Trying to resize a window that just won’t cooperate in Windows 11? Yeah, it can be a real pain, especially when you’re trying to get more room to work or fix a dodgy app. Dragging the window around sometimes just doesn’t cut it, or maybe the app’s got it locked down. No worries, mate — there are a couple of handy tricks to loosen things up.
How to Resize a Window That Can’t Be Resized in Windows 11
The main idea here is using keyboard shortcuts and, if needed, a quick tweak in system settings or Task Manager. It’s a bit unusual, but it’s worked on a few machines I’ve played with, so give it a burl.
Method 1: Alt + Space + S — The Classic Aussie Trick
This one’s deadset old school Windows. First, click on that stubborn window, then hit Alt + Space. A tiny menu pops up in the top corner — it’s like the system menu. If it doesn’t appear in the top left, try clicking inside the window first.
Next, arrow down to ‘Size’ by pressing the down arrow key, then press Enter. Sometimes, you’ll see ‘Size’ right away; other times, you might need to scroll through the options. When in ‘Size’ mode, use your arrow keys to resize — up, down, left, right. No mouse needed. When you’re happy with the size, hit Enter to lock it in.
Sometimes, pressing Alt + Enter after resizing finalises the new size, and the window sticks that way even if you close and reopen it. No guarantees, but it’s a decent shot if the window is normally resizable.
Why it works: This kicks Windows into resizing mode, bypassing any restrictions the app might have. It gives you more control than dragging. Use this when a window’s acting dodgy or seems stuck at a certain size.
Method 2: Task Manager Tap for Sticky Windows
If the first trick doesn’t do the trick, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Find the dodgy app, right-click, then select Switch to. Sometimes, just focusing the window again wakes it up or resets its state enough to allow resizing. Or, you can end the process and restart the app — not the worst option if nothing else works.
On some machines, this can help nudge the window out of its “locked” state. Windows can be a bit of a bastard sometimes, but this often does the trick.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but toggling around in Task Manager can sometimes free up the resize options. Just bear in mind that some apps, especially those with fixed UI elements, might flat out refuse to resize.
Tips for Resizing Windows in Windows 11
- Always try keyboard shortcuts first: It’s quicker and often more reliable than dragging your mouse around.
- Keep the window focused: Make sure it’s active — some commands won’t work if it’s not.
- Switch focus or reopen the app: Sometimes a quick restart clears weird bugs.
- Stay up to date: Updates can fix bugs or add new resize features.
- Check out third-party tools: Apps like AquaSnap or DisplayFusion can give you more control if you’re sick of the hassle.
FAQ
What if Alt + Space doesn’t bring up the menu?
Make sure the window’s active and focused — clicking inside often helps. If it still won’t show, try pressing Alt + Space again after clicking inside the app. You could also run Windows in Safe Mode — maybe some other overlay or program is blocking it.
Can all windows be resized this way?
Most, but not all. Critical system apps or certain modern UIs might have resizing locked down. If that’s the case, you might need to dig into software tweaks or registry edits — a bit more involved, but doable if you’re comfortable with that.
Why do some apps have fixed window sizes?
Developers often lock sizes to keep the UI tidy, especially for complex or sensitive apps like graphics tools or games. They want things to look a certain way and might disable resizing on purpose.
Can I set windows to open at a specific size every time?
Windows doesn’t natively remember window sizes on its own, but there are third-party apps and scripts that can. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it works.
Will these tricks work on older Windows versions?
A good chunk, yes — especially Windows 10. Some steps might differ a smidge, but the core ideas like Alt + Space are pretty much the same.
Quick Wrap-up
- Hit Alt + Space.
- Choose ‘Size’ from the menu.
- Use the arrow keys to resize.
- Press Alt + Enter to lock it in.
- If that doesn’t work, give the Task Manager trick a shot to nudge things around.
Hopefully, that helps someone save a bit of hassle. Sometimes Windows just wants to be a pain, but with these tips, you can wrest back a bit of control. Good luck — may your windows resize with ease from now on!