Maximize Shortcut Key: Win + Up to Maximize a Window

Q: How do I maximize a window on a Mac?

Option click the green button, or use Control + Command + F for full screen.

The maximize shortcut key in Windows is Win + Up. The active window grows to fill the whole screen above the taskbar, the same as clicking the square button at the top right. Press Win + Down to restore it to its previous size.

An older method that works in almost every program is Alt + Space, then X: the first opens the window menu and X chooses Maximize. It is handy when the Windows key is disabled or not working.

Quick facts

Maximize
Win + Up
Restore
Win + Down
Window menu
Alt + Space, then X
Full height only
Win + Shift + Up
Snap left or right
Win + Left or Win + Right
Mouse
Double click the title bar

Maximize shortcut key and window size keys

Keys that change a window's size
Action	Keys
Maximize	`Win` + `Up`
Restore down, then minimize	`Win` + `Down`
Maximize through the window menu	`Alt` + `Space`, then `X`
Restore through the window menu	`Alt` + `Space`, then `R`
Stretch to full screen height, same width	`Win` + `Shift` + `Up`
Fill the left or right half	`Win` + `Left` or `Win` + `Right`

The opposite keys are on the minimize shortcut key page.

Shortcut key to maximize a window, step by step

Click the window so it is active.
With the Windows logo key held, tap Up.
The window now fills the screen; its square button changes to two overlapping squares.
Press Win + Down when you want the smaller size back.

Some dialog boxes and small tool windows cannot be maximized. Nothing happens with them, which is normal.

Maximize screen versus full screen

A maximized window still shows the taskbar and its own title bar and menus. Full screen hides all of that, which suits reading, presenting and videos. For full screen, use F11 in browsers and File Explorer; the full screen shortcut key guide explains other programs.

Two windows side by side are often more useful than one maximized window. Try Win + Left on one and Win + Right on the other; see the split screen shortcut.

Maximize windows that open off screen

After unplugging a second monitor, a program may open on a screen that is no longer there. Click its taskbar icon, press Alt + Space, then X to maximize it onto the main screen. If that fails, press Alt + Space, then M, then any arrow key, and move the mouse to drag it back into view.

When maximize does not work

Problems and fixes
Problem	Fix
Win + Up does nothing	Use `Alt` + `Space`, then `X`
Window has no maximize button	It is a fixed size dialog
Snap features turned off	Turn on Snap windows in Settings, then System, then Multitasking
Gaming keyboard ignores Win	Switch off its game mode

A data entry operator opens a narrow web form. Pressing Win + Up widens it to the whole screen, so every field is visible without scrolling sideways.

On a Mac

Mac windows do not maximize in quite the same way. Control + Command + F enters full screen, and double clicking the title bar zooms the window to fit its content, depending on settings. Holding Option while clicking the green button fills the screen without full screen mode. Apple's resizing keys are collected in Mac windows, and on a PC the Windows key combinations cover snapping and desktops too. Most people find Snap on Windows quicker than any Mac equivalent for putting two documents side by side.

This site is not affiliated with Microsoft or Apple; this is an independent explanation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximize shortcut key?

Win + Up.

What is the shortcut key to maximize a window without the Windows key?

Alt + Space, then X.

How do I restore a maximized window?

Press Win + Down.

What is maximise shortcut key?

The British spelling of maximize; the keys are the same.

Does maximizing hide the taskbar?

No, the taskbar stays visible. Only full screen mode, such as F11 in a browser, hides it.

How do I maximize a window on a Mac?

Option click the green button, or use Control + Command + F for full screen.