Running apps or games in full screen mode makes better use of your display, eliminates distractions, and often improves performance. But sometimes, apps in Windows 11 may launch in a windowed state, leaving black bars or failing to scale properly.
If you’re struggling with this, don’t worry — this guide will show you how to force full screen in Windows 11, whether it’s for games, browsers, or applications.
Key Takeaways
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Full screen provides an immersive experience by using the entire display area.
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You can force full screen using keyboard shortcuts, app settings, or graphics options.
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Windows 11 includes scaling and display settings to optimize full screen behavior.
Why Force Full Screen in Windows 11?
Some programs and games don’t automatically maximize or scale correctly. Common issues include:
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Games opening in windowed mode.
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Applications showing black bars around the screen.
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Browsers not using the entire display for media.
Forcing full screen ensures you’re getting the best visual experience on your PC.
Method 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows offers built-in shortcuts for quick full screen access.
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Alt + Enter → Works in many apps and games (especially older titles).
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F11 → Puts most browsers and some apps into full screen.
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Windows + Shift + Enter → Forces apps from windowed to full screen in some cases.
👉 These shortcuts are the fastest way to toggle full screen.
Method 2: Maximize Windows with the Title Bar
For standard applications:
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Open the program.
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Click the maximize button (square icon) in the top-right corner.
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Or double-click the title bar to maximize the window.
While this isn’t true “full screen,” it fills your display without borders.
Method 3: Force Full Screen in Games
If your game won’t go full screen:
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Launch the game.
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Look for Settings > Display/Graphics.
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Change Display Mode to:
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Full Screen (best performance).
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Borderless Windowed (smooth switching between apps).
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Windowed (not recommended for immersion).
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👉 Some games require restarting for changes to apply.
Method 4: Adjust Display Scaling in Windows 11
If apps aren’t covering your screen properly:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Display.
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Under Scale & layout, set Display resolution to the Recommended setting.
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Adjust Scale (100%, 125%, 150%) if text or apps look too small/large.
Method 5: Change Graphics Card Settings
Sometimes your GPU settings control how apps scale.
For NVIDIA users:
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Right-click desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel.
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Go to Display > Adjust desktop size and position.
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Under Scaling, choose Full-screen.
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Apply settings.
For AMD users:
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Right-click desktop > AMD Radeon Software.
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Go to Display > Scaling Mode.
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Select Full Panel to force full screen.
For Intel users:
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Open Intel Graphics Command Center.
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Go to Display > Scaling.
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Select Scale Full Screen.
Method 6: Force Full Screen in Web Browsers
When watching videos in browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox):
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Press F11 for browser full screen.
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For videos, click the fullscreen button on the player (YouTube, Netflix, etc.).
If video won’t fit, check browser zoom settings (Ctrl + 0) to reset scaling.
Method 7: Use Compatibility Mode for Older Apps
If an old program won’t scale properly:
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Right-click the app shortcut.
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Select Properties > Compatibility tab.
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Under Settings, check:
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Disable display scaling on high DPI settings.
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Run this program in compatibility mode.
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Apply and restart the app.
Troubleshooting: Full Screen Not Working in Windows 11
If you still can’t force full screen:
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✅ Update your graphics drivers (via Device Manager or manufacturer website).
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✅ Check monitor resolution in Settings > System > Display.
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✅ Disable Taskbar auto-hide issues (sometimes the taskbar blocks full screen).
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✅ Try another display cable (HDMI vs DisplayPort).
Conclusion
Forcing full screen in Windows 11 can be as simple as pressing F11 or Alt + Enter, but sometimes requires adjusting game, app, or graphics card settings. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll enjoy a borderless, immersive experience whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working.
FAQs About Full Screen in Windows 11
1. What is the shortcut for full screen in Windows 11?
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F11 (browsers and some apps).
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Alt + Enter (many games).
2. Why does my game keep opening in windowed mode?
You need to change the in-game display mode to full screen.
3. Can I force full screen on all apps?
Not all apps support true full screen, but you can maximize most windows.
4. Does full screen improve performance in games?
Yes, exclusive full screen mode usually improves performance compared to windowed mode.
5. Why do I see black bars in full screen?
Check your GPU scaling settings (set to “Full-screen” instead of “Aspect ratio”).