Windows 11 lets you force full screen apps on gaming devices
Tired of wrestling with minimized windows every time you launch an application? Microsoft is finally listening, rolling out a much-needed quality-of-life improvement in Windows 11 that lets users dictate how their apps open by default.
For a long time, Windows 11 operated with a default setting where most applications opened in a windowed format, forcing users to manually switch to maximized mode for a full-screen experience. This change, however, is no longer automatic. Now, Microsoft is giving power back to the user, introducing a toggle that allows you to control this behavior entirely.
This new control is located within the accessibility settings of Windows, offering the option: “Automatically open app windows maximized when they open”. Simply flipping this switch changes the default behavior, ensuring that all applications launch in a maximized state, eliminating the repetitive need to manually adjust them.
The real magic of this feature lies in its application to modern, compact hardware. Devices with smaller screens, particularly those under 13 inches, often find that windowed mode is the only practical option. For users with smaller displays, opening apps maximized provides a much more comfortable and usable experience, optimizing screen real estate.
This enhancement is particularly beneficial for PC handheld gaming devices, such as the Xbox ROG Ally X, which features a 7-inch screen. These smaller devices often struggle with the traditional windowed setup, and maximizing apps allows these portable PCs to offer a smoother, more immersive experience.
Beyond small screens, this setting offers significant utility for users who interact with their PCs from a distance. Imagine using a desktop setup where the monitor is positioned far away, perhaps under a television used for movies or games. In these scenarios, forcing apps into a windowed state can be frustrating. With this option, users can ensure that applications are always displayed in a full-screen format, regardless of their physical distance from the display.
This shift represents a broader trend in Windows 11: a focus on making the operating system more customizable and intuitive for the modern user. This feature is just one part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining the operating system, building a more tailored and pleasant experience across all devices.
As Microsoft continues to roll out further customization options—including updates to the Start menu and context menus—it’s clear that the goal is to move beyond rigid defaults and empower users to fine-tune every aspect of their digital workspace.
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