Making an application or window full screen on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but sometimes it feels like Windows wants to make it more complicated than it needs to be. Whether you’re trying to squish a game, watch a movie, or just give yourself more workspace, there are a few ways to do it. Sometimes the maximize button doesn’t do quite enough or F11 doesn’t toggle full screen in certain apps, and that’s where some of these tricks come in handy. They can help in various scenarios—like when window controls seem glitchy or if you’re using an app that doesn’t respond to typical shortcuts. Once you get the hang of it, switching to full screen becomes second nature, and you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
How to Make Full Screen on Windows 11
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most reliable methods. Depending on what you’re trying to do and what app you’re using, one of these might do the trick perfectly. If one method you try doesn’t work, just move on to the next—because sometimes Windows just acts weird or has different behaviors depending on updates and app types.
Use the Maximize Button, but don’t expect it to always give you full screen
If the window has the typical maximize button (that square icon in the top right corner), clicking it usually expands the window to fill most of your screen. It’s quick and straightforward, but keep in mind—it maximizes the window size, which isn’t the same as true full screen, especially in apps like media players or browsers. In some cases, it might leave black borders or not hide the taskbar. Still, it’s worth trying first because it’s the easiest and most visible way. And yes, sometimes Windows just refuses to push a window into *actual* full screen mode and instead just maximizes it, leaving some edges exposed.
Press F11 to toggle full screen in supported apps
This shortcut is kind of weird, but in many browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, pressing F11 makes things go full screen. It genuinely removes most window borders, toolbars, and stuff from view—sort of like a dedicated button for a more immersive experience. Not all apps respect this, though; a quick test in a media player or Skype might not do much. Also, on some laptops or keyboards, F11 will only work if you press it directly or if you hold down the Fn key (because of keyboard shortcuts).It’s not a perfect solution everywhere, but for browsers, it’s usually reliable.
Try the taskbar options for better focus
If you’re juggling multiple windows and want to focus on one, right-click that taskbar and look for options like “Show Windows Stacked” or similar. Honestly, this isn’t *full* full screen, but it’s a way to hide some clutter and make a particular app stand out for a while. Of course, you can also right-click on the window title bar and select Maximize—which is just clicking the middle icon or double-clicking the title bar. On some setups, this helps push the window into a larger view, but not necessarily full screen.
Enable Tablet Mode for automatic full-screen apps (if you’re on a 2-in-1 or touchscreen)
On devices like Surface or 2-in-1 laptops, turning on Tablet Mode from the Action Center (click the notification icon on the taskbar or press Win + A) can make some apps switch into a more touch-friendly, full-screen mode automatically. It’s kind of a weird workaround, but it works surprisingly well sometimes. The downside is it can change your entire Windows interface, so use it when you need it.
Use app-specific options, especially in media players or productivity apps
Some apps have their own full-screen modes hidden in menus—like under “View” or “Display.” Usually, it’s a matter of looking through the app’s menu bar or right-click context menu. For example, streaming apps like VLC or media players often have a dedicated full-screen button or toggle under theirs. It’s very much app-dependent, but if you can’t get the other methods to work, this might be the way to go.
Most importantly, after trying these, your content should be occupying your entire screen, eliminating distractions. Whether it’s a movie, some gaming, or focusing on work, full screen can really change the game.
Tips for Making Full Screen on Windows 11
- Experiment with the methods—what works for one app might not for another.
- Remember, F11 is a quick toggle for browsers and some apps.
- When using a 2-in-1, don’t forget about Tablet Mode—it might automatically do a lot of the heavy lifting.
- Check app menus—sometimes the option is buried under “View” or “Display.”
- If you’re working with multiple monitors, full screen can still work on one screen while others stay active. Just drag the window to the monitor you’d like to maximize and try the same methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make any app full screen in Windows 11?
Most modern apps support full screen, especially browsers and media players. But some legacy or niche apps might refuse or only resize to windowed max size.
What if F11 doesn’t work?
Some apps override the F11 shortcut or don’t support it at all. In those cases, look for app-specific full-screen options in menus or try the maximize button. On some setups, you might need to hold Fn + F11 if the function keys are locked or customized.
Does full screen mode hurt performance?
Not usually, but if you’re running a very demanding game or software, full screen can give a small boost—by reducing overhead. Still, don’t expect miracles; hardware is what matters most.
How do I exit full screen mode?
The usual way is pressing F11 again or clicking the window’s maximize button. Sometimes, pressing Esc can work if the app supports it, but it’s not universal.
Can I do full screen on multiple monitors?
Definitely. Just drag your window to the monitor you want, then maximize or press F11. Each monitor handles full screen independently, so you can focus on one while others stay visible.
Summary
- Click the maximize button or double-click the window title bar.
- Press F11 in browsers and supported apps.
- Use taskbar options to organize your workspace.
- Turn on Tablet Mode for automatic full-screen in some cases.
- Check app menus for special full-screen modes.
Wrap-up
Getting windows into full screen on Windows 11 isn’t always exactly straightforward — Windows loves to throw curveballs with different apps and setups — but with these tricks, there’s usually a way to make it work. Whether it’s a quick toggle, a hidden menu, or just maximizing the window, the main goal is to get out of distraction mode and really focus on your content. Sometimes a combo of methods is needed because, of course, Windows has to keep us on our toes. Hopefully, this saves someone a few clicks or a headache or two. Happy full-screen-ing!