Going full screen on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can be surprisingly frustrating when it doesn’t work as expected. Sometimes, you hit F11 in your browser or app, and nada happens. Other times, the menu options are hidden or the shortcut just doesn’t seem to do anything. It’s kind of weird, but with a few tricks—especially under the hood—you can often get the job done. Whether you’re trying to watch a video without distractions or get a cleaner workspace, understanding these little tweaks can save a lot of fiddling around.
How to Go Full Screen on Windows 11
Use the Keyboard Shortcut (F11)
This is the classic move. Hit F11 in most browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, and you’ll switch to full screen pretty quickly. But beware—some apps don’t register F11, especially if you’ve got a custom keyboard setup or special function keys. In those cases, you might need to enable full screen via menu or tweak some settings. In my experience, on some setups, pressing F11 works instantly; on others, it feels like a shot in the dark. Worth trying first, though.
Check the App’s Menu for Full Screen Option
Many softwares have a built-in toggle for full screen mode—usually in the View menu or, sometimes, hidden behind a hamburger menu. Look for an icon that looks like a square or a window, or maybe under Settings > View. For example, in VLC media player, you can go to Video > Full Screen. It’s kind of strange how some apps don’t make this obvious, but digging into menu options is worth a shot.
Use the Window Menu or Toolbar
Some apps or modern Windows apps have a dedicated full screen button in the top-right corner or in a toolbar. Sometimes, clicking the maximize button (the square) makes it fullscreen, but it’s not quite the same as F11. For apps like PowerPoint or Teams, you’ll find specific full-screen icons—use those. In some cases, right-clicking the taskbar or app icon might give insight into options, although not always.
Maximize via Dragging and Snap Assist
Here’s a sneaky move—drag the window to the very top of your screen until you see a faint outline or the window snaps to the top. Release, and the app will maximize to fill the entire display. Sometimes, this doesn’t feel “true” full screen, but it’s close enough and quick. Windows 11’s Snap Assist makes this fast and easy—drag, drop, done.
App-Specific Commands and Settings
Because of course, Windows has to complicate things—some apps have their own full-screen toggle. For instance, Steam games or media apps often have a Full Screen option in their preferences or settings menu. Check inside the app’s options or preferences. Some even support keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Enter.
And if you really get stuck, a quick Google search for “
Tips for Going Full Screen on Windows 11
- Try different shortcuts: F11 isn’t working? For some apps, Alt + Enter or Ctrl + Command + F might do the trick. Especially if you’re on a Mac keyboard with Boot Camp or similar setup.
- Make sure app supports full screen: Not everything plays nice with these tricks. Some old or less-common apps just won’t go full screen, no matter what you do.
- Adjust display settings: Sometimes, your display scaling or resolution affects how windows behave. Check under Settings > System > Display.
- Use tablet mode for a more immersive experience: Especially on hybrid devices—swipe over to Tablet Mode in Settings > System > Tablet for a more natural full-screen feel.
- Know how to exit: F11 again is usually the ticket, but if it’s stubborn, pressing Esc or clicking the window’s restore button usually does the trick. Sometimes, a restart of the app helps too if it’s acting wonky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use full screen in all apps on Windows 11?
Nope, not all apps support full screen mode. It largely depends on how the app is built. Browsers usually do, media players often do, but some lightweight tools or custom enterprise apps might not be able to go full screen at all.
How do I exit full screen mode?
Same deal—hit F11 again, or press Esc. If neither works, look for a close or exit icon in the app’s menu. In some cases, pressing Alt + F4 will close fullscreen apps, but that’s pretty drastic.
Is there a way to always launch apps in full screen?
Some apps let you set preferences to open in full screen, but lots don’t. You might need to set this inside the app’s options or create a custom shortcut that launches the app maximized (right-click the shortcut, Properties > Run: maximized).For some programs, using a third-party utility like AutoHotkey can automate jumping straight into fullscreen too.
What if keyboard shortcuts don’t work?
Double-check your keyboard layout, especially if you’re on a non-standard or international keyboard. Also, ensure the app in question actually supports F11 or other shortcuts by reading their support docs or forums.
Does full screen mode impact performance?
Generally, not really. But if your system’s already stretched thin, pushing into full screen can sometimes cause slight slowdowns, especially on older machines or when streaming high-res content. Doesn’t seem to be a huge hit most of the time, though.
Summary
- Press F11 in browsers.
- Check the app menu for a full screen toggle.
- Drag window to top for Snap Assist maxing out.
- Use app-specific commands if available.
- Experiment with shortcuts and display settings if needed.
Wrap-up
Getting full screen working on Windows 11 can be a bit of a puzzle sometimes, but once you figure out the quirks—especially with specific apps or custom setups—it’s pretty straightforward. A lot of it comes down to knowing where the options are hiding and having a few tricks up your sleeve. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone, or at least makes you less frustrated when apps refuse to go full screen. Either way, enjoy the uncluttered view—your content will thank you.