Welcome to our article on how to exit full screen in Windows 10! If you’re reading this, you may have accidentally entered full screen mode while using your computer and can’t seem to find your way back to normal view. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Full screen mode can be helpful in some cases, but it can also be frustrating if you’re not sure how to exit it. That’s why we’re here to help you out with a step-by-step guide on how to exit full screen mode in Windows 10.
Steps
Step 1: Use the F11 key
The easiest way to exit full screen mode in Windows 10 is to simply press the F11 key on your keyboard. This will toggle full screen mode on and off. Try it out now and see if it works!
Step 2: Exit full screen mode using the Esc key
Another way to exit full screen mode is to press the Esc key on your keyboard. This may work in some applications, such as web browsers, but not all.
Step 3: Use the Windows key
If you’re still stuck in full screen mode, try pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. This will bring up the Start menu and can exit full screen mode in some applications.
Step 4: Close the application
In some cases, the only way to exit full screen mode may be to simply close the application you’re using.
Step 5: Use the taskbar
If you can see the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, you can right-click on the icon for the application you’re using and select “Exit full screen”.
Step 6: Check the menu bar
Some applications have a menu bar that you can access by moving your mouse to the top of the screen. Look for an option that says “Exit full screen”.
Step 7: Look for a full screen button
Some applications have a button or icon that allows you to toggle full screen mode on and off. Look for this option in the application’s toolbar or settings.
Step 8: Use the Alt key
If none of the above steps work, you can try pressing the Alt key on your keyboard. This will bring up the menu bar in some applications, which may include an option to exit full screen mode.
Step 9: Use the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination
If all else fails, you can try using the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination to bring up the Windows Task Manager. From here, you can select the application you’re using and choose to end the task.
Step 10: Update your drivers
If you’re having trouble exiting full screen mode in a specific application, it may be due to outdated or faulty drivers. Try updating your drivers to see if that fixes the problem.
Step 11: Check for software updates
Software updates can also fix issues with full screen mode in some applications. Make sure you have the latest version of the application installed.
Step 12: Restart your computer
If none of the above steps work, restarting your computer may be necessary to exit full screen mode.
Explanation
Full screen mode is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to make an application or program take up your entire screen for better immersion and productivity. However, it can be frustrating to accidentally trigger full screen mode and not know how to exit it.
The steps listed above provide several ways to exit full screen mode in Windows 10, ranging from simple keyboard shortcuts to more complex solutions like updating drivers or closing the application entirely.
If you are having trouble exiting full screen mode in a specific application, it may be due to a bug or issue with that application’s code. Contacting the developer or looking for updates may be a solution in those cases.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use the F11 key proactively
If you’re using an application that frequently puts you in full screen mode, it may be helpful to memorize the F11 key shortcut so you can quickly exit full screen mode whenever you need to.
Tip 2: Look for full screen mode options in application settings
Some applications allow you to customize full screen mode behavior. Look for options in the application settings to see if you can adjust how it behaves when in full screen mode.
Tip 3: Use windowed mode instead of full screen mode
If you find full screen mode to be more of a hassle than a benefit, try using windowed mode instead. This allows you to resize the application window to your liking without taking up the entire screen.
Tip 4: Explore keyboard shortcuts
Windows 10 has many keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your computer more efficiently. Explore the different keyboard shortcuts available to see if there’s a better way to exit full screen mode.
Tip 5: Be patient
Exiting full screen mode can be frustrating, but stay patient and calm. Try different solutions until you find one that works for you.
Tip 6: Check for updates regularly
Keeping your operating system and applications up to date can prevent issues like full screen mode from occurring in the first place.
Tip 7: Restart your computer regularly
Restarting your computer regularly can help prevent issues like full screen mode from occurring and keeps your computer running smoothly.
Tip 8: Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re still having trouble exiting full screen mode, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to friends or family who may be more tech-savvy than you, or search online for more guidance.
Tip 9: Use a virtual desktop
If you frequently use applications that require full screen mode but also need access to other applications and windows, consider using the virtual desktop feature in Windows 10. This allows you to switch between multiple desktops without cluttering your screen.
Tip 10: Customize your keyboard shortcuts
If the default keyboard shortcuts for exiting full screen mode don’t work for you, consider customizing them to better fit your needs. Windows 10 allows you to customize many keyboard shortcuts in the settings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Exiting Full Screen in Windows 10
Advantages of Exiting Full Screen in Windows 10
1. Can access other applications simultaneously.
2. Easier to switch between windows and applications.
3. Can view notifications and updates without exiting the current application.
4. Allows for better multitasking and productivity.
5. More control over screen resolution and sizing.
6. Can move and resize windows more easily.
7. Can see the taskbar and system tray for easier access to settings.
8. Can reduce eye strain and fatigue by changing screen size and resolution.
9. Can decrease the clutter on the screen for better focus.
10. Can exit full screen mode quickly in case of emergency.
Disadvantages of Exiting Full Screen in Windows 10
1. May need to manually adjust screen size and resolution.
2. More windows and applications may cause slower computer performance.
3. Can be distracting to have multiple windows open at once.
4. Can be time-consuming to switch between multiple windows.
5. May miss important notifications or updates if not paying attention to the taskbar.
6. May decrease overall enjoyment of media or games being viewed in full screen.
7. May not be comfortable for those with visual impairments or difficulty seeing small text.
8. May not be suitable for certain types of work or tasks that require full screen immersion.
9. Can be overwhelming for those with a lot of open windows and applications.
10. May not be the optimal choice for those who prefer simplicity and minimalism in their workspace.
FAQ
How do I exit full screen mode in Windows 10?
Here are some frequently asked questions about exiting full screen mode in Windows 10:
1. How do I exit full screen mode using the keyboard?
You can press the F11 key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode in Windows 10.
2. How do I exit full screen mode using the mouse?
You can move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen and click the square icon to exit full screen mode in Windows 10.
3. What if the F11 key doesn’t work?
If the F11 key doesn’t work, you can try pressing the “Windows” key and the “Ctrl” key and the “F” key simultaneously to exit full screen mode in Windows 10.
4. Can I exit full screen mode if the current program is unresponsive?
If the current program is unresponsive, you can use the “Alt” and “Tab” keys to switch to another program, and then exit full screen mode from there.
5. What if I accidentally enter full screen mode?
If you accidentally enter full screen mode, you can exit it by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard or by moving your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen and clicking the square icon.
6. Can I disable full screen mode altogether?
Yes, you can disable full screen mode by going to the “Settings” app and selecting “System” and then “Tablet mode.” Turn off the toggle switch for “Make Windows more touch-friendly.”
7. Is there a shortcut to exit full screen mode quickly?
Yes, you can press the “Windows” key and the “Shift” key and the “Enter” key simultaneously to quickly exit full screen mode in Windows 10.
8. How do I exit full screen mode in Microsoft Edge?
You can move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen and click the square icon to exit full screen mode in Microsoft Edge.
9. How do I exit full screen mode in Google Chrome?
You can press the F11 key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode in Google Chrome.
10. How do I exit full screen mode in Mozilla Firefox?
You can press the F11 key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode in Mozilla Firefox.
11. Can I exit full screen mode on my mobile device?
Yes, you can swipe down from the top of the screen on your mobile device to exit full screen mode.
12. How do I exit full screen mode in a virtual machine?
You can press the “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys simultaneously to release the mouse and keyboard control from the virtual machine, and then exit full screen mode from there.
13. What if I cannot exit full screen mode at all?
If you cannot exit full screen mode at all, you may need to restart your computer or end the task using the “Task Manager.”
Conclusion
Overall, exiting full screen mode in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done in a matter of seconds. Whether you are using a web browser, media player, or any other program, the steps are generally the same. By using the methods outlined in this article, you can easily switch in and out of full screen mode whenever you need to.
Remember, full screen mode can be a great way to get the most out of your computer’s display, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t know how to exit it. Thankfully, Windows 10 provides several quick and easy options for exiting full screen mode, so you can get back to working or browsing with ease.
If you ever find yourself stuck in full screen mode and can’t get out, don’t panic! Simply follow the steps outlined in this article and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read this article on how to exit full screen in Windows 10. We hope that you found the information helpful and easy to follow.
If you have any questions or comments about this article or any other Windows-related topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to hear from our readers and help in any way we can.
Good luck and happy computing!