How to Enable Full-Screen Mode in Windows 11

Full-screen mode allows you to maximize the user experience by utilizing the entire screen space. In this guide, we’re going to give you a step-by-step guide on how to enable full-screen mode in Windows 11.

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, has brought many interesting changes, including a fresher look and a more intuitive interface. One feature that users often look for is the ability to run apps in full-screen mode.

This mode is useful for improving your focus, productivity, and user experience when using certain apps. However, not all applications support full-screen mode automatically. Some apps may still display a taskbar, title bar, or menu bar that interferes with your view.

snap layout

Why is Full-Screen Mode Important?

Before we get into the technical details, let’s understand why full-screen mode is important. Full-screen mode lets you:

  1. Optimize Screen Space: By running the app in full-screen mode, you can take advantage of the entire screen space, which is useful especially when you’re working with apps that require a larger display, such as graphics programs or games.
  2. Eliminate Distractions: By eliminating the taskbar and other displays, full-screen mode helps remove distractions from your work environment, improving your concentration.
  3. Increased Productivity: When you run the app in full-screen mode, you can focus completely on the task at hand, which can increase your productivity.

How to Create a Full-Screen Application with F11 Key

The easiest way to create a full-screen app in Windows 11 is to use the F11 key on your keyboard. This button serves as a shortcut to enable or disable full-screen mode on most applications, such as web browsers, video players, text editors, and more.

To use the F11 key, you just need to open the application you want to run in full-screen mode, and then press the F11 key. The app will instantly fill up your entire screen without any interruptions from the taskbar or any other bar. To return to normal mode, you just press the F11 key again.

However, keep in mind that not all applications support the F11 key as a shortcut for full-screen mode. Some apps may have different shortcuts or have no shortcuts at all. To do so, you need to figure out the shortcuts that correspond to the app you’re using.

How to Create a Full-Screen Application with Application Menu

If the app you’re using doesn’t support the F11 key or other shortcuts for full-screen mode, you can try looking for options for this mode in the app’s menu. Usually, this option is under the View, Display, Window, or similar menu.

To use the application menu, you need to open the application you want to run in full-screen mode, and then click on the corresponding menu. Look for options related to full-screen mode, such as Full Screen Mode, Enter Full Screen, Maximize Window, or the like. Click on that option to enable full-screen mode on your app.

To return to normal mode, you can look for the same option in the application menu or press the Esc key on your keyboard. However, keep in mind that not all apps have the option for full-screen mode in their menus. Some apps may not support this mode at all.

How to Create a Full-Screen App with Snap Layouts

Snap Layouts is a new feature in Windows 11 that lets you organize multiple app windows on the screen more easily and quickly. This feature can also be used to create a full-screen application by attaching the application window to one corner of the screen.

To use Snap Layouts, you need to open the app you want to run in full-screen mode, then hover over the top-right corner of the app window. You’ll see a Snap Layouts icon that’s in the form of four small squares. Click on the icon to see the layout options available.

Choose a layout that fills the entire screen, that is, the top-leftmost layout. The application window will automatically stick to the entire screen and become full screen. To return to normal mode, you can click on the Snap Layouts icon again and select another layout or click on the Restore Down icon which is boxed in the box.

Tips and Tricks for Managing Full-Screen Apps in Windows 11

After you have successfully created a full-screen app on Windows 11, you might want to know some tips and tricks to better manage your full-screen apps. Here are some tips and tricks you can try:

  • To move between full-screen apps, you can use the Alt + Tab shortcut on your keyboard. You’ll see a list of running apps on the screen. Use the arrow keys or mouse to select the app you want to open, and then release the Alt key.
  • To display the taskbar when using a full-screen application, you can move the cursor down the screen. The taskbar will appear temporarily and you can access the Start menu, search, or other applications. To hide the taskbar again, you can move the cursor over the screen.
  • To adjust the size and position of app windows when using Snap Layouts, you can use the Windows + Left Arrow or Right Arrow shortcuts on your keyboard. You’ll see a selection of layouts available on the left or right side of the screen. Choose a layout that suits your needs.
  • To create groups of Snap Layouts that can be minimized and restored from the taskbar, you can use the Snap Groups feature. This feature will automatically create groups from the app window you paste with Snap Layouts. You can see the group on the taskbar with double icons. Click on the icon to minimize or restore your Snap Layouts group.

Conclusion

Those are some ways to make full-screen applications in Windows 11 that you can try. By using full-screen mode, you can improve your focus, productivity, and user experience when using certain applications. In addition, you can also manage your full-screen applications better by using some of the tips and tricks we provide.

Hopefully, this article is useful and helps you in using Windows 11 more optimally.

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