Gaming has taken a central role in entertainment and leisure for people across the globe. As technology has advanced, so too have the capabilities of gaming systems and the operating systems that support them. Windows 11, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system, brings a suite of features designed for an enhanced gaming experience. Yet, understanding how to optimize your settings—such as making a game full screen—can often be nuanced. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to make games full screen in Windows 11, along with essential tips and tricks to enhance your gaming experience.
Why Use Full Screen Mode?
Before diving into the steps of making a game full screen, it helps to understand why this feature is beneficial. Full screen mode allows the game to take over your entire display, providing a more immersive experience. Here are some reasons to opt for full screen:
Enhanced Immersion
: Full screen mode can help you feel like you are part of the game world, eliminating distractions.
Improved Performance
: Many games perform better in full screen mode due to how the operating system allocates resources.
Eliminates Window Borders
: In windowed mode, borders and menus can take up valuable screen space, which is especially critical in competitive gaming.
Multitasking
: Below we will discuss how to quickly transition to and from full screen for other tasks without losing your gaming progress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Game Full Screen in Windows 11
Method 1: In-Game Settings
Most modern games come equipped with the option to toggle full screen mode directly through their settings. Here’s how to do that:
Launch the Game
: Open the game you wish to play.
Access Settings
: Navigate to the main menu and look for a “Settings” or “Options” tab.
Display or Graphics Settings
: Within the settings menu, look for options labeled “Display” or “Graphics.”
Choose Full Screen Mode
: Here, you should find an option for “Display Mode” or similar. Common selections include “Windowed,” “Borderless Window,” and “Full Screen.” Select “Full Screen.”
Apply Changes
: After selecting full screen, be sure to apply the changes. Some games may require you to restart the game for changes to take effect.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts
An easy way to switch to full screen mode without navigating through in-game menus is to use keyboard shortcuts. The commonly accepted shortcuts are:
-
Alt + Enter
: This is a universal command in many games that toggles the display mode. -
F11
: Works in some games and applications to toggle full screen on and off.
Method 3: Windows Graphics Settings
If games do not seem to switch to full screen despite changing settings, you can try modifying Windows graphics settings:
Open Settings
: Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings menu.
Navigate to System
: Click on “System,” then select “Display.”
Advanced Graphics Settings
: Scroll down and click on “Graphics.”
Choose Your Game
: Click on “Browse” to locate your game file (.exe) if it doesn’t show up in the list. Once selected, click on the game and choose “Options.”
Select Performance Mode
: Choose either “High Performance” or “Power Saving,” and save your changes. High performance is recommended for gaming.
Restart Your Game
: Some settings may require a game restart to take effect.
Method 4: Adjust Resolution and Scaling
Sometimes, the resolution and scaling settings on your operating system may hinder full screen performance. Here is how to ensure optimal resolution:
Right-click on the Desktop
: Select “Display settings.”
Resolution Settings
: Look for the “Display resolution” drop-down menu and ensure you are using the recommended resolution (usually listed at the top).
Scale and Layout
: Make sure that “Scale” is set to 100% to prevent any scaling issues.
Check for Multiple Displays
: If using multiple monitors, ensure that the correct monitor is set as your primary display in the same Display settings window.
Bonus: Using Game Mode
Windows 11 comes with a feature known as Game Mode, specifically designed to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s how to enable it:
Open Settings
: Press
Windows + I
to access the Settings menu.
Gaming
: Click on the “Gaming” section.
Game Mode
: In the Game Mode menu, toggle the switch to “On.”
Performance Enhancements
: Game Mode prioritizes gaming resources significantly, which can improve your performance in full screen.
Helpful Tips for Full Screen Gaming
Check Hardware Performance
Before diving headfirst into the game, make sure your hardware meets the game’s system requirements. Full screen can demand more resources, so having a capable CPU, GPU, and enough RAM is crucial.
Update Graphics Drivers
Old drivers can lead to issues in full screen mode. Regularly updating your graphics drivers ensures your games run smoothly:
Device Manager
: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Display Adapters
: Expand the “Display adapters” section, right-click on your graphics card, and select “Update driver.”
Search Automatically
: Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.
Disable Background Applications
Factors like resource-draining background applications can impede performance when switching to full screen. Before you start gaming, close unnecessary applications:
-
Task Manager
: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. Under the Processes tab, close any apps that you aren’t using.
Optimize Game Performance Settings
Games often come with their own settings that affect performance. If you’re facing issues even in full screen, consider lowering graphics settings such as:
Texture Quality
: Reducing textures can help manage memory usage.
Shadow Quality
: Shadows can be resource-intensive. Reducing quality here often helps.
Anti-Aliasing
: Turning this off or lowering can give a significant performance boost.
Use Full-Screen Optimization (This is More of a Workaround)
Sometimes using Windows built-in settings can hinder the experience. You can turn off full-screen optimization specifically for the game:
Locate the Game Executable
: Right-click on the game shortcut and select “Properties.”
Compatibility Tab
: Click the “Compatibility” tab.
Disable Full-Screen Optimization
: Check the box that says “Disable fullscreen optimizations,” then click “OK.”
Monitor System Performance
Utilizing tools like the Windows built-in Resource Monitor or third-party software can help you keep track of how your system performs while gaming:
Consider Upgrading Your System
If you find yourself often unable to run games in full screen with satisfactory performance, consider upgrading your system. Improving components like adding more RAM or upgrading the GPU can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
DirectX and Game Updates
Keeping your games updated with the latest patches can also help solve numerous problems with full-screen mode. Developers often release patches that address common issues such as graphics bugs and display settings.
Reinstall if Necessary
If a particular game consistently poses problems with full screen, and none of the above methods work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the game. Sometimes corrupted files can prevent a game from functioning properly.
Conclusion
Making a game full screen in Windows 11 is a relatively simple process thanks to both built-in features and game-specific settings. Following the above methods and tips, you can ensure that you maximize your gaming experience. Remember to keep your hardware and software up to date, closing background applications to avoid performance hiccups, and optimizing your settings for the best experience. By doing so, you can enjoy the immersive worlds games have to offer without interruption. Happy gaming!