How to Use a Shortcut and Go Full-Screen

Lee Stanton March 3, 2023

Computers offer you plenty of options for customizing your experience. These include changing themes, reorganizing menus, choosing a font, etc. Although these options depend on the operating system you’re using, most of them also enable you to select the viewing mode you like best. By pressing one or two buttons on your keyboard, you can go full-screen and get more visibility.

If you want to know how to use a shortcut and go full-screen, you’ve come to the right place. This article will cover full-screen keyboard shortcuts for four different operating systems and explain the reason why they may not work.

Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut Windows 10

There are two keyboard combinations for going full-screen on Windows 10. Which one you’ll use depends on the app or program you’re running.

For most apps and games, you can use the standard Alt+Enter combination. Simply press and hold the two buttons simultaneously, and your app/game will automatically go full-screen. If you want to exit the full-screen mode, use the same combination.

Switching to the full-screen mode on browsers is a bit different. In this case, the keyboard shortcut is F11 or Fn+F11, depending on your computer. The full-screen mode will hide the address bar and everything above it, so you can focus on your content. Use the same shortcut to exit the full-screen mode.

If you’ve tried both shortcuts and still can’t get into full-screen mode, you’ll have to try another way. Some apps and games don’t support these shortcuts, so you’ll need to access their screen settings. The full-screen mode is often called “display mode” or “screen mode.”

Finally, be aware that some apps and programs can’t be viewed in full-screen mode. In such cases, there isn’t anything you can do to change that.

Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut Mac

If you want to block out distractions and focus on particular content, using the full-screen mode on your Mac might be a good idea. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to do it, you can use the Cmd+Ctrl+F keyboard shortcut. Keep in mind you need to be within the program or app for this shortcut to work. You can use the same shortcut for exiting the full-screen mode.

If the keyboard shortcut isn’t working, you can try pressing the green circle at the top-left corner of the app or program. You can also access the “View” option in the app’s menu and select “Enter Full Screen.”

It’s important to remember some apps don’t have a full-screen mode. This may be the case if you can’t see the green circle at the corner and the full-screen option is greyed out.

Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut Chromebook

Chromebooks come with various shortcuts you can use to perform tasks much faster. Going full-screen on Chromebooks couldn’t be simpler because you only need to use one button. It’s the fifth button from the left at the keyboard’s top row, with a small screen and two arrows.

Before pressing the button, ensure you’re within the program or app you want to view full screen. Use the same button when you want to exit the full-screen mode.

Keep in mind this button won’t work for every app, program, or game on your Chromebook. This is because some of them may not have full-screen mode. However, it can be hard to distinguish whether the key isn’t functioning or the app can’t go full-screen. In such cases, we recommend opening a browser and using the full-screen button. If it works, that means the app you were trying to view full-screen doesn’t have this option.

Full-Screen Keyboard Shortcut Linux

Linux users can quickly make an app, program, or game full-screen by pressing F11. Whenever you want to exit full-screen mode, simply press the same button again.

Sometimes, you may notice you’ve pressed the F11 button but nothing happened. The first thought that comes to your mind is probably that the button has stopped working. However, this usually isn’t the case. Namely, not all apps and programs have the full-screen mode, and if you’ve come across one, there’s nothing you can do to make it full-screen.

You can quickly double-check whether the issue lies in the button or the app. Launch a program for which you’re sure it has a full-screen mode and press F11. If it works, you’ve confirmed the app can’t go full-screen.

Enjoy the Full Screen

If you have a lot going on, staying focused can be very challenging. Multiple tabs, programs, apps, and notifications can distract you from your tasks and decrease productivity. Fortunately, you can regain your focus by using the full-screen mode on your computer. With a simple keyboard shortcut, you can remove distractions and concentrate on whatever you’re doing.

Do you often use the full-screen mode on your computer? Have you ever had problems with it? Tell us in the comments section below.