How To Restore Full Screen On Windows 10

When an application opens in a window instead of full screen, restoring full screen mode in Windows 10 usually requires a simple keyboard shortcut. Knowing How To Restore Full Screen On Windows 10 can save you from frustration when a game, video, or browser refuses to cooperate. This guide covers every method, from quick keys to settings tweaks, so you can get back to a maximized view fast.

Many users encounter this issue after an update or when an app crashes. The good news is that most solutions take only seconds. Whether you are using a laptop, desktop, or tablet, these steps will work across different hardware configurations.

Common Reasons Why Full Screen Stops Working

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why the problem occurs. Often, a simple glitch or a changed setting is the culprit. Here are the most frequent causes:

Accidental pressing of the F11 key or Windows key
Graphics driver issues after a Windows update
App-specific settings that override full screen mode
Multiple monitor configurations confusing the display
Background processes interfering with the active window

Identifying the root cause can guide you to the fastest solution. But if you just want to restore full screen now, jump to the methods below.

This is the core section of our guide. We will walk through every reliable method to restore full screen on your Windows 10 device. Follow the steps in order, starting with the simplest.

Method 1: Use The F11 Keyboard Shortcut

The most common way to toggle full screen in Windows 10 is pressing the F11 key. This works in most browsers, file explorers, and many apps. Here is how:

Click on the window that is not full screen to make it active.
Press the F11 key on your keyboard.
If nothing happens, try holding the Fn key while pressing F11 (common on laptops).
The window should expand to fill the entire screen.

If F11 does not work, your keyboard might have a different function key mapping. Check for a key with a square icon or two diagonal arrows. That is often the full screen toggle.

Method 2: Use The Windows + Shift + Enter Shortcut

For some apps, especially games or media players, the Windows + Shift + Enter shortcut forces full screen mode. This combination works with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and some desktop programs.

Select the window you want to make full screen.
Press and hold the Windows key and the Shift key simultaneously.
While holding those, press the Enter key.
Release all keys. The app should now be full screen.

This shortcut is less known but highly effective for apps that do not respond to F11. It is worth trying before moving to more complex solutions.

Method 3: Adjust Display Settings

Sometimes the issue is not the app but the display resolution or scaling. If full screen looks stretched or has black bars, adjust these settings:

Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
Under Scale and layout, ensure the recommended scaling percentage is selected (usually 100%, 125%, or 150%).
Scroll down to Display resolution and select the recommended resolution (marked as “Recommended”).
Click Keep changes if prompted.
Now try the F11 shortcut again in your app.

Incorrect resolution is a common cause of apps not filling the screen. Matching your monitor’s native resolution usually fixes this.

Method 4: Use The App’s Own Full Screen Button

Many applications have a built-in full screen toggle. Look for these common indicators:

A square icon in the top-right corner of the window (next to the minimize and close buttons)
A “Full screen” option in the View or Settings menu
Right-clicking on the video or game area and selecting “Full screen”
A dedicated button in the toolbar (often two diagonal arrows)

For example, in VLC media player, you can double-click the video or press F11. In YouTube, click the full screen icon in the player controls. Always check the app’s interface first.

Method 5: Restart The Application

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that prevent full screen. Follow these steps:

Close the application completely. Do not just minimize it.
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
If the app is still running, select it and click End task.
Reopen the application and try the full screen shortcut again.

This clears any memory issues or stuck states. It is a quick fix that works surprisingly often.

Method 6: Update Or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause full screen problems. Here is how to update them:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your graphics card (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon) and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows finds an update, follow the prompts to install it.
Restart your computer.

If updating does not help, try uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it. In Device Manager, right-click the graphics card and select Uninstall device. Then restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

Method 7: Check For Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix display and app compatibility issues. To check for updates:

Open Settings (Windows + I).
Go to Update & Security.
Click Check for updates.
If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

After updating, test the full screen function again. Many users report that a cumulative update resolves their full screen problems.

Method 8: Disable Full Screen Optimizations

Windows 10 includes a feature called full screen optimizations that can interfere with some games and apps. Disabling it might help:

Right-click the shortcut or executable file of the problematic app.
Select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box that says Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply and then OK.
Launch the app and try full screen again.

This setting overrides Windows’ built-in optimization, which sometimes causes black screens or border issues.

Method 9: Use Alt + Enter For Games

Many PC games use the Alt + Enter shortcut to toggle between windowed and full screen modes. This is a standard in the gaming world. Try it if you are playing a game:

Make sure the game window is active.
Press Alt + Enter simultaneously.
The game should switch to full screen or back to windowed mode.

If this does not work, check the game’s graphics settings. Some games have a dedicated “Full screen” option in the video menu that you need to select manually.

Method 10: Run The App In Compatibility Mode

Older applications may not work well with Windows 10’s full screen features. Running them in compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version can help:

Right-click the app’s shortcut or .exe file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
Select an older Windows version, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Click Apply and then OK.
Launch the app and test full screen.

This trick often resolves issues with legacy software that expects different display behavior.

Method 11: Adjust Registry Settings (Advanced)

For advanced users, a registry tweak can force full screen behavior. Be careful, as incorrect changes can cause system issues. Back up your registry first.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Look for a value named FullScreen or ForceFullScreen. If it does not exist, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ForceFullScreen.
Double-click the new value and set it to 1.
Click OK and restart your computer.

This forces most applications to open in full screen. If you encounter issues, set the value back to 0 or delete the entry.

Method 12: Use Third-Party Tools

If all else fails, third-party utilities can help manage full screen behavior. Tools like AutoHotkey or DisplayFusion allow you to create custom shortcuts or force full screen on stubborn apps. However, these are last-resort options and may require some setup.

For most users, the built-in methods above will suffice. Only consider third-party tools if you have a specific app that consistently refuses full screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Windows 10 App Not Go Full Screen?

This can happen due to outdated drivers, incorrect display settings, or a glitch in the app itself. Try restarting the app, updating your graphics driver, or using the F11 shortcut first. If the problem persists, check the app’s own settings for a full screen option.

How Do I Force A Game To Full Screen On Windows 10?

Most games support Alt + Enter to toggle full screen. You can also go into the game’s video settings and select “Full screen” from the display mode dropdown. If the game still appears windowed, try disabling full screen optimizations in the game’s properties.

What Is The Shortcut To Exit Full Screen In Windows 10?

The same shortcuts that enter full screen also exit it. Press F11, Windows + Shift + Enter, or Alt + Enter (in games) to return to windowed mode. You can also press the Esc key in some apps.

Can A Virus Cause Full Screen Issues On Windows 10?

While rare, malware can interfere with display settings. If you suspect an infection, run a full scan with Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program. However, most full screen problems are due to software glitches or driver issues.

How Do I Fix Full Screen Not Working In My Browser?

First, try F11. If that does not work, clear your browser cache and cookies. You can also reset the browser settings to default. For Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up. For Edge, go to Settings > Reset settings.

Final Tips For Maintaining Full Screen Functionality

To avoid future full screen problems, keep your system updated. Regularly check for Windows updates and graphics driver updates. Also, avoid installing unnecessary toolbars or extensions that might interfere with display behavior.

If you use multiple monitors, ensure your display settings are configured correctly. Sometimes, dragging an app to the wrong monitor can cause full screen to act oddly. Set your primary monitor correctly in Display settings.

Lastly, remember that not all apps support full screen mode. Some legacy applications are designed to run only in a window. In such cases, you may need to accept the limitation or find an alternative program.

With these methods, you should be able to restore full screen on Windows 10 quickly and easily. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way through the list. Most users find success with the first few steps. If you encounter persistent issues, the advanced methods like registry tweaks or driver updates will likely resolve them.