How to Go Full Screen on Windows 11 (Simple Guide)

Switching to full-screen mode on Windows 11 can transform your experience, whether you’re working on a project, gaming, or streaming your favorite show. This feature eliminates distractions like taskbars and borders, giving you maximum screen real estate.

While it’s a simple process, the steps can vary depending on what you’re using—apps, browsers, or games. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, practical ways to go full screen on Windows 11, ensuring you can master it no matter the task.

1. Use the F11 Key for Browsers

For web browsing in apps like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox, the F11 key is your go-to shortcut:

1. Open your browser and navigate to any webpage.
2. Press F11 on your keyboard.
3. The browser will expand to full screen, hiding tabs and the taskbar.
4. Press F11 again to exit full-screen mode.

Tip: If F11 doesn’t work, your keyboard might require the Fn key (e.g., Fn + F11). Check your device’s manual or try it out.

2. Maximize Apps with the Full-Screen Button

Most Windows 11 apps and programs have a built-in full-screen option:

1. Open the app (e.g., Notepad, Microsoft Word, or Paint).
2. Look at the top-right corner of the window for three buttons: minimize (-), maximize/restore (□), and close (x).
3. Click the maximize/restore button (□). If it’s already maximized, it’ll toggle to a smaller window—click it again to go full screen.
4. To exit, click the same button or press Alt + F4 to close the app entirely.

This method stretches the app across your screen but may still show the taskbar—more on hiding that later.

3. Enable Full-Screen Mode in Settings for Specific Apps

Some modern Windows 11 apps, like the Photos app or Microsoft Store apps, offer a dedicated full-screen toggle:

• Photos App:
  1. Open an image in the Photos app.
  2. Click the full-screen icon (a diagonal arrow or square) in the top-right corner.
  3. Press Esc or click the icon again to exit.
• Microsoft Store Apps:
  1. Look for a full-screen button (often a square or arrow) within the app’s interface.
  2. Toggle it on to expand the app.

Check each app’s toolbar or settings for this feature—it varies by design.

4. Go Full Screen in Video Players

Watching videos in full screen is a breeze with media players:

• Windows Media Player:
  1. Play a video.
  2. Right-click the video and select Full screen, or press Alt + Enter.
  3. Press Esc to return to normal view.
• VLC Media Player:
  1. Open a video in VLC.
  2. Press F or double-click the video to go full screen.
  3. Press F or Esc to exit.

These shortcuts make movie nights or presentations more immersive.

5. Full Screen for Games

Most games on Windows 11 automatically launch in full-screen mode, but you can adjust settings if needed:

1. Open the game and go to its Settings or Options menu (usually under Graphics or Display).
2. Look for Display Mode or Screen Mode and select Full Screen (versus Windowed or Borderless).
3. Save changes and restart the game if required.

For Steam games, right-click the title in your library, select Properties, and add -fullscreen to the launch options for a forced full-screen start.

6. Hide the Taskbar in Full-Screen Mode

If the taskbar lingers in full-screen apps or videos, tweak this setting:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Personalization > Taskbar.
3. Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.
4. Check Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode and tablet mode (if applicable).
5. The taskbar will now vanish in full-screen scenarios, reappearing when you hover near the bottom.

This ensures a truly distraction-free view.

7. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Universal Control

Windows 11 offers handy shortcuts for managing full-screen windows:

• Win + Up Arrow: Maximizes the active window (close to full screen).
• Win + Down Arrow: Restores or minimizes it.
• Alt + Enter: Toggles full screen in supported apps (e.g., media players or emulators).

Experiment with these to find what works best for your workflow.

Final Thoughts

Going full screen on Windows 11 is a versatile skill that enhances everything from productivity to entertainment. Whether you’re tapping F11 in a browser, tweaking game settings, or hiding the taskbar, these methods give you control over your display.

Mastering full-screen mode means fewer distractions and a more engaging experience tailored to your needs. For more tips, check out communities like Reddit’s r/Windows11 or Microsoft’s Windows Insider Blog.