How to make Windows programs open up as maximized

Updated: 02/07/2022 by Estimator Hope

Microsoft Windows logo.

Past default, Windows opens its programs in the "Normal" window size, meaning its dimensions won't fill the entire screen. While users may easily maximize the window's size by clicking the middle icon Maximize icon in Windows. in the upper-correct corner, many don't like having to repeat the action every time they get-go a programme. To force Windows to open a program in maximized mode, follow the steps in both sections below.

Notice

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

Accessing the properties bill of fare

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

Desktop shortcut icon: Correct-click the shortcut icon and select Properties from the driblet-down card that appears.

Properties selector in Windows.

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

  1. Right-click the shortcut icon in the Windows taskbar, then correct-click the programme itself.

Menu that appears when users right-click a taskbar shortcut.

  1. Select Properties in the menu that appears.

Properties selector in Windows 10.

Maximizing the program on launch

  1. In the Backdrop window, click the Shortcut tab (A).
  2. Locate the Run: department, and click the down arrow on the right side (red circle).
  3. In the drop-downwardly menu that appears, select Maximized (B).
  4. Click Employ (C), and then click OK (D).

Open shortcut window as maximized in Windows

The plan however does not open as maximized

If irresolute the Run setting to maximized does non work, try the following options to become the program to open maximized.

Note

Despite changing the Run option to "Maximized" in the shortcut backdrop, some programme windows practise non open as maximized. The way a programme is developed can cause that result, and there is often no way to change that behavior.

  • Open the program, maximize the window by clicking the square icon in the upper-right corner, so close the program. Re-open the programme to see if information technology opens as maximized.
  • Open the program, maximize the window past clicking the square icon in the upper-right corner. And then, press and hold the Ctrl key and close the program. Re-open up the programme to meet if it opens equally maximized.
  • Viruses can sometimes crusade issues with programs opening correctly, including non opening as maximized. Run a virus scan to remove any that are institute. We recommend using the gratuitous online Housecall virus browse provided by Trend Micro. If whatever viruses are found and removed, repeat the options higher up and see if the program opens as maximized.
  • How do I browse or check for computer viruses?
  • Issues in the Windows operating system, including corrupt organization files, can sometimes crusade programs not to open maximized. Y'all can try restoring Windows to a previous restore bespeak to fix corrupt system files and other Windows issues.
  • How to restore Windows to an earlier copy.