To exit full screen mode on Windows, you can use several methods depending on the application and situation:
- Press the F11 key on your keyboard. This is the most common shortcut to toggle full screen mode on and off in many programs, including web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. On some laptops, you may need to hold the Fn key while pressing F11
- Press the Esc (Escape) key. This works in many media players and some applications but generally does not exit full screen in web browsers
- Move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen to reveal a toolbar or title bar, then click the circle with an X or the "Exit full screen" button if it appears
- Use the application menu by pressing Alt + Space , then select Restore or Minimize to exit full screen mode
- If the program is unresponsive or stuck in full screen, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del , select the problematic app under Processes, and click End Task to close it
Additional shortcuts that can help manage windows include:
- Alt + F4 to close the current program.
- Windows + Tab to open Task View.
- Alt + Tab to switch between open applications.
- Windows + M to minimize all windows
These methods cover most scenarios for exiting full screen mode on Windows. If one method doesn't work, try another depending on the context and application you are using.
