Resizing a window that stubbornly refuses to be resized in Windows 11? Yeah, it can be kind of annoying, especially when you’re trying to maximize your workspace or fix a misbehaving app. The usual drag-to-resize just… doesn’t work sometimes, or the window is locked down by the app designer. But luckily, there are a couple of tricks that might loosen things up.
How to Resize a Window That Can’t Be Resized in Windows 11
The core idea here is using keyboard shortcuts and, if needed, a little tweak in system settings or Task Manager. It’s kind of weird, but it’s worked on several machines, so worth a shot.
Method 1: Alt + Space + S — The Classic Trick
This one is classic Windows. Select that pesky window, then hit Alt + Space. A menu pops up in the top corner of the window — looks like a tiny system menu. If it’s not appearing in the upper left, sometimes clicking somewhere inside the window helps.
Next, hit ‘Size’ by pressing the down arrow key, then Enter. On some setups, you might see ‘Size’ immediately, and on others, you have to scroll around. Once in ‘Size’ mode, use your arrow keys to resize it—up, down, left, right. No mouse, just arrow keys. Press Enter when you’re happy with resizing, or just to lock it in.
Sometimes, after resizing, pressing Alt + Enter finalizes the size, and the window stays that way even if you close and reopen. Not 100% guaranteed, but decent shot if the window is normally resizable.
Why it helps: This forces Windows into resizing mode, bypassing some app restrictions. When it kicks in, you get more control than with dragging. When to use? When a window won’t respond normally or seems frozen in a certain size.
Method 2: Task Manager Trick for Persistent Lockdowns
If the above doesn’t work, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Find the problematic app, right-click, then hit Switch to. Sometimes, just re-focusing the window wakes it up or resets its state enough to allow resizing. Or, you can end the process and restart the app—sometimes it’s the last resort, but it’s better than nothing.
On some machines, this forces the window into a less “locked” state. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes, right? But I’ve seen it work more often than not.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but in a pinch, toggling from the Task Manager can get you some resizing freedom. Just be aware that some apps might refuse to give up their size restrictions — especially those that are tightly designed with fixed UI components.
Tips for Resizing Windows in Windows 11
- Always try keyboard shortcuts first: It’s faster and more reliable sometimes than dragging.
- Keep the window active: Make sure it’s focused — some commands don’t work otherwise.
- Try switching focus or reopening: Sometimes, closing and reopening the app resets any weird resizing bugs.
- Stay updated: System updates might fix bugs or introduce new window resize options.
- Consider third-party tools: If this is a frequent pain point, apps like AquaSnap or DisplayFusion can give even more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Alt + Space doesn’t show the menu?
Check if the window is active and focused. Sometimes, clicking inside the window helps. If it still doesn’t pop up, try pressing Alt + Space again after clicking somewhere inside the app or try running Windows in Safe Mode — maybe some other overlay or program is blocking it.
Can all windows be resized this way?
Most, but not all. Some critical system apps or some modern UIs have paint restrictions. If that’s the case, resizing might require software tweaks or even registry edits, which can get a bit in-depth.
Why do some apps have fixed sizes?
Developers often lock window sizes to preserve UI layout, especially for complex or sensitive apps like graphics tools or games. They want a consistent experience and might intentionally disable resizing completely.
Can I set default window sizes so they open that way every time?
Windows doesn’t natively support that, but some third-party apps or scripting tools can remember window sizes and restore them on launch. Think of it as a workaround more than a built-in feature.
Will these tricks work on earlier Windows versions?
A good chunk, yes. Especially Win10, but some steps may vary. For example, the menu from Alt + Space is pretty universal, but certain behaviors might differ slightly.
Summary
- Press Alt + Space.
- Select ‘Size’ from the menu.
- Use arrow keys to resize.
- Hit Alt + Enter to lock in size.
- If that fails, try the Task Manager way to nudge things around.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Sometimes, Windows just refuses to play nice, but with these tricks, it’s not impossible to wrestle some control back. Good luck, and here’s to less frustration!