Have you ever opened a program in Windows 11 only to realize that its window cannot be resized? Maybe it’s too small, too big, or just not fitting your screen properly. Don’t worry—you’re not stuck! There are several ways to resize windows that seem fixed, using built-in tools, keyboard shortcuts, or third-party software.
In this guide, I’ll show you easy methods to resize any unresizable window in Windows 11.
Why Some Windows Cannot Be Resized
Some applications lock their window size due to:
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Older software design (legacy apps).
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Fixed interface by the developer.
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Full-screen mode restrictions.
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Custom UI frameworks that override Windows’ normal resizing behavior.
Even if it looks fixed, Windows has tricks to adjust the size.
Method 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts (Alt + Space + Size)
This is a built-in Windows trick that works on most unresizable windows.
Steps:
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Click the window you want to resize.
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Press Alt + Space → opens the window menu.
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Press S → selects Size.
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Use arrow keys to adjust the window edges.
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Press Enter to apply changes.
👉 This method works even if the resize handles aren’t visible.
Method 2: Use Windows Snap Feature
Windows 11’s Snap Layouts let you quickly resize windows to preset portions of the screen.
Steps:
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Hover over the maximize button (top-right corner).
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Choose a Snap layout from the options.
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Select a section of the screen for your window.
⚡ Tip: Press Win + Left/Right arrow to snap the window to half the screen instantly.
Method 3: Change Display Scaling
Sometimes windows appear unresizable due to high DPI or display scaling.
Steps:
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Right-click on your desktop → Display settings.
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Scroll to Scale & layout → Scale.
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Change the scaling to 100% or 125%.
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Restart the app and try resizing again.
👉 This often unlocks hidden resizing options in older apps.
Method 4: Resize Through Compatibility Settings
Older apps sometimes need compatibility tweaks to allow resizing.
Steps:
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Right-click the program → Properties.
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Go to Compatibility tab.
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Check Disable display scaling on high DPI settings.
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Click Apply → OK.
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Relaunch the app and try resizing.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools
If built-in methods fail, third-party software can help:
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Sizer → lets you set custom window dimensions.
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AltDrag → allows free resizing by holding Alt + dragging anywhere in the window.
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AquaSnap → advanced snapping and resizing tool.
⚠️ Download only from trusted sources.
Tips for Resizing Unresizable Windows
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Use Alt + Space for almost every app.
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Combine Snap layouts + keyboard shortcuts for quick adjustments.
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For legacy software, update or use third-party tools.
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Consider virtual desktops if space is limited.
Pros and Cons of Resizing Unresizable Windows
✅ Pros
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Makes older apps usable on modern screens.
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Improves multitasking and workspace efficiency.
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Works with built-in Windows tools or free software.
❌ Cons
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Some apps may break if forced to resize.
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Third-party tools may introduce bugs or require admin rights.
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Snap layouts are limited to certain aspect ratios.
Conclusion
Even if a window in Windows 11 looks unresizable, you have multiple ways to adjust it.
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Use Alt + Space + S for built-in resizing.
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Snap windows with Snap Layouts for quick fixes.
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Tweak display scaling or compatibility settings for older apps.
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Use third-party tools for advanced control.
With these methods, every window can fit your screen perfectly and improve your workflow.
FAQs
1. Can all unresizable windows be resized?
Most can, but some apps with fixed layouts may not respond to any method.
2. Does using third-party tools harm my system?
Not if you download from trusted sources like official websites.
3. Can I resize a maximized window with Alt + Space?
Yes, press Alt + Space → Restore → Size → Arrows.
4. Why does high DPI affect window resizing?
Older apps may not scale properly on modern high-resolution screens.
5. Is there a way to permanently force all windows to be resizable?
No universal method exists, but third-party tools like Sizer or AltDrag are the closest solution.