The full screen shortcut key on Windows is F11. In Chrome, Edge and File Explorer it hides the tabs, address bar and taskbar so the page fills the whole display. Press F11 again to come back.
Laptops often put a media control on F11, so you may need Fn + F11. Apps from the Microsoft Store use Win + Shift + Enter, slideshows have their own key, and a Mac uses Control + Command + F.
Quick facts
Browser and folders
F11Laptop
Fn + F11Store apps
Win + Shift + EnterSlideshow
F5 in PowerPointMaximize only
Win + UpMac
Control + Command + F
Full screen shortcut key by program
| Program | Keys | Leave full screen |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome, Edge | F11 | F11 |
| File Explorer | F11 | F11 |
| Microsoft Store apps | Win + Shift + Enter | Same keys |
| PowerPoint slideshow | F5 | Esc |
| Most video players | F, or double click the video | Esc |
| Mac apps | Control + Command + F | Same keys |
Shortcut for full screen in laptop keyboards
Check the F11 key on your laptop. If it carries a small symbol, pressing it alone runs that action and Fn + F11 gives true full screen. Laptops with Fn lock let you swap the behaviour so a single tap of F11 works; many models turn Fn lock on with Fn + Esc or a key with a padlock and Fn printed on it.
Some compact keyboards have no F11 at all. In a browser, the three dot menu has a full screen square next to the zoom buttons, and Win + Up at least maximizes the window.
Full screen versus maximize
| Maximize | Full screen | |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | Win + Up | F11 |
| Taskbar | Still visible | Hidden |
| Title bar and tabs | Visible | Hidden |
| Good for | Normal work | Reading, presenting, videos |
For window sizes see the maximize shortcut key and minimize shortcut key guides.
Full screen shortcut in Windows 11 apps
Windows 11 apps such as Photos, Calculator and Settings ignore F11. For them, Win + Shift + Enter switches full screen on and off. Older desktop programs that have no full screen mode can only be maximized. Photo viewers often go full screen with F11 or a double click on the picture, and PDF readers usually offer Ctrl + L for a read mode that fills the display. Games usually switch with Alt + Enter, which is worth trying when nothing else works.
When the full screen key does nothing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| F11 changes volume | Use Fn + F11 |
| Stuck in full screen | Press F11 again, or move the mouse to the top edge and click the X |
| Taskbar still shows | Windows may keep it for notifications; click the page once |
| App ignores F11 | Try Win + Shift + Enter or Alt + Enter |
Full screen on a Mac
Most Mac apps enter and leave full screen with Control + Command + F, or with the green button at the top left of a window. While in full screen, move the pointer to the top to see the menu bar. Two full screen apps can share the display in Split View: hold the green button and choose a side. Swipe left or right with three fingers on the trackpad to move between full screen spaces. More window keys are on the Mac window shortcuts page and the Windows shortcut keys hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for full screen?
What is the full screen shortcut key in laptop keyboards?
Often Fn + F11.
How do I exit full screen?
Press F11 again, or Esc in slideshows and video players.
What is the full screen shortcut in Windows 11 apps?
Is maximize the same as full screen?
No. Maximize keeps the taskbar and title bar; full screen hides them.