When you want to maximize your screen space on Windows 11, the first thing most people try is pressing F11. But what if your keyboard doesn’t have an F11 key, or it just doesn’t work in certain apps? Don’t worry — there are several other ways to go full screen without F11.
In this guide, we’ll explore different methods for full-screen mode in Windows 11, whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or working in apps.
📌 Key Takeaways
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F11 is the default full-screen shortcut, but not the only way.
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You can use keyboard shortcuts, app menus, or Windows settings.
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Windows 11 offers multiple full-screen modes: app full screen, immersive full screen, and kiosk-like modes.
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Great for gaming, media, or productivity when you want distraction-free viewing.
Why Go Full Screen on Windows 11?
Going full screen removes clutter like:
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The taskbar
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The title bar
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Window borders
It’s useful for:
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Watching movies without distractions
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Gaming with immersive visuals
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Browsing in clean mode
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Presentations where you want content only
Method 1: Use the Maximize Button
Not every app supports true “full screen,” but you can still maximize the window.
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Move your mouse to the top-right corner of the app.
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Click the square Maximize button (next to the X).
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Your app now takes up the whole desktop, with the taskbar still visible.
💡 This is not “true” full screen, but it’s the easiest method without using keys.
Method 2: Use Windows Shortcut Keys
Instead of F11, try these:
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Win + ↑ (Arrow Up) → Maximizes the current window.
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Win + Shift + Enter → Forces full screen in apps that support it (e.g., Windows apps, browsers in kiosk mode).
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Ctrl + L or Alt + Enter → In some apps and games, these trigger full screen.
Method 3: Auto-Hide the Taskbar
If you just want more vertical space, hiding the taskbar works well.
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Right-click the taskbar → choose Taskbar settings.
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Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.
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Check Automatically hide the taskbar.
Now your taskbar disappears unless you hover at the bottom.
Method 4: Browser Full Screen Without F11
If you’re in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox:
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Open the menu (⋮ or ☰).
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Look for Full Screen or Zoom > Full Screen.
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Or press Ctrl + Shift + F (in some browsers).
Method 5: Video Player Full Screen Options
Watching a movie? Most video players (VLC, Windows Media Player, Netflix app, YouTube, etc.) have their own full-screen button.
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Look for the square icon in the corner of the video.
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Or use Alt + Enter in VLC or Windows Media Player.
Method 6: Tablet Mode / Touchscreen Gesture
On a touchscreen device:
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Swipe up with three fingers to hide the taskbar.
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Some apps automatically go full screen when rotated to landscape.
Method 7: Immersive Reader / Focus Mode
Apps like Microsoft Edge and Word offer special distraction-free modes:
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In Edge, click the Immersive Reader icon → Enter full-screen reading.
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In Word, use Focus Mode for a clean writing space.
Method 8: Windows Game Mode
Gamers can toggle full screen easily:
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Press Alt + Enter while in a game.
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Or enable Game Mode in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode for optimized full-screen performance.
Method 9: Third-Party Tools
Apps like DisplayFusion or PowerToys let you customize window behavior:
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Assign a custom hotkey for full screen.
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Force apps that don’t normally support full screen into one.
Common Issues with Full Screen
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Taskbar won’t hide? → Restart Windows Explorer (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc→ Task Manager → Restart Explorer). -
Full screen not available? → Some apps simply don’t support it.
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Black screen on Alt + Enter? → Update your graphics driver.
Final Thoughts on Going Full Screen Without F11
Even if the F11 key isn’t available, you still have plenty of options:
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Maximize windows
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Use alternative keyboard shortcuts
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Enable auto-hide taskbar
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Use app menus or video player buttons
Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, Windows 11 gives you flexible ways to enjoy a distraction-free full screen.
FAQs: Going Full Screen Without F11
1. What is the shortcut for full screen without F11?
Try Win + Shift + Enter or Alt + Enter in apps that support it.
2. How do I make Chrome full screen without F11?
Open the Chrome menu (⋮) → select Full Screen.
3. Can I force full screen in apps that don’t support it?
Yes, with third-party tools like DisplayFusion or PowerToys.
4. How do I hide the taskbar in Windows 11?
Go to Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors > Auto-hide taskbar.
5. Why doesn’t full screen work on my laptop?
Your app might not support it, or your function keys may require pressing Fn + F11 instead of just F11.