In Windows 11, making an application or window full screen can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or working on an important project, switching to full screen mode is straightforward. Simply follow a few easy steps and you’ll be able to enjoy a clutter-free display.
How to Make Full Screen on Windows 11
This guide will walk you through the steps to make any application or window full screen on Windows 11. We’ll cover both keyboard shortcuts and manual methods.
Step 1: Open the Application
First, open the application or window you want to make full screen.
This might be your browser, a video player, or any other software. Make sure it’s active and visible on your screen.
Step 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
Press the F11 key on your keyboard.
This is the quickest way to make your current application full screen. Not all applications support this shortcut, but many popular ones do.
Step 3: Manual Method Using the Maximize Button
Click the Maximize button in the upper-right corner of the window.
If the F11 shortcut doesn’t work, you can still manually maximize the window by clicking the square icon next to the close (X) button. This won’t make it completely full screen, but it will maximize the window to take up most of the screen.
Step 4: Full Screen Mode for Browsers
For web browsers, press F11 or use the browser’s menu options to enter full screen.
Most web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge support the F11 shortcut. You can also find a full screen option in the browser’s settings menu, usually under ‘View’ or a similar tab.
Step 5: Exit Full Screen Mode
To exit full screen, press F11 again or use the Esc key.
This will bring you back to the normal windowed mode, allowing you to access your taskbar and other open applications.
Once you complete these steps, your chosen application or window should now be in full screen mode. This will provide a distraction-free environment, perfect for focusing on your task at hand.
Tips for Making Full Screen on Windows 11
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts like F11 to quickly switch to full screen.
- Application Limitations: Not all applications support full screen mode with F11. Check the application’s settings for alternative options.
- Multiple Monitors: If you’re using multiple monitors, dragging the window to the desired monitor and then using full screen can be helpful.
- Taskbar Visibility: Even in full screen, you can make the taskbar appear temporarily by moving your cursor to the bottom of the screen.
- Exit Strategies: Always remember that pressing F11 again or the Esc key can quickly exit full screen mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a YouTube video full screen on Windows 11?
Press the F key while the video is playing. This is a shortcut within YouTube to toggle full screen mode.
What if my F11 key doesn’t work?
Check if your keyboard has an Fn key. You may need to press Fn + F11 to activate the full screen mode.
Can I make a game full screen?
Yes, most games have an option to go full screen in their settings menu. You can also try Alt + Enter as a universal shortcut.
Is there a way to make full screen the default?
This depends on the application. Some apps allow you to set full screen as default in their settings, but this isn’t a universal Windows 11 feature.
How do I make my browser full screen by default?
In browsers like Chrome, you can use extensions or settings to launch in full screen mode, but this will usually require additional steps or software.
Summary of Steps
- Open the application.
- Press F11.
- Click the Maximize button if F11 doesn’t work.
- Use browser menu options for full screen.
- Press F11 or Esc to exit full screen.
Conclusion
Making an application or window full screen on Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming a movie, diving into a game, or focusing on work, full screen mode removes distractions and maximizes your screen real estate.
Remember, using the F11 key is usually the fastest method, but don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work for every application. There are always alternative methods, like using the Maximize button or exploring the application’s own settings.
If you’re new to Windows 11 or just looking to make the most out of your applications, learning how to switch to full screen mode is a great skill to have. For more tips and tricks on navigating Windows 11, consider exploring other tutorials or reaching out to online communities. Happy computing!
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.