How To Go Full Screen On Windows 11 [7 Ways + Shortcut]

Using the full screen shortcut key in Windows 11 is the easiest way

by Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Managing Editor
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was... read more
Reviewed by Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • The Windows 11 full-screen mode will grant full outputs control and a better preview. 
  • We recommend using VirtualBox in full-screen mode.
  • Remember that this option it's not yet available for widgets, but their size is easily customizable.
  • You can also choose to go full screen on your default browser.
How to quickly go full screen in Windows 11

It is always a great idea to customize your work environment according to your own needs. Today, we’ll show you how to go full screen in Windows 11, so make sure you read this guide completely.

We will tell you about all the methods you have at your disposal, including the full screen shortcut key for Windows 11.

Many users complain about the default screen size of certain apps and/or features. Fortunately, the newest Microsoft OS allows you to maximize it in multiple ways.

How can I go full screen in Windows 11?

In order to go full screen on Windows 11, regardless of the app you are using, the easiest way to do it is with the full screen shortcut key, which is F11.

Simply press on it in order to open an app in full screen, and then toggle the mode off by pressing it again whenever you want to.

In this article

1. Use VirtualBox

  1. Open VirtualBox on Windows 11.
  2. From the top menu, click on View.
  3. Select the Full-screen Mode.
  4. Click on Switch.
Note icon NOTE
Keep in mind that you can also use the following keyboard shortcut to go on full screen: Ctrl + F.

2. Full screen Start menu in Windows 11

Unfortunately, unlike you were used to in Windows 10’s Start Menu, now you can not change the default height and width of it.

This feat is currently one size fits all with a visible group of pinned apps and also an area of recommended items that would most likely be recently used files, but sometimes other programs.

In the early builds of Windows 11, you were able to bring back the classic start menu. Unfortunately, now it is no longer possible.

So, there is no option to view Windows 11 Start Menu on full screen, even on touch devices. If you’re still not happy with the current appearance, we suggest rolling back from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

3. Full screen widgets in Windows 11

Microsoft producers say that you can also open the full-screen mode for Windows 11 widgets. However, it seems like they haven’t yet implemented this functionality.

But remember that you can quickly customize the size, by selecting the Settings options (marked as three dots) from your most wanted widget.

In case you find these features unnecessary, make sure you check how to disable widgets in Windows 11.

4. Full screen browsers in Windows 11

  1. Open the browser you need, then click on Settings and more options, usually marked as three dots.
  2. Look at the Zoom section, then click on the square heads icon.
  3. Now you’ll be able to see your browser on the full screen mode.

Expert tip:

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Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to missing or corrupted system files and repositories of your Windows.
Be sure to use a dedicated tool, such as Fortect, which will scan and replace your broken files with their fresh versions from its repository.

You can follow the same process for multiple browsers, like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox.

The easiest way to get your browser in or out of the full screen is by using the F11 key. Remember that it also allows you to switch certain networking or chat apps views.

5. Full screen File Explorer in Windows 11

You can get your Windows 11 File Explorer into the screen mode by pressing on the already mentioned key (F11). Getting back to the normal preview will require using the same key.

6. Full screen Microsoft Office in Windows 11

You can either use the following keyboard shortcut: Alt + V, followed by the U key, or click on the Toggle Full Screen View command at the top of the window.

If you’re not able to see the required command, make sure you keep on reading to find out how you can easily add it.

Note that these two options work only for Microsoft Word and Excel. If you need to get the PowerPoint full-screen, you’ll have to hit the F5 key.

7. Streaming apps full screen

While many users prefer using the Full-screen icon, keep in mind that you can also apply the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + Shift + Enter. It would be much less time-consuming.

However, there might be times when this feature is acting weird. To find more about it, make sure you check the section below.

What are the most common full screen issues?

The full-screen mode is a great feature that will simplify your daily work on Windows 11. However, you might notice random related problems. From what we found, these are the most common ones:

If you’re still wondering how the full-screen mode can help you, take a look at the section below and find some valuable reasons.

How does using full screen can help me?

  • A better view perspective – For enhanced clarity and minimal distraction, you might have to set your Windows 11 apps on full screen. This is a great way to keep focus during your daily activity.
  • More clear screenshots – Some of you may need to take specific screenshots, that will capture any desktop detail. It will definitely require the full screen mode, so this is another reason to learn how to quickly do it. Also, we recommend taking a look at some of the easiest methods to take a screenshot on Windows 11.
  • It hides specific details – If you choose to go full screen, unnecessary items will be hidden. So again, you’ll be able to focus on your main content.

Feel free to use this guide whenever you want to remember how to go full screen on Windows 11. Also, to get the best out of this feature, you should check our recommended articles.

If you have any questions on this topic, do not hesitate to notify us by leaving a comment in the dedicated section below.

Still experiencing issues?

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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

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