How to make Windows programs open as maximized

Updated: 02/07/2022 past Reckoner Promise

Microsoft Windows logo.

By default, Windows opens its programs in the "Normal" window size, meaning its dimensions won't fill the entire screen. While users may hands maximize the window'due south size past clicking the middle icon Maximize icon in Windows. in the upper-right corner, many don't like having to repeat the activity every fourth dimension they first a program. To force Windows to open a program in maximized manner, follow the steps in both sections below.

Notice

The following steps just work for a Windows programme shortcut. It does not piece of work for a non-shortcut icon.

Accessing the backdrop menu

Earlier you can forcefulness programs to open maximized, yous must access the Properties window for that plan. This procedure varies slightly based on where the shortcut icon is located.

Desktop shortcut icon: Right-click the shortcut icon and select Properties from the drop-downward carte du jour that appears.

Properties selector in Windows.

Taskbar shortcut icon: Forcing these applications to open as maximized requires an additional footstep.

  1. Correct-click the shortcut icon in the Windows taskbar, then right-click the programme itself.

Menu that appears when users right-click a taskbar shortcut.

  1. Select Backdrop in the carte du jour that appears.

Properties selector in Windows 10.

Maximizing the programme on launch

  1. In the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab (A).
  2. Locate the Run: section, and click the downward arrow on the right side (reddish circle).
  3. In the drop-downward card that appears, select Maximized (B).
  4. Click Utilise (C), and so click OK (D).

Open shortcut window as maximized in Windows

The program still does not open up as maximized

If changing the Run setting to maximized does not piece of work, try the following options to get the program to open maximized.

Notation

Despite irresolute the Run option to "Maximized" in the shortcut properties, some program windows do not open equally maximized. The way a program is developed tin can cause that issue, and there is often no way to change that behavior.

  • Open the program, maximize the window by clicking the foursquare icon in the upper-right corner, then close the plan. Re-open the plan to meet if information technology opens as maximized.
  • Open up the program, maximize the window by clicking the square icon in the upper-right corner. Then, press and concur the Ctrl fundamental and close the program. Re-open up the programme to see if information technology opens as maximized.
  • Viruses can sometimes cause problems with programs opening correctly, including not opening as maximized. Run a virus scan to remove any that are found. Nosotros recommend using the free online Housecall virus scan provided by Trend Micro. If whatsoever viruses are found and removed, repeat the options above and see if the program opens as maximized.
  • How do I browse or cheque for computer viruses?
  • Problems in the Windows operating system, including corrupt organization files, can sometimes cause programs not to open maximized. You tin can try restoring Windows to a previous restore bespeak to fix corrupt system files and other Windows issues.
  • How to restore Windows to an earlier copy.