How to Go Full Screen on Windows 11 Without F11
Windows 11 can be a bit hit and miss when trying to get it into full-screen mode. Kind of like playing hide and seek—sometimes it takes a few goes. Normally, you’d hit that F11 key, but there are other ways to make your window fill the screen without messing around with that key. Whether you’re binging your fave show, gaming, or just needing a bit of extra space to get stuff done, here are some options that might do the trick.
Windows Key + Up Arrow
This one’s dead easy—just hold down the Windows key and press the Up Arrow. It’s a quick shortcut that doesn’t go full-blown KGI (Keyboard Gaming Interface) like F11, but will make your window expand vertically to fill the screen. A real lifesaver for heaps of tasks.
Pro Tip: Make sure the window isn’t already maximised, or try Windows Key + Shift + Enter in some apps (like Command Prompt) to toggle full-screen if it’s supported. Some folks report this works on one PC but not another—that’s Windows for you.
Maximise via the Title Bar Menu
If shortcuts aren’t your thing, you can always right-click the title bar and select “Maximise”. Easy as.
Another Shortcut: For those who prefer the keyboard, try Alt + Space then press X to maximise. Good if your mouse’s missing or you’re in a tight spot. It’s not exactly full-screen, but it’s pretty close.
Adjust Taskbar Settings for a Fullscreen Vibe
If you want less distraction and a cleaner look, tweak your taskbar. Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and choose “Taskbar settings”. Then toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode”. Easy as.
Quick Shortcut: Hit Windows Key + I to open Settings, then go to Personalisation > Taskbar. Once you do that, the taskbar hides itself when you’re not moving the mouse over it, giving you that nearly full-screen experience. Just bear in mind, it won’t hide window borders unless the app allows you to toggle that.
Use App-Specific Full-Screen Shortcuts
Here’s where it gets a bit more specific. Plenty of apps have their own full-screen shortcuts that don’t involve F11. For example, pressing Alt + Enter works in some programs. Always check their menu under View > Full Screen—devs love to keep things interesting.
Browser Tip: In Google Chrome, F11 does the trick, but browsers like Opera might be different. You might need to try Alt + Space, then X as an alternative.
Virtual Desktops as a Fullscreen Hack
If all else fails, setting up a new virtual desktop might do the trick. Press Windows Key + Ctrl + D—and there’s your shiny new desktop. Open your app there for a fresh, focused experience.
Switch between desktops with Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow. You can also drag apps between desktops or hit Win + Tab to manage them. It might seem a bit of a workaround, but it’s handy for giving yourself more room on a busy day.
Once you’ve tried these options, you’ll probably find a handful of ways to get your apps to occupy the screen just how you like it. None are quite as simple as hitting F11, but at least you’ve got options, right?
Hope these tips save someone a hassle. Happy screen surfing!