The fastest way to go full screen on most programs

Press F11 on your keyboard. This is the standard full-screen shortcut on Windows and works in most web browsers, media players, and applications. The menu bar and taskbar disappear, and your content takes up the entire display.

If F11 does not work, try Alt + Enter. This combination toggles full screen in many games, video players, and older software. Hold Alt and press Enter once; press it again to exit full screen.

Some programs use their own buttons instead. Look for a square icon or four arrows pointing outward in the top right corner of the window. Click it to expand to full screen. Click again to return to windowed mode.

Key Takeaways

  • F11 is the universal full-screen shortcut for browsers and most applications on Windows.
  • Alt + Enter works in games, video players, and programs that do not respond to F11.
  • Some applications have their own full-screen button in the menu or toolbar; look for a square or expanding-arrows icon.
  • Pressing the same key or button again exits full screen and returns to windowed mode.
  • If none of these work, right-click the window title bar or check the View menu for a full-screen option.

Full screen in web browsers

In Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, press F11 to hide the address bar, tabs, and bookmarks. The webpage expands to fill your entire screen. Press F11 again to bring back the browser interface.

If you want to hide only the browser menu but keep tabs visible, press F12 to open developer tools, then press F12 again to close them. This is less common but useful if you need to see the full page without losing the tab bar.

Some browsers also let you right-click the page and look for a "View" or "Fullscreen" option in the context menu, though this is less reliable than using the keyboard shortcut.

Full screen in video and media players

In Windows Media Player, VLC, and most video software, press F to toggle full screen. This is different from F11 and is the standard for media playback. Press F again to return to the normal window.

You can also double-click the video itself to go full screen, then double-click again to exit. This works in YouTube, Netflix, and most streaming services when you are watching in a browser.

If you are using a media player and neither F nor double-clicking works, look for a full-screen icon (usually a square or four corners) in the player controls at the bottom of the video.

Full screen in games

Most games let you toggle full screen with Alt + Enter. This is the most common shortcut for gaming. Some games also have a full-screen option in their settings menu under Graphics or Display.

If Alt + Enter does not work, check the game's settings before you start playing. Look for a Graphics, Display, or Video tab and find a checkbox or dropdown that says "Full Screen" or "Windowed Mode." Change it and restart the game.

Running a game in full screen usually improves performance because your PC does not have to render the desktop or other windows behind it. If your game is running slowly, switching to full screen may help.

Exiting full screen and troubleshooting

To exit full screen, press the same key you used to enter it. If you pressed F11, press F11 again. If you pressed Alt + Enter, press Alt + Enter again. If you clicked a button, click it once more.

If you are stuck in full screen and cannot exit, try pressing Escape. This works in many applications and will return you to windowed mode. If Escape does not work, try Alt + Tab to switch to another window, then switch back.

If a program goes full screen unexpectedly and you cannot get out, restart the process. Close it completely and open it again; it should return to its normal window size. You can then adjust the window settings before opening your content again.

Fullscreen vs. maximized: what is the difference

Full screen hides everything except your content — the taskbar, menu bar, and all other windows disappear. Maximized only makes the window as large as possible while keeping the taskbar visible at the bottom.

To maximize a window instead of going full screen, double-click the title bar at the top of the window, or click the maximize button (the middle square icon in the top right corner). This is useful if you want to see the taskbar or need to switch between programs quickly.

Full screen is better for watching videos or playing games because it removes distractions and uses your entire display. Maximized is better for work because you can still see the time, volume, and taskbar icons without leaving the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does F11 not work on my PC?

Some keyboards and programs override F11 for other functions. Try Alt + Enter instead, or look for a full-screen button in the process menu. If neither works, check the program's settings or help menu for the correct shortcut.

Can I make only one monitor full screen if I have two?

Yes. Full screen will expand to whichever monitor the window is currently on. Move the window to the monitor you want, then press F11 or Alt + Enter. The other monitor will remain unchanged.

Does full screen improve game performance?

Usually yes. Full screen prevents your PC from rendering the desktop and other windows, which frees up graphics power for the game. If your game is running slowly, try switching from windowed to full screen mode.

How do I exit full screen if the keyboard shortcuts do not work?

Press Escape, which exits full screen in most applications. If that fails, try Alt + Tab to switch windows, then switch back. As a last resort, close the process and reopen it.

Is there a difference between full screen and borderless windowed mode?

Yes. Full screen hides the taskbar and all other windows. Borderless windowed mode removes the window frame but keeps the taskbar visible and lets you switch between windows more easily. Some games offer borderless windowed as a separate option in settings.