Panel for the installed GPU(s).

Or the monitor itself may have either a built in menu function for screen rotations or even its own drivers that support 90 degree rotations.

And the "WIN" + "P" keys open "More Display settings".

That said - regarding:

"I would like to be able to manually switch the keyboard, or touchscreen, on and off, while using an external monitor."

Is that external monitor a touch screen monitor?

Lastly, I would be very wary about using a magnet or any physical means as a work around.

Such things may not end well.

Look for a software solution. Possibly Powershell or a registry edit .

Registry edit being absolute last resort. Only after full backups of everything.

FYI:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...stry-and/965a8a9a-ca1e-4173-a650-55c421ef0d6d

Note the listed Powershell scripts.

Lenovo Yoga 7i
Windows 11 Pro

Dell 27" monitor (not touchscreen), connected by USB-C at the moment
S2722QC

even though it's Intel, the Ctrl+Alt+arrow doesn't work. like i said, I tried Windows Display settings and the Intel GPU utility.
ok no magnets then

next to try Registry or Powershell
gotta make some backups first
What about Autohotkey or find some other script? to toggle it


I'm trying to rotate only one display
but they are mirrored, so it ends up flipping both

 

[Ralston18]

Having two identical screens except for one screen being rotated 90 degrees condtradicts the idea of mirroring.

Mirroring being duplicate screens - correct? However, if the laptop is closed then you do not see or need to see the original screen if I understand the setup.

First objective is to find a way (if possible) to rotate that one display as required.

Starting with some series of keystokes that can, in turn, be automated via a macro or script.

May not be possible with the current laptop screen and/or monitor screen.

Second objective is to find a way to automate or otherwise launch some macro or script (Powershell or otherwise) via a mouse button to toggle the screen rotation. Contigent on that being doable.

Question: is having an external keyboard attached to the laptop viable?

Overall I am not completely sure that I understand the physcial requirements. Is it possible for you to take a photograph or two of the required setup and indicate the required monitor image orientations.

If so, do so, and post the photographs here via imgur (www.imgur.com). Be sure not to reveal any personally identifying information.

Someone else may subsquently offer other ideas and suggestions.

 

[sanman98]

Having two identical screens except for one screen being rotated 90 degrees condtradicts the idea of mirroring.

Mirroring being duplicate screens - correct? However, if the laptop is closed then you do not see or need to see the original screen if I understand the setup.

First objective is to find a way (if possible) to rotate that one display as required.

Starting with some series of keystokes that can, in turn, be automated via a macro or script.

May not be possible with the current laptop screen and/or monitor screen.

Second objective is to find a way to automate or otherwise launch some macro or script (Powershell or otherwise) via a mouse button to toggle the screen rotation. Contigent on that being doable.

Question: is having an external keyboard attached to the laptop viable?

Overall I am not completely sure that I understand the physcial requirements. Is it possible for you to take a photograph or two of the required setup and indicate the required monitor image orientations.

If so, do so, and post the photographs here via imgur (www.imgur.com). Be sure not to reveal any personally identifying information.

Someone else may subsquently offer other ideas and suggestions.

Lenovo Yoga tablets can fold open. It's touchscreen laptop.
I can control the large screen with the small screen.
180degrees, so I would need to now flip the tablet upside down and the heating vent would be facing me and get blocked by setting it on my lap.
Then the laptop overheats, and I might need to upgrade a better desktop or something since a software is using too much resource. Or get a more manageable software.

The big screen only rotates 90 degrees physically, so that leaves it up to rotating the laptop physically.
Else software rotate to be able to put the laptop tablet upside down, and still have the screen oriented.

Even tent mode, with the screen and keyboard bent at 30 degree angle and standing on the edge, the external monitor would be upside down again.

I am using a bluetooth handheld trackball and a mechanical keyboard (also bluetooth) I just got. The trackball doesn't get more than a foot or two of unobstructed range before flaking connectivity. Could try new AAA batteries or a bluetooth adaptor with a large antenna.

 

[sanman98]

but only on one monitor
They are mirrored, which is preferred, so i can scroll and click on the Tablet mirrored to the big Screen

i have yet to check that Powershell and Registry tweaks
hopefully soon

 

[Ralston18]

You definitely do not want to orient the laptop/tablet in any manner that affects airflows/cooling.

Just to be clear: the image on the monitor is to be the same image on the laptop/tablet but flipped to be mirrored left & right as in a mirror.

Versus an 180 degree flip making the image upside down.

"WIN" + "P" keys open "More Display settings" i.e.:

PC screen only
Duplicate
Extend
Second screen only.

I have been thinking "mirrored" as a synomyn for "duplicate".

Try to show the requirements in a different manner; the ideal situation

Show the tablet/laptop in its normal physical configuration with some image on the tablet's screen. Then show the monitor with the same image being flipped/rotated/mirrored/duplicated as required.

Along with when the toggling would be required. My current impression is that the laptop/tablet needs to be closed but you will still need some means "to be able to manually switch the keyboard, or touchscreen, on and off, while using an external monitor."

And I am going to ask more about the overall environment: is the setup for doing presentations, recreational for watching streams, or perhaps even a kiosk of some sort?

Still missing (apologies) something here.

 

[sanman98]

You definitely do not want to orient the laptop/tablet in any manner that affects airflows/cooling.

Just to be clear: the image on the monitor is to be the same image on the laptop/tablet but flipped to be mirrored left & right as in a mirror.

Versus an 180 degree flip making the image upside down.

"WIN" + "P" keys open "More Display settings" i.e.:

PC screen only
Duplicate
Extend
Second screen only.

I have been thinking "mirrored" as a synomyn for "duplicate".

Try to show the requirements in a different manner; the ideal situation

Show the tablet/laptop in its normal physical configuration with some image on the tablet's screen. Then show the monitor with the same image being flipped/rotated/mirrored/duplicated as required.

Along with when the toggling would be required. My current impression is that the laptop/tablet needs to be closed but you will still need some means "to be able to manually switch the keyboard, or touchscreen, on and off, while using an external monitor."

And I am going to ask more about the overall environment: is the setup for doing presentations, recreational for watching streams, or perhaps even a kiosk of some sort?

Still missing (apologies) something here.

Duplicated in terms of same as mirrored, yes, that's fine. Duplicated - as Windows settings says.
The problem is after I fold the laptop in Tent or Tablet mode, it ends up being upside down...
I wanna lounge a bit, use the tablet and control the big screen at my desk.

Windows Settings and even Intel GPU utility only allow BOTH to be 180 flipped, which makes it worse. I just wanna rotate the laptop screen back to be facing properly, while the screen is also upright.

maybe a bit of web browsing or office use, but the trackball i got lacks some maneuvering accuracy. i just considered trying this, since i never use the touchscreen and just got the monitor.
If I have the laptop set, I just tend to use it as a laptop. But on the big screen, it's nice to have a way to control it a bit.



Device manager
to disable the sensor when it folds
but while it goes past the 180degree
it still disabled trackpack and keyboard when the laptop folds completely open as a tablet and touches the other side

as shown below, it needs a cloth or something to keep it open

or headless keyboard and trackpadbut then the touchscreen is still turned on behind it, which is ok i guess

Tent mode is upside down

and most of all, to just use the tablet on my lap, it puts the heating vent toward me and blocks it
and the screen would have to be turned but then would be upside down again

if that clears things up a bit.
i was just hoping to use the tablet a couple ways on the big screen without too much problem

 

[Ralston18]

That is helpful - I read back a bit....

CTRL+ALT+Arrows not working per Post #3.

Is there a rotation lock button? Or some similar configuration option?

For example:

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/so...-turn-on-or-off-screen-rotation-mode-thinkpad

Only as an example - not something to immediately try without making some effort to ensure that is applicable to the tablet. Do not wish to leave the image permenately inverted or otherwise distorted in some manner. Which is another good reason to stay out of the registry.

I found quite a number of similar links using

"What is the shortcut to rotate the screen on a Lenovo Windows?"

as the search criteria.

Do an identical search but then revise the search criteria as necessary for your tablet.

But first take a quick look via Windows 11.

Type "Screen Rotation" into the Search box - lower left corner.

Anything rotation settings or options?

Did not find any such options on my Windows 11 Pro system. But I am using a desktop.

 

[sanman98]

thanks for trying to help, but i'm not sure if there's a good fix then
i was hoping there might just be some utility that can rotate one screen..somehow

the Windows Display settings do allow rotation, but as I said, they rotate both screens simultaneously when in Duplicate mode
and when the Laptop is connected to the external monitor, it seems the laptop display doesn't auto-rotate

the weird thing now is that while i'm typing this, i just noticed my laptop screen is upside down
i unplugged it to test auto-rotate and Tent mode and plugged it back in
i'm typing on a laptop with an upside down screen, but the external monitor is fine


earlier it seemed unplugging switched the display orientation
maybe this is because i'm in Extended mode now
i do see the Rotation option again (per each screen individually) and Rotation Lock on the laptop

overall i'm not sure if there's a way to separate it for Duplicate/Mirrored

ahh maybe this is it
something something i have to plug in the laptop, set it properly, and do rotation lock
or something
somehow right now it is set properly

still have to get the Sensor deactivated again in Device Manager
and prop it open a bit with a cloth or something
so the keyboard and trackpack on the laptop function, if i want

the heat vent is at the top where it folds

hopefully i find how to lock it this way, or get it this way again
seems good

 

[sanman98]

That is helpful - I read back a bit....

CTRL+ALT+Arrows not working per Post #3.

Is there a rotation lock button? Or some similar configuration option?

For example:

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/so...-turn-on-or-off-screen-rotation-mode-thinkpad

Only as an example - not something to immediately try without making some effort to ensure that is applicable to the tablet. Do not wish to leave the image permenately inverted or otherwise distorted in some manner. Which is another good reason to stay out of the registry.

I found quite a number of similar links using

"What is the shortcut to rotate the screen on a Lenovo Windows?"

as the search criteria.

Do an identical search but then revise the search criteria as necessary for your tablet.

But first take a quick look via Windows 11.

Type "Screen Rotation" into the Search box - lower left corner.

Anything rotation settings or options?

Did not find any such options on my Windows 11 Pro system. But I am using a desktop.

yeah you had it spot on from the beginning
Rotation Lock
right there on the Display Settings menu

as long as i have a separate keyboard and trackball/mouse anyways, i hopefully won't need to use the keyboard while flipped backwards like that
else use the cloth and that Device Manager disable sensor

i think it's a decent setup
the bluetooth on these is flakey if they aren't directly in front of the laptop
considering a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse or something
i tried a USB bluetooth adaptor with 100ft range, which did ok besides if i went behind any object (still using this Elecom trackball, which feels very light plastic, but a ball bearing is nice for it)

RDP on my phone doesn't do anything as nice as directly using touchscreen on the laptop, but i wonder if there would ever be a way to scale the phone screen or Mouse apps on phone
or best for now might be ScreenCast from the phone, and rotate the monitor to Portrait orientation
not sure which Windows app can do the Screencast... anyways

hmm what else, is there a way to like, use the whole laptop touchscreen as a trackpad?
ah i got it
Windows Settings > Personalization - Taskbar (or just search Touch Pad)
and enable virtual touchpad in the system tray, and go click that to open it

Nice setup!
thanks!

 

[Ralston18]