Getting stuck in full screen mode on Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sure how to exit it. Whether you accidentally pressed the wrong key combination or encountered a glitch, there are several methods you can try to get out of full screen mode. In this blog post, we will explore various techniques and options to solve this common issue.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get out of Full Screen Mode on Windows 10
There are several reasons why you may need to exit full screen mode on your Windows 10 computer. Some possible scenarios include:
1. Accidental Activation: Many applications, games, and websites have a full screen mode that enables you to better focus on their content. However, accidentally entering this mode and not knowing how to exit it can be frustrating.
2. Navigation Difficulties: In full screen mode, taskbars and other graphic elements may be hidden, making it challenging to switch between programs or access important features.
3. Resolution Issues: In some cases, certain applications or games may not display correctly in full screen mode, resulting in distorted visuals or limited functionality.
4. Multi-Tasking Problems: Exiting full screen mode allows you to easily switch between multiple open windows, making it more efficient to work on different tasks simultaneously.
Now that we understand the importance of exiting full screen mode, let’s explore some methods to solve this issue.
Method 1: Use the F11 Key to Exit Full Screen Mode
To quickly exit full screen mode on Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Press the F11 key on your keyboard.
2. The application or website will exit full screen mode and return to its regular size.
Pros:
– It is the quickest and easiest method to exit full screen mode.
Cons:
– It may not work for all applications or websites.
Method 2: Use the Alt + Tab Keyboard Shortcut
The Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut allows you to switch between open programs and windows. Follow these steps to exit full screen mode using Alt + Tab:
1. Press the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
2. Keep holding the Alt key while pressing the Tab key multiple times until you reach the desired window.
3. Once you select the window you want to switch to, release both the Alt and Tab keys.
Pros:
– It enables you to quickly switch between open windows and applications.
Cons:
– It may not work if the application or website is frozen or unresponsive.
Method 3: Use the Windows Key + Up Arrow Keyboard Shortcut
To exit full screen mode using the Windows Key + Up Arrow keyboard shortcut, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows Key and Up Arrow keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
2. The application or window will exit full screen mode and return to its regular size.
Pros:
– This method is effective for most applications and windows.
Cons:
– It may not work if the application or website has disabled this keyboard shortcut.
Method 4: Via the Application or Website Interface
Some applications and websites provide an option to exit full screen mode within their interface. Here’s how you can find this option:
1. Look for an "Exit Full Screen" or similar button within the application or website.
2. Click on the button to exit full screen mode.
Pros:
– This method is straightforward and works for most applications and websites.
Cons:
– Some applications or websites may not have an obvious option to exit full screen mode.
Method 5: Use the Escape (Esc) Key
The Escape (Esc) key can also be used to exit full screen mode in certain scenarios. Follow these steps to exit full screen mode using the Esc key:
1. Press the Esc key on your keyboard.
2. The application or website will exit full screen mode and return to its regular size.
Pros:
– This method can serve as an alternative to the other methods mentioned.
Cons:
– It may not work for all applications or websites.
What to Do If You Can’t Get out of Full Screen Mode on Windows 10
If you’ve tried the above methods and are still unable to exit full screen mode on Windows 10, you can try the following fixes:
1. Restart the Application or Website: Close the application or website causing the full screen issue and reopen it. This may resolve any temporary glitches.
2. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can solve various software-related issues, including being stuck in full screen mode.
3. Update Your Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues, including problems with full screen mode. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version available for your system.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your experience of dealing with full screen mode on Windows 10:
1. Use Task View: Press the Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut to open Task View, which allows you to manage and switch between open windows more efficiently.
2. Customize Full Screen Shortcut: You can modify the full screen shortcut in some applications or games to avoid accidental activation or improve accessibility.
3. Check Application or Website Settings: Some applications or websites have their own settings that can control various display options, including full screen mode. Explore these settings to customize your experience.
5 FAQs
Q1: What if none of the methods work for exiting full screen mode?
A: If none of the methods mentioned in this blog post work for exiting full screen mode, try closing the application or restarting your computer. If the issue persists, consider seeking technical support from the application or website developers.
Q2: Can I force an application to exit full screen mode?
A: Unfortunately, there is no universal method to force an application to exit full screen mode. You can try the methods mentioned in this post and explore the application’s settings for any exit options.
Q3: Why does full screen mode not work properly in some applications or games?
A: Full screen mode may not work properly in certain applications or games due to compatibility issues, outdated graphics drivers, or limitations imposed by the developers.
Q4: Can I prevent accidental activation of full screen mode?
A: Yes, you can customize the full screen shortcut or disable full screen mode altogether in some applications or games. Check their settings or documentation for more information.
Q5: Will exiting full screen mode affect the performance of my system?
A: Exiting full screen mode will not have any significant impact on the overall performance of your system. It simply allows you to view and navigate through different windows more easily.
Final Thoughts
Getting stuck in full screen mode can be inconvenient, but with the methods and tips discussed in this blog post, you should be able to exit full screen mode on your Windows 10 computer without any hassle. Remember to try different methods and explore application or website settings to find the most suitable solution for your specific situation.