To make a game full screen on Windows 11, press Alt + Enter while the game is in focus. Most PC games switch between windowed and full screen with that shortcut. If it doesn’t work, open the game’s Settings > Display (or Video/Graphics) and set Display mode to Fullscreen or Borderless, with the resolution matching your monitor. If the game is full screen but has black bars or looks stretched, the fix is in your scaling settings, covered below.
Method 1: Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Works for |
|---|---|
| Alt + Enter | Most PC games and many emulators |
| F11 | Browser games and some launchers |
| Windows key + Shift + Enter | Microsoft Store and Xbox app games that support it |
| Windows key + Up Arrow | Maximizes a windowed game (not true full screen) |
Click inside the game window first so it has focus. Some games ignore Alt + Enter and only change mode from their own menu.
Method 2: Change the in-game display mode
- Open the game’s settings, usually from the main menu or pause menu.
- Find Display, Video or Graphics.
- Set Display mode (or Window mode) to Fullscreen, Exclusive Fullscreen or Borderless Windowed.
- Set Resolution to your monitor’s native resolution, such as 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440.
- Apply the changes and restart the game if asked.
| Mode | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive fullscreen | Can give the lowest input lag on older games | Slow to Alt + Tab out of |
| Borderless windowed | Instant Alt + Tab, works well with multiple monitors | Very old games may run slightly slower |
| Windowed | Easy to use alongside other apps | Doesn’t fill the screen |
On Windows 11, borderless mode performs about as well as exclusive full screen in most modern games, thanks to Optimizations for windowed games in Settings > System > Display > Graphics. Turn that on if it isn’t already.
Method 3: Use launch options (Steam and other launchers)
If a game always starts windowed, add a launch option. In Steam, right-click the game, choose Properties, and in Launch Options type -fullscreen. Not every game supports it, so check the game’s forums or support page. Other launchers have a similar setting in the game’s properties.
Fix black bars or a stretched picture
If the game fills only part of the screen, the resolution or aspect ratio doesn’t match your monitor.
- Match resolution: set the game to your monitor’s native resolution. Check it in Settings > System > Display > Display resolution (marked Recommended).
- GPU scaling: in NVIDIA Control Panel > Adjust desktop size and position, set scaling to Full-screen and “Perform scaling on: GPU”. In AMD Software > Settings > Display, turn on GPU Scaling and set Scaling Mode to Full panel. Intel Graphics Command Center has a similar Scale Full Screen option.
- Old 4:3 games: they’ll show black bars on a widescreen monitor unless stretched. Choose “Preserve aspect ratio” to keep the picture correct, or “Full panel” to stretch it.
Fix blurry or tiny full-screen games
Windows display scaling can confuse older games. Right-click the game’s .exe file or shortcut, choose Properties > Compatibility > Change high DPI settings, tick Override high DPI scaling behavior, set it to Application, and click OK. While you’re there, ticking Disable fullscreen optimizations can help some older titles.
Multiple monitors
If the game opens on the wrong screen, make your gaming monitor the main display in Settings > System > Display, select it and tick Make this my main display. Some games also have a Monitor option in their display settings. On a TV, see how to fit your PC screen to a TV or monitor.
Troubleshooting
The screen flickers or goes black when switching
Update your graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel, then try Borderless Windowed mode, which doesn’t change the display mode.
The taskbar shows over the game
Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager, or switch the game to Exclusive Fullscreen. Notifications can also bring the taskbar up; turn on Do not disturb while gaming.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make Roblox full screen?
Press F11, or use the in-game menu. See how to full screen Roblox on Windows 11.
How do I make other apps full screen?
See how to go full screen in Windows 11.
Summary
- Press Alt + Enter.
- Set Display mode to Fullscreen or Borderless at native resolution.
- Fix black bars with GPU scaling.
- Fix blurry old games with the high DPI override.
Related: install Steam on Windows 11.
Related: how to go full screen on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.