How To Make Full Screen On Windows 10

Going full screen on Windows 10 can be done quickly by pressing the F11 key. If you want to know how to make full screen on windows 10 for different apps, browsers, or games, this guide covers every method step by step. Whether you are using a laptop, desktop, or tablet, these tips will help you maximize your viewing area instantly.

Many users struggle with accidentally exiting full screen mode or not knowing the correct shortcut. This article explains all the ways to enter and exit full screen mode across various programs. You will learn keyboard shortcuts, mouse tricks, and settings adjustments for a seamless experience.

Full screen mode removes the taskbar, title bar, and other interface elements. This gives you more space for work, gaming, or watching videos. The method varies depending on what you are using—a web browser, a video player, a game, or a document editor.

Below are the most common scenarios and their solutions. Each section includes step-by-step instructions so you can apply them right away.

Using The F11 Keyboard Shortcut

The F11 key is the universal shortcut for full screen in most Windows 10 applications. It works in browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, as well as in file explorers and some media players.

Press the F11 key on your keyboard to toggle full screen mode on or off.
If F11 does not work, check if your keyboard has a function lock (Fn) key. You might need to press Fn + F11 instead.
On some laptops, the F11 key is shared with other functions like volume control. Hold the Fn key while pressing F11 to activate it.

This method is the fastest and most reliable for most users. It works in almost every Windows 10 environment.

Full Screen In Web Browsers

Browsers are the most common place where you need full screen. Here is how to do it for the top three browsers on Windows 10.

Google Chrome

Open Chrome and go to any webpage.
Press F11 on your keyboard.
Alternatively, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Look for the full screen icon (a square with two arrows) next to the zoom controls. Click it.
To exit, press F11 again or move your mouse to the top of the screen and click the X that appears.

Microsoft Edge

Launch Edge and navigate to a site.
Press F11 to enter full screen.
You can also click the three-dot menu (Settings and more) and select the full screen icon.
Exit by pressing F11 or hovering at the top edge and clicking the exit button.

Mozilla Firefox

Open Firefox and load a webpage.
Press F11 for full screen.
Another way: right-click an empty area on the page and choose “Full Screen” from the context menu.
To leave full screen, press F11 or move your cursor to the top and click the close icon.

All browsers also support the F11 key. If you prefer mouse clicks, the menu option is always available.

Full Screen In Video Players And Streaming Services

Watching movies or YouTube videos often requires full screen. Most media players have dedicated buttons for this.

YouTube And Online Videos

While a video is playing, click the full screen icon (a square in the bottom-right corner of the player).
Press the F key on your keyboard to toggle full screen mode.
Press Esc to exit full screen without using the mouse.

Windows Media Player

Open a video in Windows Media Player.
Press Alt + Enter to switch to full screen.
You can also right-click the video and select “Full Screen” from the menu.
To exit, press Alt + Enter again or press Esc.

VLC Media Player

Start playing a video in VLC.
Double-click the video window to toggle full screen.
Press F on your keyboard for full screen.
Use the full screen icon in the bottom toolbar.
Exit by double-clicking again or pressing Esc.

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have their own full screen buttons. Look for the square icon in the player controls.

Full Screen In Games

Games often have their own full screen settings. Most modern games support borderless windowed mode or exclusive full screen.

Open the game and go to the Settings or Options menu.
Look for a Display or Graphics section.
Find the “Full Screen” option and select it.
Some games use Alt + Enter to toggle full screen mode.
If the game does not have a setting, try pressing F11 or Alt + Enter.

For older games, you might need to edit configuration files. Check the game’s community forums for specific instructions.

Full Screen In Microsoft Office Apps

Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have a full screen mode for presentations and reading.

PowerPoint

Press F5 to start the slideshow from the beginning.
Press Shift + F5 to start from the current slide.
Press Esc to exit the slideshow.

Word And Excel

Open a document or spreadsheet.
Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
Click Full Screen (if available) or Read Mode in Word.
In Excel, you can press Ctrl + Shift + F1 to hide the ribbon and maximize space.
Press Esc to exit full screen mode.

Office apps may not have a true full screen mode like browsers. Use Read Mode for a distraction-free experience.

Full Screen In File Explorer

File Explorer does not have a native full screen mode, but you can maximize the window and hide the ribbon.

Open File Explorer.
Press F11 to toggle a full screen-like view (this works in some Windows 10 versions).
If F11 does not work, click the maximize button in the top-right corner.
To hide the ribbon, press Ctrl + F1.
Use Alt + Up Arrow to navigate folders quickly.

For a true full screen experience in File Explorer, consider third-party tools like QTTabBar or Explorer++.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts For Full Screen

Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to enter full screen mode. Here is a summary of the most useful ones.

F11 – Toggle full screen in browsers, file explorer, and some apps.
Alt + Enter – Full screen in media players and some games.
F – Full screen in YouTube, VLC, and many video players.
Esc – Exit full screen mode in most applications.
Windows + Shift + Enter – Full screen for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.

Memorize these shortcuts to save time. They work across many programs and reduce the need for mouse clicks.

Troubleshooting Full Screen Issues

Sometimes full screen mode does not work as expected. Here are common problems and fixes.

F11 Key Not Working

Check if your keyboard has a function lock key. Press Fn + F11 instead.
Update your keyboard drivers from the Device Manager.
Try a different browser or app to see if the issue is specific to one program.
Restart your computer to clear any temporary glitches.

Full Screen Mode Exits Unexpectedly

Disable notifications that might pop up and interrupt full screen.
Check for background apps that steal focus, like updaters or chat programs.
In games, enable “exclusive full screen” instead of “borderless windowed” mode.
Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Taskbar Still Visible In Full Screen

Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.”
Some apps do not support true full screen; try a different method like F11.
For browsers, check if an extension is causing the issue. Disable extensions one by one.

Full Screen Mode Not Available In An App

Check the app’s settings for a full screen option.
Some older apps do not support full screen. Use the maximize button instead.
Try running the app in compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version.
Search online for the specific app’s full screen shortcut.

Using Windows 10 Settings For Full Screen

Windows 10 has a built-in full screen mode for certain features like the Start menu and tablet mode.

Tablet Mode

Click the Action Center icon in the taskbar (speech bubble).
Click Tablet mode to enable it.
Apps will open in full screen by default.
To exit, click the Action Center again and turn off Tablet mode.

Focus Assist

Go to Settings > System > Focus assist.
Enable “Alarms only” or “Priority only” to block notifications during full screen.
This prevents interruptions while you are in full screen mode.

These settings enhance the full screen experience by reducing distractions.

Full Screen For Multiple Monitors

If you have two or more monitors, full screen mode works on the primary display by default. Here is how to manage it.

In games, select the correct monitor in the display settings.
For browsers, drag the window to the desired monitor before pressing F11.
Use Windows + Shift + Arrow Key to move a window to another monitor.
Some apps allow you to choose which monitor goes full screen in their settings.

If you want full screen on all monitors, look for “span” or “surround” options in games or graphics card software.

Third-Party Tools For Full Screen

Sometimes built-in methods are not enough. Third-party tools can force full screen on stubborn apps.

AutoHotkey – Create custom scripts to toggle full screen with any key.
Actual Window Manager – Adds full screen features to any window.
WindowTop – Lets you set any window to full screen with a click.
Borderless Gaming – Forces games to run in borderless full screen.

These tools are useful for apps that do not support native full screen mode. Download them from official sources only.

Full Screen In Virtual Machines

If you run Windows 10 inside a virtual machine (like VMware or VirtualBox), full screen works differently.

Install the guest additions or tools for your VM software.
Press Host key + F (usually Right Ctrl + F) to toggle full screen.
In VMware, press Ctrl + Alt + Enter.
Adjust the VM display settings to match your host resolution.

Without guest tools, full screen may not work correctly. Always install them first.

Full Screen In Command Line Tools

Command Prompt and PowerShell can also go full screen, though it is less common.

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Press Alt + Enter to toggle full screen mode.
Alternatively, right-click the title bar and select Properties.
Go to the Layout tab and set the window size to your screen resolution.

This is useful for developers or system administrators who work in the terminal.

Full Screen In Windows 10 For Accessibility

Windows 10 includes accessibility features that use full screen mode.

Magnifier – Press Windows + Plus to open. It can follow your mouse in full screen.
Narrator – Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to start. It reads text aloud in full screen.
High Contrast – Go to Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast. This changes colors but keeps full screen.

These tools help users with visual impairments use full screen effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Make Full Screen On Windows 10 Without F11?

If F11 does not work, try Alt + Enter for media players and games. For browsers, use the menu icon to find the full screen option. You can also use Windows + Shift + Enter for some apps.

Why Is My Full Screen Not Working In Windows 10?

Common reasons include outdated graphics drivers, keyboard function lock, or app-specific limitations. Update your drivers, check the Fn key, and try a different app to isolate the issue.

Can I Make Full Screen On Windows 10 For All Apps?

Not all apps support full screen mode. Browsers, video players, and games usually do. For other apps, use the maximize button or third-party tools like WindowTop to force full screen.

How Do I Exit Full Screen Mode In Windows 10?

Press F11, Esc, or Alt + Enter depending on the app. You can also move your mouse to the top of the screen and click the exit button that appears.

Does Windows 10 Have A Full Screen Shortcut For All Programs?

No, there is no universal shortcut. However, F11 works in many programs, and Alt + Enter works in media players and games. Check each app’s settings for specific shortcuts.

Full screen mode in Windows 10 is easy once you know the right methods. Use the F11 key for browsers, Alt + Enter for media, and game settings for gaming. If something does not work, troubleshoot with the tips above. With practice, you will switch between full screen and windowed mode in seconds.