How to make Windows programs open up as maximized

Updated: 02/07/2022 past Computer Hope

Microsoft Windows logo.

By default, Windows opens its programs in the "Normal" window size, pregnant its dimensions won't fill the entire screen. While users may easily maximize the window'due south size past clicking the middle icon Maximize icon in Windows. in the upper-correct corner, many don't like having to repeat the action every fourth dimension they showtime a program. To force Windows to open up a program in maximized style, follow the steps in both sections beneath.

Discover

The following steps just piece of work for a Windows program shortcut. Information technology does not work for a non-shortcut icon.

Accessing the properties bill of fare

Earlier you can force programs to open maximized, yous must admission the Properties window for that program. This process varies slightly based on where the shortcut icon is located.

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

Properties selector in Windows.

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

  1. Right-click the shortcut icon in the Windows taskbar, then right-click the program 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: department, and click the downwards arrow on the right side (red circle).
  3. In the driblet-down menu that appears, select Maximized (B).
  4. Click Apply (C), and so click OK (D).

Open shortcut window as maximized in Windows

The program still does non open up as maximized

If changing the Run setting to maximized does not work, attempt the following options to get the plan to open maximized.

Notation

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

  • Open the plan, maximize the window by clicking the square icon in the upper-correct corner, then close the program. Re-open the program to come across if it opens as maximized.
  • Open the program, maximize the window by clicking the square icon in the upper-right corner. And then, press and concord the Ctrl central and close the programme. Re-open the program to come across if it opens as maximized.
  • Viruses can sometimes cause issues with programs opening correctly, including not opening as maximized. Run a virus scan to remove any that are found. We recommend using the free online Housecall virus scan provided by Trend Micro. If any viruses are found and removed, repeat the options above and see if the plan opens every bit maximized.
  • How do I scan or bank check for estimator viruses?
  • Issues in the Windows operating system, including corrupt system files, can sometimes cause programs non to open maximized. You tin can try restoring Windows to a previous restore signal to fix corrupt system files and other Windows issues.
  • How to restore Windows to an before copy.