Are you wondering how to get in and out of full-screen mode on your computer?
Whether you are using a Windows computer or an Apple computer, navigating in and out of full-screen mode can save you time and increase productivity.
This is how to use the full-screen shortcut on your computer.
Skip ahead:
Full Screen Shortcut For Windows Computers
Suppose you have a Windows computer and need to find the full-screen shortcut. In that case, you must understand that there are different shortcut keys depending on the model of the computer.
Windows 10 came with many upgrades, including an upgrade for the full-screen shortcut.
When using an older Windows operating system, the shortcut keys are different than when using Windows 10. You can also use the arrows to switch in and out of full-screen modes on a Windows computer.
Let’s consider the shortcut keys for each windows operating system.
Full-Screen Shortcut For Windows 10
Since Windows 10 is currently the newest Windows operating system, it has different features than older operating systems.
For example, on a Windows 10 computer, you can open and close your full-screen window using the Windows Key + the Shift key + Enter to open and close a screen in full-screen mode.
To close a window currently in full-screen mode, you can also use the ESC key located in the top pane of the keyboard.
This key will close the window in full-screen mode. As mentioned, the same keys do not apply to Windows operating systems older than Windows 10.
Full-Screen Shortcut For Other Windows Users
To open a window in full-screen mode on a Windows operating system other than Windows 10, you can press the F11 key. This includes Windows XP and Windows 7.
To minimize a window currently in full-screen mode, click the F11 key again.
Alternatively, you can use the ESC button located at the top of the keypad to close a screen in full-screen mode. If the F11 key doesn’t work on its own, try pressing it with the function key -> Fn + F11 to activate full-screen mode.
Finally, if none of the shortcut keys are working, you can use the arrows to switch in and out of full-screen mode on your computer.
Full-Screen Shortcut Using The Arrows
If you cannot use any of the shortcut keys mentioned above, you can still use the arrows to switch in and out of full-screen mode.
The arrows are located in the top right corner of your computer screen. Click on the arrows to open your window into full-screen mode.
When the window is in full-screen mode, the arrows are replaced with two squares. In this case, click on the squares to close the window in full-screen mode.
Alternatively, use the ESC key to escape from full-screen mode on a Windows computer.
Full Screen Shortcut For Apple Computers
As expected, the full-screen shortcut keys for Apple computers aren’t the same as those for Windows computers.
In fact, the shortcut keys for Apple computers also differ between the models and brands. There are different full-screen shortcut keys for MacBook Monterey and later models than there are for previous models.
The full-screen shortcut keys for Apple Chromebooks also differ from those you can use on Apple MacBooks. So, let’s consider the different full-screen shortcut keys on Apple computers.
Full-Screen Shortcut For MacBook Sur
Older generations of MacBooks, including the MacBook Sur, have significantly older technology and features than the later models.
Therefore, you won’t be surprised to learn that the full-screen shortcut keys for older-generation MacBooks also differ from newer ones.
For MacBook Sur and older models, press the control key + the command key + the function key -> Ctrl + Command + F to enter full-screen mode on your MacBook.
To exit full-screen mode on these MacBooks, press these buttons again. Alternatively, press the view button, followed by “exit full screen.”
Full-Screen Shortcut For MacBook Monterey
The MacBook Monterey was released after the MacBook Sur. This model, and all the models following the MacBook Monterey, have a different set of keys to press to switch in and out of full-screen mode.
For MacBook Monterey and later models, press the function key + the F key -> Fn + F to enter full-screen mode.
You can press these keys again to exit full-screen mode or press view at the top of the screen, followed by “exit full screen.” This will reduce the size of the window currently in full-screen mode and enable you to open other windows.
Full-Screen Shortcut Using The Arrows
Finally, just like when using a Windows computer, there are arrows available to use that help you switch in and out of full-screen mode on an Apple computer. On the top left side of the screen, you will see two green arrows.
Hover your mouse over these arrows and select “enter full screen” to open your browser in full-screen mode. Then, hover the mouse over these arrows again and select “exit full screen” if you don’t want that window in full-screen mode anymore.
While you can use the arrows to switch in and out of full-screen mode on Apple and Windows computers, you will save a lot of time by learning how to use the shortcut keys instead.
Suppose you cannot manage to activate full-screen mode with any of the shortcut keys. In that case, we recommend calling customer services, as your specific model may have additional requirements.
Full Screen Shortcut For Chromebook
If you have a Chromebook, you’ll notice that none of the shortcut keys discussed above work for opening or closing full-screen mode. However, switching in and out of full-screen mode on the Chromebook is even easier than it is on the MacBook since you only have to press one button.
In the top row of the keypad, you’ll see a button with a screen and arrows. This button allows you to switch in and out of full-screen mode. It’s the button fifth from the left.
Press this button to put a window into full-screen mode. Then, press it again if you want to exit full-screen mode.
Of course, you can also use the view and “exit full-screen” buttons, but it takes longer.