Make All Windows Open Maximized or Full Screen Always in Windows 11

If you regularly work with multiple applications, you may find it frustrating when every program opens in a small or partially resized window. Whether you use a large monitor, an ultrawide display, or simply prefer having every application fill the screen, Windows 11 offers several ways to make windows open maximized by default.

Although Windows 11 does not include a universal setting that forces every application to open maximized, it remembers the size and position of many desktop apps. For applications that do not remember their previous window size, you can manually configure them to always launch in a maximized state. There are also additional methods for programs that ignore the default behavior.

Let’s learn practical methods to make applications open maximized or full screen whenever possible.

Table of Contents

How to Make All Windows Open Maximized or Full Screen Always in Windows 11

Windows 11 handles window sizes differently depending on the type of application you use. Traditional desktop applications, also known as Win32 applications, often remember the last window size when they close. If you always close them while maximized, they usually reopen the same way.

Some programs, however, have their own startup settings that override Windows. Others launch through shortcuts that can be configured to open maximized. Modern Microsoft Store apps and web browsers may behave differently depending on their own settings.

If your goal is to have nearly every application occupy the entire screen when it opens, you may need to combine several methods described below.

Step 1: Maximize the Window Before Closing the Program

The easiest solution is to let Windows remember the application’s last window size.

Open the application you want to configure. If it opens in a smaller window, click the Maximize button in the upper right corner of the title bar. You can also press Windows + Up Arrow to maximize the active window.

After maximizing the window, use the application normally if needed. When you are finished, close the application while it is still maximized by clicking the Close button.

Open the program again. Many desktop applications automatically remember the last window size and position. If they do, the application will now launch maximized every time.

If this method works, you do not need to make any further changes for that particular application.

Step 2: Configure the Program Shortcut to Open Maximized

If the application still opens in a smaller window, you can change its shortcut properties.

Locate the application’s desktop shortcut. If you do not have one, search for the program in the Start menu, right-click it, choose More, and select Open file location. If another shortcut appears, right-click it again and choose Open file location until you reach the actual shortcut.

Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
Stay on the Shortcut tab.
Find the Run drop-down menu.
Click the menu and select Maximized.
Choose Apply, then click OK.

Now launch the application using that shortcut. Windows will instruct the program to open in a maximized window whenever it starts from that shortcut.

Keep in mind that this setting only applies to the shortcut you modified. If you launch the same application from another shortcut, the Start menu, or another location, it may not use the maximized setting.

Step 3: Pin the Updated Shortcut to the Taskbar or Start Menu

Once you have configured a shortcut to open maximized, it is a good idea to use that shortcut consistently.

Right-click the shortcut and choose Pin to Start if the option is available. Alternatively, launch the application from the updated shortcut, then right-click its icon on the taskbar and choose Pin to taskbar.

From now on, start the application from the pinned icon instead of another shortcut.

Using the same configured shortcut ensures Windows continues launching the application with your preferred window state.

Step 4: Check Whether the Application Has Its Own Startup Settings

Some applications ignore Windows shortcut settings because they have their own startup preferences.

Open the application and look for a Settings, Preferences, or Options menu.

Search for settings related to Window Size, Launch Behavior, Open Maximized, Remember Window State, or Restore Previous Session.

Enable any available option that tells the application to remember its previous size or always start maximized.

Save the changes and restart the application.

Many productivity applications, media players, editors, and business software include their own startup options that take priority over Windows.

Step 5: Enable Snap Windows for Better Window Management

Although Snap Windows does not force programs to launch maximized, it makes arranging windows much easier.

Open Settings from the Start menu.
Select System.
Open Multitasking.
Turn on Snap Windows if it is disabled.

Expand the available options and leave the recommended features enabled.

With Snap Windows active, you can instantly maximize or arrange applications by dragging them to the top of the screen or by using keyboard shortcuts. This creates a more organized desktop experience when working with several applications.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Maximize Windows Quickly

If an application occasionally ignores your preferred window size, Windows keyboard shortcuts provide an instant solution.

Press Windows + Up Arrow to maximize the current window.

If the window is minimized, restore it first before pressing the shortcut again.

You can also press F11 in many web browsers and some applications to switch to Full Screen Mode. Remember that full screen is different from a maximized window because it hides the title bar and taskbar until you exit full screen.

Restart Windows Explorer if Window Behavior Becomes Inconsistent

Sometimes Windows Explorer temporarily forgets window positions because of a minor system issue.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Locate Windows Explorer.

Right-click it.

Select Restart.

Wait a few seconds for the desktop to refresh.

Now reopen the application and check whether Windows remembers the maximized state correctly.

Restarting Explorer is much faster than restarting your entire computer and often fixes temporary window management issues.

Use Compatibility Settings for Older Programs

Older applications designed for previous versions of Windows sometimes have trouble remembering their window size.

Right-click the program’s executable file or shortcut and select Properties.

Open the Compatibility tab.

Review the available compatibility options if the application behaves unusually on Windows 11.

After applying changes, reopen the application and test whether it now remembers its maximized state.

Update the Application

Software updates often include fixes for window management problems.

If one specific application refuses to remember its window size while other programs work normally, install the latest version from the developer. Many developers improve compatibility with newer Windows versions through regular updates.

Reset the Application Settings

If the application previously remembered its window size but suddenly stopped doing so, resetting its settings may help.

Many desktop applications include a reset option within their preferences. Others store configuration files in the user profile that can be recreated automatically when deleted. Always back up important settings before performing a reset.

Create a Scheduled Script for Advanced Users

Advanced users who need specific applications to always launch maximized can create a script or scheduled task that starts programs with predefined window parameters.

This method requires more technical knowledge but provides additional control for applications that ignore normal Windows settings.

FAQs

Can Windows 11 make every application open maximized automatically?

Windows 11 does not include one universal setting that forces every application to open maximized. Most desktop programs can remember their previous window size, while others require shortcut or application-specific settings.

What is the difference between maximized and full screen?

A maximized window fills most of the desktop while still displaying the title bar and taskbar. Full screen mode hides most interface elements, providing a distraction-free viewing experience.

Why do some applications ignore the maximized setting?

Some applications use their own startup preferences instead of Windows settings. Others are designed to always open with a fixed window size or remember their own saved configuration.

Will changing the shortcut affect every way I open the program?

No. The change only applies to the shortcut you edited. Opening the application from another shortcut or launcher may produce different results.

Can I maximize windows using only the keyboard?

Yes. Press Windows + Up Arrow to maximize the active window. Many applications also support F11 for full-screen mode.

Does this work for Microsoft Store apps?

Some Microsoft Store apps remember their previous window size, while others are designed to follow their own window behavior. Results may vary depending on the application.

Summary

Making applications always open maximized in Windows 11 usually requires a combination of Windows features and application-specific settings.

For most desktop programs, simply closing the application while it is maximized allows Windows to remember its size.

If that does not work, configuring the program shortcut to launch in a Maximized state is often the most effective solution.

For applications with unique startup behavior, checking their internal settings, updating the software, or using compatibility options can resolve the issue.