Sometimes, you might find yourself in full screen mode on Windows 11 and wonder how to get back to your regular view. It’s pretty simple: you just need to press a specific key or use your mouse to access the window controls. Here’s a quick rundown: press the “F11” key or the “Esc” key, or simply move your cursor to the top edge of the screen and click the window restore button that appears.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Exit Full Screen Windows 11
In this tutorial, you’ll learn the exact steps to exit full screen mode on Windows 11, whether you’re using a keyboard shortcut or your mouse.
Step 1: Press “F11”
Press the “F11” key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode.
The “F11” key is a universal shortcut for toggling full screen mode on and off in most browsers and some applications. It’s quick and usually the easiest method.
Step 2: Press the “Esc” Key
Press the “Esc” key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode.
The “Esc” key, short for Escape, is another universal key that can help you get out of full screen mode, especially in video players and some apps.
Step 3: Move Your Mouse to the Top Edge of the Screen
Move your cursor to the very top edge of the screen to reveal the window controls.
When you move your mouse to the top, the minimize, maximize, and close buttons should appear. Click the “Restore Down” button (the middle one) to exit full screen.
Step 4: Use Task Manager
Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open Task Manager, then right-click the app and select “End Task.”
This method is a bit more drastic, but if you’re stuck in full screen mode, ending the task will close the application, allowing you to reopen it in windowed mode.
Step 5: Use the App’s Menu
Click on the app’s menu (usually three dots or lines) and select the option to exit full screen.
Many apps have their own options within their menus to exit full screen mode. Look for options like “Exit Full Screen” or “Restore.”
Once you complete these actions, you should find yourself back in windowed mode, making it easier to multitask and navigate through different applications.
Tips for How to Exit Full Screen Windows 11
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with common shortcuts like “F11” and “Esc” as they are universally recognized.
- Know Your App: Different apps might have unique ways to exit full screen, so checking the app’s menu can be useful.
- Use Task Manager Sparingly: Ending a task should be your last resort as it closes the application completely.
- Learn Mouse Tricks: Moving your mouse to the top edge is useful in many full screen applications.
- Check System Settings: Sometimes, full screen issues can be resolved by checking the display settings in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these steps in all applications?
Yes, most applications support these methods, but some might have their unique ways to exit full screen. Always check the app’s menu if in doubt.
What if “F11” doesn’t work?
If “F11” doesn’t work, try the “Esc” key or move your mouse to the top edge of the screen to find the window controls.
Is there a way to prevent applications from opening in full screen?
Yes, check the settings of the specific application. Many apps allow you to set the default window size.
Will ending a task in Task Manager cause any issues?
Ending a task will close the application, potentially causing you to lose unsaved work. Use this method only when necessary.
Can I customize the keys for exiting full screen?
Some applications allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts. Check the application’s settings or preferences.
Summary
- Press “F11”.
- Press the “Esc” key.
- Move your mouse to the top edge of the screen.
- Use Task Manager.
- Use the app’s menu.
Conclusion
Exiting full screen mode on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know the right steps. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts like “F11” or “Esc,” moving your mouse to access window controls, or even using Task Manager as a last resort, these methods will help you get back to your regular view quickly. Knowing these tricks can save you time and reduce frustration, especially when you’re multitasking or need to switch between different applications.
It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with these functions, as different apps might behave slightly differently. So next time you find yourself stuck in full screen mode, you’ll know exactly what to do. If you’re looking for more Windows 11 tips, keep exploring to make the most out of your experience with this new operating system.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.