Playing games on a PC can be more fun when they take up the whole screen. This creates a distraction-free environment and makes the gaming experience more immersive. To switch to fullscreen on a Windows PC, you can use keyboard shortcuts, in-game settings, or adjust display settings through the operating system. These methods can help you get the best view of the game. If you encounter issues with fullscreen mode, you can try troubleshooting steps like adjusting display scaling or graphics card settings.
Fullscreen Modes
Playing games in fullscreen mode can offer a more immersive experience, free from distractions. Here’s how to switch to fullscreen in most PC games:
Keyboard Shortcut
- Alt + Enter: The quickest and most common method. Simply press both keys simultaneously while in the game.
Game Settings
- Video/Display Options: Look for the “Fullscreen” option in the game’s video or display settings menu. Toggle it on.
Table of Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Game won’t fullscreen | Try restarting the game or updating your graphics drivers. |
| Display scale affects fullscreen | Ensure your display scale is set to 100% in Windows settings. |
| Game doesn’t have a fullscreen option | Some older games may not support fullscreen mode. |
| Game minimizes when alt-tabbing | Adjust your game’s settings to prevent it from minimizing when switching to other windows. |
If none of the above methods work, check online forums or the game’s support website for specific instructions or troubleshooting advice.
Key Takeaways
- Fullscreen mode provides an immersive, distraction-free environment for playing games.
- There are multiple ways to set up fullscreen on PC, including shortcuts and display settings.
- Troubleshooting is available for games that have issues with fullscreen mode.
Setting Up Fullscreen Mode on Windows
Getting a game to fill the entire screen can make playtime more fun. This guide shows how to set a full-screen mode on a Windows PC to enjoy games without borders.
Adjusting Display Settings
Windows lets you change how games display on your screen. Access the display settings by clicking the Start button and selecting Settings. Go to System and select Display. Here, select your main monitor if you use more than one and set the Resolution to match your screen. This ensures the game covers the full display.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Some games may start in windowed mode. Press Alt + Enter on your keyboard to switch many applications to full-screen mode. If that doesn’t work, other shortcuts can help. Try the F11 key to toggle full screen in web browsers. Windows Key plus Up Arrow can maximize some windows. To switch between open applications without using the mouse, use Alt + Tab.
Toggling Fullscreen in Applications
Many games and apps have their own settings. Look for a gear icon, often called Options or Settings. Within this menu, find the Display or Graphics section. Here, you can choose between Fullscreen, Windowed, or Borderless Windowed Mode. Make sure to apply changes before closing this menu. The option to press the Maximize button, which is the square icon in the title bar of a window, will make some applications fill the screen without entering true fullscreen mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about making games run in fullscreen on a PC.
What are the keyboard shortcuts to enter fullscreen mode in PC games?
Most PC games go fullscreen with the Alt + Enter keys. This key combination switches between windowed and fullscreen modes.
What steps should I follow to make a game run in fullscreen mode on Windows 10?
To make a game fullscreen on Windows 10, open the game and go to its settings or options menu. Find the display or graphics settings and select the fullscreen option. Save the changes to switch the game to fullscreen mode.
How can I change a game to fullscreen mode in Steam?
In Steam, navigate to a game’s properties through your library. Click ‘Set launch options’ and type -fullscreen. Launch the game, and it should start in fullscreen.
What methods can I use to force a windowed game into fullscreen if the usual options don’t work?
If normal settings don’t work, you can try editing the game’s configuration file to include fullscreen commands. Alternatively, use third-party software like ‘Borderless Gaming’ to force the game into a borderless windowed mode that fills the entire screen.
How can I enable fullscreen mode for games on Windows 11?
Change the game to fullscreen within its settings menu. If that’s not possible, use Windows 11 display settings by right-clicking the desktop, selecting ‘Display settings’, and choosing the proper resolution.
Is there a way to play games in fullscreen without using the F11 key?
Yes, use the game’s inbuilt settings to switch to fullscreen mode, or edit the game’s shortcut properties by adding -fullscreen to the target field. This method bypasses the need for the F11 key.
