Games that lack a full-screen option or have limited graphics settings that exclude full-screen mode cause a lot of frustration among gamers. Let’s first find out about those pesky culprits that might be preventing your games from going full-screen.
Older games may not be compatible with modern operating systems, leading to full-screen mode problems.
Have you accidentally minimized your game or set it to windowed mode? Graphics card settings can be another headache, especially if your graphics card is set to a lower resolution than your monitor.
And don’t forget about those sneaky third-party software programs, like screen recording software, which can also interfere with the full-screen mode in games.
But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll explain how to “full screen” a game on PC. So, brace yourself and get ready to take your gaming experience to the next level.
How to “Full Screen” a Game on PC
Video games offer a world of captivating experiences and playing on a personal computer comes with a plethora of advantages – from greater customization and control to better graphics and performance.
But picture this: you’re in the middle of an intense game, and suddenly, the window size shrinks, taking away from the overall experience.
Frustrating, I bet. Don’t fret – whether it’s an older game that lacks full-screen mode or you accidentally minimized the window, there are various methods to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Using In-Game Settings
Get ready to conquer those stubborn games that refuse to go full-screen! Our foolproof solution starts with checking the in-game settings and tweaking the display and graphics options to adjust the game’s resolution. With most games offering windowed, borderless windowed, and full-screen modes, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
If full-screen mode is an option, simply select it and save the settings – just keep in mind that some games may require a system restart for the changes to take effect. And if the full-screen mode isn’t available or doesn’t work, don’t worry – we’ve got more tricks up our sleeves for you to try!
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Get ready to elevate your gaming experience with these awesome keyboard shortcuts that can help you make your game go fullscreen in a flash! Some popular options include the F11 key, which is commonly used to toggle fullscreen mode in web browsers and might work for certain games.
Another top pick is the Alt+Enter shortcut that enables a full-screen mode in many games. And for Windows 10 users, give Windows+Shift+Enter a shot to enter fullscreen mode. But keep in mind that not all games will support these shortcuts, so it’s always a good idea to check the game’s online forums and documentation to see which specific shortcuts might work for it.
Using the Display Settings on Windows
Another method you can try to “full screen” your game on a PC is using Windows display settings. Just right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings” from the drop-down menu. Scroll down and click on the “Scale and Layout” section and pick your preferred resolution. That’s it, you’re done!
The next step would be launching your game and heading over to the settings tab. Now, what you’re going to do is look for an option to change the game’s resolution and then set it to the resolution you chose earlier. It’s as easy as that!
Now, find the option to set the game to full-screen mode and activate it. And don’t forget to save your settings and restart the game if needed. Bingo!
However, do keep in mind that some games might not support changing resolutions in this way or may have their specific settings. So, to avoid any headaches, double-check the game’s documentation or online forums for any specific instructions on how to set it to full-screen mode.
Running the Game in Compatibility Mode
Let’s mix things up and try another method to fully screen your game. If the previous methods haven’t done the trick for you, try running the game in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.
Simply open the game’s executable file and select Properties, navigate to the Compatibility tab, and choose an earlier version of Windows from the drop-down menu.
If that doesn’t work either, try running the game in windowed mode and resizing the windows to fit your screen.
It’s important to remember that not all games will support full-screen mode, or may require some specific settings to be enabled.
Using a Third-Party Software
If the above solutions haven’t worked out for you, hang on, you can still try using a third-party application to resolve your problem more effectively and quickly.
First, pick a piece of third-party software that meets your needs. There are other options, including Borderless Gaming, Windowed Borderless Gaming, and Fullscreenizer.
Launch the game and any subsequent programs.
Then, adjust the parameters of the third-party software to your liking. This may require altering the game’s resolution, aspect ratio, or monitor refresh rate. Save your settings after making the necessary adjustments, and voilà! The game on your PC should now be playing in fullscreen mode.
Switch Main Monitor
Sometimes when you’re trying to go full-screen with a game on your PC, it just won’t cooperate. That’s because some games are programmed to automatically detect your main display and run in fullscreen mode on that screen. But fear not! You can force the game to display in fullscreen mode on a different monitor by switching your main display. Here’s how to do it:
- First press the Windows + I keys to launch Settings.
- Click on System.
- Scroll down to the Display menu to Customize your display.
- Then, like a lightning bolt, click Identity to get a number to appear on the screen.
- Set the primary screen to the monitor with the same number by dragging it over.
- Save the modifications and check to see if the full-screen problem has been resolved.
Modify Your Graphics Card Settings
Another method that you can try is modifying your graphics card settings. Try these methods to get full-screen games to function with your graphics card settings.
Right-click on your desktop app and select “Open Graphics Card Control Panel” and then select the “Screen” or “Display” section of the graphics card control panel.
Scroll down to “Scaling Mode” or “GPU Scaling”. Once you’ve located it, switch it on and choose either “Aspect Ratio” or “Full Screen” as your chosen scaling option. Finally, be sure to exit the control panel after saving your modifications.
Your graphics card ought to be able to recognize and show games in full-screen mode after making these settings. Please refer to the manual or conduct an online search for further details because precise instructions may differ depending on the manufacturer and model of your graphics card. This should work out for you easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you “full screen” a game on a PC?
There are several ways you can full-screen a game on your PC, from using keyboard shortcuts to using in-game settings. You can try them all, and if that doesn’t work, try changing the display settings from the settings tab. You can also try modifying your graphics card or switching your monitors, if necessary.
Why won’t my game go full screen?
Some games just simply don’t support full-screen modes, while others might require some settings or tweaks to enable it. You can always look at the game’s online forums or documentation for specific instructions.
What is the keyboard shortcut for a full screen?
The keyboard shortcut might vary for every game but try using F11: it works for most games.
Can I use a third party software to “full screen” a game?
Yes, you can use third-party software to enable full-screen mode. Before downloading it, make sure to read reviews so you know it’s safe and reliable.
Will full-screening a game affect performance?
Full-screening a game may affect performance depending on your computer’s specifications and the game’s requirements. It’s recommended to adjust your graphics settings and resolution to optimize performance.
Can I switch back to windowed mode after full-screening a game?
Yes, most games allow you to switch between full-screen and windowed modes. You can usually do this through the in-game settings or by using a keyboard shortcut.
Can I full-screen a game on multiple monitors?
Yes, you can “full screen” a game on multiple monitors. You can do this by selecting the display you want to use as your main monitor in the display settings of your computer. Keep in mind that it varies from game to game, as not all games support it.
How do I know if my game supports full-screen mode?
Check the game’s documentation or online forums. Or press F11 or Alt+Enter while the game is running to see if it switches to full-screen mode.
Why won’t my game switch to full-screen mode?
Frustrated because your game won’t switch to full-screen mode? There could be a multitude of reasons. Maybe the game doesn’t support it or needs more tweaks. Perhaps your graphics card or display settings are off.
To fix the issue, check the game’s documentation or forums for guidance, or use a third-party software to troubleshoot. Don’t let technical issues ruin your gaming fun!
After I finish playing my game, how do I exit full-screen mode?
To exit full screen mode after you’re done playing your game, you can simply press the “Esc” button. Or another thing you can do is press Alt+Enter to switch from full screen mode to windowed mode and then press ‘X’ on the top right corner to exit the game.
Will my game save my full-screen settings after I exit it?
Some games might save your preferences, while others may not. You can check your game options or settings to see if there’s any option to save your preferences. If there aren’t any, you might need to manually set them each time you play the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a full-screen is a vital must-have for any gamer to get the full, authentic gaming experience. There are many ways to achieve this: you can use keyboard shortcuts or use in-game settings – the options are endless. And if that doesn’t work, don’t worry – you can still try switching monitors or running the game in compatibility mode.
But do remember that not all games are created the same. Some might not support full-screen mode or may require additional adjustments to make it work. Now that we know how to “full screen” a game on PC, you can take your gaming experience to a new level!
