Chrome‘s full-screen mode hides the normal browser frame so the page uses more of the display. It is different from maximizing a window and from zooming in on a page. Use the built-in controls first; an extension is not required.
Turn full screen on and off
| Device | Useful control |
|---|---|
| Windows or Linux computer | Press F11; some keyboards need Fn + F11. |
| Mac | Use Chrome’s full-screen menu control or the green window control. |
| Chromebook | Use the full-screen key or Chrome’s menu. |
| A video on a website | Use the player’s own full-screen control when you want only the video. |
Chrome’s menu also has a full-screen control next to Zoom on desktop versions. Google’s zoom and full-screen help and keyboard shortcut list show the controls for each operating system. On Mac, use the shortcut shown in your current Chrome menu, since keyboard and macOS versions can differ.
Start full screen from a Windows shortcut
There is no ordinary Chrome Settings switch that guarantees every launch will reopen in full-screen mode. For a dedicated Windows shortcut, Chrome’s Chromium code includes the start-fullscreen launch switch.
- Make a copy of a working Chrome desktop shortcut.
- Open the copy’s Properties.
- Keep the existing executable path in Target. Add a space and
--start-fullscreenafter its closing quotation mark. - Close Chrome fully and launch the edited shortcut to test it.
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --start-fullscreenThe example path may differ on your PC. Do not replace a correct installation path with this example. If Chrome is already running, a new window may reuse the existing process and the startup switch may not behave as expected. This shortcut also does not change launches from every other icon or web link.
Choose the right display setting
Maximize keeps browser controls visible. Full screen hides most of them. Page zoom changes the size of the content. If the real problem is small text, adjust zoom rather than hiding the toolbar.
Test how to leave full screen before using the shortcut for a presentation. To undo it, remove the added switch or use the original shortcut. If you need quick access to saved pages, our Chrome bookmark-management guide covers that separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does maximizing Chrome enable full screen?
No. Maximizing enlarges the window while keeping its normal frame and controls.
Why does F11 change volume instead?
Your keyboard may use function keys for media controls. Try Fn + F11 or the Chrome menu.
Will one edited shortcut affect every Chrome launch?
No. Other icons, links and an already-running Chrome process can use different launch behavior.
How do I undo the startup change?
Remove the added startup switch from the copied shortcut or launch Chrome using the original shortcut.