ull-screen mode in Windows 11 helps you focus on just one app or task by hiding everything else—like the taskbar, window borders, or notifications. When full screen is active, the app takes up your entire screen space, giving you a cleaner and more immersive view.
You’ll often use full-screen mode in browsers, video players, games, or apps like File Explorer or Notepad. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or browsing the web, knowing how to enter and exit full-screen quickly can improve your experience.
What Is Full-Screen Mode in Windows 11?
Full-screen mode is different from simply maximizing a window. While maximizing keeps the taskbar and title bar visible, full-screen removes all extra borders and fills the screen completely.
This mode gives you more space and removes distractions. It’s great for focusing on videos, games, or presentations without pop-ups or system tools in view.
In Windows 11, many apps support full-screen. You can toggle it on and off using shortcuts or built-in settings in most programs.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Access
Windows 11 supports a few simple keyboard shortcuts to enter full-screen quickly. These keys work in different types of apps and make switching views easy.
- F11: Pressing F11 toggles full-screen in browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. It also works in apps like File Explorer and some basic programs.
- Alt + Enter: Useful in games or the command prompt. It switches from windowed mode to full-screen in many older or classic applications.
- Win + Shift + Enter: This shortcut may activate full-screen mode in certain UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps, depending on support.
These shortcuts are fast and don’t require changing any settings.
Full-Screen in Web Browsers
Most browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox support full-screen mode with just one key press.
To enter full-screen:
- Open your browser window
- Press F11 on your keyboard
- The address bar and tabs disappear, giving you a full view of the page
To exit, press F11 again or move your mouse to the top of the screen to bring back the window controls.
Remember, full-screen mode is different from zooming in. Zoom increases the size of the content, but full-screen hides the interface for distraction-free viewing.
Watching Videos in Full-Screen
Full-screen makes watching videos smoother and more engaging. Whether you’re streaming or watching offline, most video apps support it.
Examples include:
- Movies & TV app: Click the full-screen icon in the bottom-right of the player
- YouTube: Click the square icon on the video or press F
- VLC Media Player: Double-click the video or press F
- In many players, you can also press the spacebar to play/pause and tap the full-screen button to toggle the view
Most players allow exiting full-screen with Esc or the same full-screen icon.
Full-Screen in Games and Apps
Some games and apps support full-screen through special settings or shortcuts:
- Alt + Enter: Works in older games and apps like the command prompt
- Game Settings Menu: Modern games often include full-screen/windowed mode in video settings
- File Explorer and Notepad: Maximize the window, then auto-hide the taskbar in settings for a near full-screen effect
- Photos App: Double-click on an image or press F11 to enter full-screen mode
Full-screen in apps depends on how the software was built, but many now support it natively.
How to Exit Full-Screen Mode in Windows 11
Exiting full-screen is simple:
- Press Esc or F11
- Hover your mouse at the top to bring back window controls, then click the restore icon
- On touchscreens, swipe down from the top to exit
These steps work in most browsers, players, and basic apps.
Fix Full-Screen Not Working in Windows 11
If full-screen mode isn’t working as expected, try these quick fixes:
- Update your display drivers to support all display modes
- Check the app settings for full-screen or windowed options
- Turn off Snap Assist if it interferes with full-screen behavior
- Disable overlays like Xbox Game Bar, Discord, or screen recorders
Most of the time, a quick restart or checking shortcut keys solves the issue. Keeping your system and apps updated also helps avoid future problems.
Now you can enjoy a clearer, larger view across all your favorite apps on Windows 11. Whether it’s for focus, fun, or cleaner visuals, full-screen mode is just a shortcut away.