Full screen hides the taskbar, title bar, and toolbars so a web page, video, presentation, or game fills your whole display. Windows 11 has no single “full screen” switch. Each kind of app uses its own shortcut, and maximizing a window is not the same as full screen. This guide covers the right shortcut for browsers, File Explorer, Store apps, games, and videos, how to get out of full screen, and what to do when the taskbar won’t hide.
Quick Answer
Press F11 in web browsers and File Explorer. Press Windows key + Shift + Enter in many Microsoft Store apps. Press Alt + Enter in many games and media players. Press the same shortcut again (or Esc in many apps) to exit. On laptops where F11 controls something else, press Fn + F11.
Full Screen Shortcuts by App Type
| Where | Enter full screen | Exit |
|---|---|---|
| Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers | F11 | F11, or move the mouse to the top and click the X |
| File Explorer | F11 | F11 |
| Microsoft Store apps (Photos, Movies & TV, many others) | Windows + Shift + Enter | Windows + Shift + Enter |
| Games | Alt + Enter, or the game's display settings | Alt + Enter |
| Videos on websites and media players | Double-click the video, press F, or click the full-screen icon | Esc |
| PowerPoint | F5 (from start) or Shift + F5 (current slide) | Esc |
| Word, Excel | View > Focus, or Ctrl + Shift + F1 to hide the ribbon | Esc, or the same shortcut |
Maximize vs. Full Screen
- Maximize (Windows key + Up arrow, or double-click the title bar) fills the screen but keeps the taskbar and title bar visible.
- Full screen hides the taskbar and app toolbars.
Use maximize for everyday work, and full screen for reading, watching, presenting, or gaming.
How to Make a Browser Full Screen
- Open the browser window you want.
- Press F11. On laptops, you may need Fn + F11.
- To exit, press F11 again, or move the pointer to the top edge and click the exit button that appears.
You can also use the menu. In Edge and Chrome, click ⋯ or ⋮ and select the full-screen icon next to Zoom.
How to Make a Game Full Screen
- Try Alt + Enter while the game is running.
- If that doesn’t work, open the game’s Settings > Display (or Video/Graphics) and set Display mode to Fullscreen or Borderless window.
- Set the resolution to your monitor’s native resolution so there are no black bars.
Hide the Taskbar Automatically
If you want more screen space everywhere, you can auto-hide the taskbar:
- Right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Check Automatically hide the taskbar.
The taskbar reappears when you move the pointer to the bottom of the screen.
Troubleshooting
F11 changes the volume or brightness instead
Your laptop’s function keys are set to media controls. Press Fn + F11, or press Fn + Esc (on many laptops) to toggle Fn Lock.
The taskbar still shows in full screen
Restart File Explorer. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click Windows Explorer, and choose Restart. An app flashing on the taskbar for attention can also keep it visible. Open that app to clear the alert.
Windows + Shift + Enter does nothing
Not every app supports it. Look for a full-screen button in the app or its View menu. Desktop programs often use F11 instead.
The game has black bars or looks stretched
Set the game’s resolution to match your display. Also check the graphics driver’s scaling settings in the graphics control panel.
I’m stuck in full screen and can’t find the exit
Press Esc, F11, or Windows + Shift + Enter, depending on the app. If nothing works, press Alt + Tab to switch to another window or Windows key to open Start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full screen shortcut in Windows 11?
F11 for browsers and File Explorer, Windows + Shift + Enter for many Store apps, and Alt + Enter for many games.
Can I make every app open in full screen?
Not system-wide. You can set a shortcut to open maximized: right-click the shortcut, choose Properties, and set Run to Maximized. Some apps, such as browsers in kiosk mode, have their own full-screen startup options.
Does Windows 10 use the same shortcuts?
Yes. F11, Windows + Shift + Enter, and Alt + Enter work the same way in Windows 10.
Summary
- F11 for browsers and File Explorer.
- Windows + Shift + Enter for Store apps.
- Alt + Enter or the game’s display settings for games.
- Double-click or press F for videos, and Esc to exit.
- Auto-hide the taskbar for more space all the time.
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.