To make Minecraft full screen on Windows 10, press F11 while the game is running. This works in both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition). Press F11 again to go back to a window. To keep it full screen every time, turn on Fullscreen in the game’s settings: Options > Video Settings > Fullscreen: ON in Java Edition, or Settings > Video > Full Screen in Bedrock.
On laptops where F11 controls something else, like volume or brightness, press Fn + F11.
Minecraft: Java Edition
Use the F11 key
- Launch Minecraft and load into the main menu or a world.
- Press F11. The game fills your screen.
- Press F11 again to switch back to windowed mode.
Turn on Fullscreen in Video Settings
- Press Esc and click Options.
- Click Video Settings.
- Click Fullscreen so it says ON.
- Use Fullscreen Resolution to pick your monitor’s native resolution, such as 1920×1080, for the sharpest picture.
- Click Done.
Minecraft remembers this setting and opens full screen next time.
Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition)
- Open Minecraft and click Settings.
- Click Video on the left.
- Turn on Full Screen.
You can also press F11 in Bedrock Edition to switch between full screen and windowed mode at any time.
F11 not working?
- Try Fn + F11, or turn on Fn Lock (often Fn + Esc) so the F-keys work normally.
- Click inside the game window first so Minecraft has focus.
- Check your key bindings (Java): Go to Options > Controls > Key Binds and make sure Toggle Fullscreen is set to F11, or change it to a key that’s easier to press.
- Close overlays like Discord, GeForce Experience, or recording tools that may use F11.
Fix black bars, blurriness, or the wrong monitor
- Black bars or stretched image: Set Fullscreen Resolution to your monitor’s native resolution in Java Edition’s Video Settings.
- Blurry fullscreen: Right-click your Minecraft launcher shortcut or javaw.exe, choose Properties > Compatibility > Change high DPI settings, and check Override high DPI scaling behavior set to Application.
- Opens on the wrong monitor: Press F11 to go windowed, drag the window to the monitor you want, then press F11 again.
- Screen flickers when switching apps: Turn on VSync in Video Settings, or play in a maximized window instead of full screen so Alt + Tab is smoother.
Maximized window vs. full screen
If you switch between Minecraft and other apps a lot, a maximized window can be more convenient. Press F11 to exit full screen and click the maximize button in the title bar. You’ll keep the taskbar visible and can switch apps instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make Minecraft full screen on Windows 11?
The steps are the same. Press F11 or turn on Fullscreen in the video settings.
Why does Minecraft keep exiting full screen?
Notifications, pop-ups, or pressing Alt + Tab can minimize full-screen games. Turn on Do not disturb in Windows while playing, and check the Fullscreen setting is saved.
Is there a full screen shortcut for Minecraft on a Mac?
Yes. In Java Edition, press F11 (or Fn + F11), or use Control + Command + F.
How do I show my FPS in Minecraft?
See how to show FPS in Minecraft on Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.