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Mar 21, 2024 · Do you want to switch between apps, go to your desktop, or just make your screen look neater in a snap? Full-screen keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 can help you do just that! This quick guide will show you how to use these shortcuts easily and effectively.
Mar 19, 2024 · Step 1: Use the F11 Key. Press the F11 key on your keyboard. When you press the F11 key, the window you’re currently using will go full screen. It’s a quick and easy shortcut that works in most applications, including web browsers and file explorers. Step 2: Use the Windows Key + Up Arrow. Hold down the Windows key and press the Up arrow.
- Overview
- Use Windows 11 Full Screen Keyboard Shortcut
- Press the Full Screen Button
- Hide Menus to Mimic Full Screen
- Hide the Taskbar for More Space
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This article explains how to go full-screen on Windows 11. Some methods are better than others, depending on the context.
If you plan to go full screen often, remembering just one Windows keyboard shortcut will most likely get you there: F11. You'll find that key on the top row of the keyboard.
With the app you want to use in full screen, open and in focus (select the window to focus on it), press F11 once to go into full-screen mode. Press it again to exit full-screen mode and go back to normal mode.
F11 works in web browsers, Microsoft Store apps, Microsoft 365 programs, and some parts of Windows (e.g., File Explorer, Command Prompt, and Control Panel). Some third-party programs will also trigger full-screen mode when that key is pressed.
Alt + Enter is another full-screen shortcut you can use while playing games or working in Terminal.
The F11 keyboard shortcut is the easiest way to trigger full-screen mode, but it doesn't work for everything. If an app doesn't respond to the full-screen shortcut, the next best option is to look for a dedicated button.
For example, if you're viewing widgets in Windows 11, use the expand button to make the panel take up the whole screen.
Video streaming websites like YouTube and Netflix have their full-screen button. F11 still works to trim up unnecessary parts of the web browser, but the best way to watch a video in full screen is to press that button.
This works the same way on all websites. To use YouTube as an example, pause the video or run your mouse over it so you can see the menu, and then press the square on the bottom right. The F key works here, too.
All web browsers have full-screen functionality as well. This is useful to hide the navigation bar and bookmarks that usually sit above the web page. It also hides the Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
If you're using Chrome, press the three-dot menu button at the top right of the program; the full-screen button is on the Zoom line. Although their buttons look slightly different, full-screen mode in Firefox, Edge, and Opera, all work the same way.
Some programs don't support full-screen mode. If F11 doesn't work, another option is to hide various elements on the screen so that the app can expand as much as possible.
Google Sheets (and Docs, etc.) is a good example. Pressing the small arrow on the formatting bar will hide everything above it, including the menu bar and share options. Some other options are View > Show > Formula bar to disable the formula bar and View > Full screen to hide everything but the spreadsheet area (press Esc to close it).
If you have Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Office), one trick to free up some space is to auto-hide the Ribbon or show just the Ribbon tabs. This is a great idea if you have a small screen, need more working space, and still need access to the menu.
Select the Ribbon Display Options button near the top right of the Microsoft 365 program to see your options.
If you need even more screen real estate, you can hide the Windows 11 taskbar. The taskbar sits at the bottom of the screen, and while it might appear to be stuck there, you can minimize it to give your apps more room.
If F11 works, it will also hide the taskbar, but if your app doesn't support full-screen mode, then shrinking the taskbar will give you more space. Whenever you need to access the hidden taskbar, just run the mouse over that area or press the Windows key.
You can maximize most windows without going full screen. If your web browser, for example, isn't big enough to comfortably use, select the box in the upper-right corner near the X/close button.
How to Split a Screen With Snap Layout in Windows 11
Apr 1, 2024 · Press and hold the ‘Alt’ key, then press the ‘Enter’ key. This keyboard shortcut is a universal command for toggling full screen in many applications. It works with most media players and some other programs as well.
Dec 4, 2023 · Windows key + Home: Minimize or maximize all but the active desktop window. Windows key + Shift + Up arrow key: Stretch desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Apr 15, 2024 · Press the F11 key on your keyboard to enter full screen mode. The F11 key is the universal shortcut for full screen in most applications on Windows 11. If this doesn’t work, you may need to check the specific app for its full-screen command.
Jul 5, 2023 · Windows 11 Full Screen Shortcut: F11 or “Fn+ F11” Microsoft Store Apps Shortcut: Windows + Shift + Enter. Classic Windows Apps: Alt + Enter. Apart from that, apps installed from the Microsoft Store can go full screen by using the “ Windows + Shift + Enter ” keyboard shortcut.
