Are you tired of being stuck in full-screen mode and unable to navigate your computer or mobile device efficiently? Getting rid of full screen can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not familiar with the shortcuts or settings. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to exit full-screen mode on different devices and browsers, helping you to regain control over your screen.
Understanding Full Screen Mode
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what full-screen mode is and how it works. Full-screen mode is a feature that allows you to view content, such as videos, games, or presentations, in a maximized window that covers the entire screen. This mode is useful for immersive experiences, but it can be annoying when you need to access other windows or features.
Types of Full Screen Mode
There are two types of full-screen mode:
- True Full Screen: This mode completely takes over the screen, hiding all other windows, taskbars, and menus.
- Maximized Window: This mode expands a window to fill the entire screen, but still allows you to access the taskbar and other windows.
Exiting Full Screen Mode on Windows
If you’re using a Windows computer, here are the steps to exit full-screen mode:
Method 1: Press the F11 Key
The simplest way to exit full-screen mode on Windows is to press the F11 key. This key is usually located on the top row of your keyboard and is labeled as “F11” or “Full Screen.” Pressing F11 will toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Method 2: Use the Windows Key + Down Arrow
Another way to exit full-screen mode is to press the Windows key + Down arrow. This shortcut will minimize the full-screen window and restore it to its original size.
Method 3: Use the Taskbar
If you’re in true full-screen mode, you can exit by clicking on the taskbar. Move your mouse to the bottom of the screen, and the taskbar should appear. Click on any icon or button to exit full-screen mode.
Exiting Full Screen Mode on Mac
If you’re using a Mac, here are the steps to exit full-screen mode:
Method 1: Press Command + Control + F
The simplest way to exit full-screen mode on Mac is to press Command + Control + F. This shortcut will toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Method 2: Use the Green Button
Another way to exit full-screen mode is to click on the green button in the top-left corner of the window. This button is labeled as “Full Screen” or “Exit Full Screen.”
Method 3: Use the Menu Bar
If you’re in true full-screen mode, you can exit by clicking on the menu bar. Move your mouse to the top of the screen, and the menu bar should appear. Click on any menu item to exit full-screen mode.
Exiting Full Screen Mode on Mobile Devices
If you’re using a mobile device, here are the steps to exit full-screen mode:
Method 1: Tap the Screen
The simplest way to exit full-screen mode on mobile devices is to tap the screen. This will usually bring up the navigation bar or menu.
Method 2: Use the Navigation Bar
Another way to exit full-screen mode is to use the navigation bar. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap the navigation bar to exit full-screen mode.
Method 3: Use the Back Button
If you’re in a full-screen app, you can exit by pressing the back button. This will usually take you back to the previous screen or menu.
Exiting Full Screen Mode in Browsers
If you’re viewing a website in full-screen mode, here are the steps to exit:
Method 1: Press F11
The simplest way to exit full-screen mode in browsers is to press F11. This key will toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Method 2: Use the Browser Menu
Another way to exit full-screen mode is to use the browser menu. Click on the menu button (usually located in the top-right corner of the browser window) and select “Exit Full Screen” or “Toggle Full Screen.”
Method 3: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
Some browsers have a keyboard shortcut to exit full-screen mode. For example, in Google Chrome, you can press Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac) to exit full-screen mode.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, you may encounter issues when trying to exit full-screen mode. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Issue 1: Full Screen Mode is Stuck
If you’re unable to exit full-screen mode, try pressing the F11 key or using the keyboard shortcut for your browser. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your computer or mobile device.
Issue 2: Full Screen Mode is Not Working
If you’re unable to enter full-screen mode, try checking your browser settings or updating your browser to the latest version.
Issue 3: Full Screen Mode is Causing Performance Issues
If you’re experiencing performance issues while in full-screen mode, try closing other resource-intensive programs or background applications.
Conclusion
Getting rid of full screen can be a frustrating experience, but with the right shortcuts and settings, you can easily exit full-screen mode on your computer or mobile device. Remember to use the F11 key, Windows key + Down arrow, or Command + Control + F to exit full-screen mode on Windows and Mac. On mobile devices, tap the screen, use the navigation bar, or press the back button to exit full-screen mode. By following these steps, you can regain control over your screen and navigate your device with ease.
What is full screen mode and why do I need to exit it?
Full screen mode is a feature that allows you to view a website, application, or video in a maximized window, hiding all other elements on your screen. While it can be useful for immersive experiences, it can also be frustrating when you need to access other parts of your screen. Exiting full screen mode is necessary when you need to multitask, access other windows or tabs, or simply want to regain control over your screen.
To exit full screen mode, you can usually press the “Esc” key on your keyboard or click on the “Exit Full Screen” button, which is often located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can also use keyboard shortcuts such as “F11” or “Ctrl + Shift + F” to toggle full screen mode on and off.
How do I get rid of full screen on a Windows computer?
To exit full screen mode on a Windows computer, you can press the “F11” key on your keyboard. This will toggle full screen mode on and off. Alternatively, you can also click on the “Exit Full Screen” button, which is usually located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. If you’re using a web browser, you can also press “Ctrl + Shift + F” to exit full screen mode.
If you’re having trouble exiting full screen mode, you can also try pressing the “Windows” key + “D” to show your desktop, and then click on the “Restore” button to restore your window to its original size. Additionally, you can also use the “Task Manager” to close the full screen application or process.
How do I get rid of full screen on a Mac computer?
To exit full screen mode on a Mac computer, you can press “Command + Shift + F” on your keyboard. This will toggle full screen mode on and off. Alternatively, you can also click on the “Exit Full Screen” button, which is usually located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. If you’re using a web browser, you can also press “Command + Shift + F” to exit full screen mode.
If you’re having trouble exiting full screen mode, you can also try pressing “Command + Tab” to switch to another application, and then click on the “Restore” button to restore your window to its original size. Additionally, you can also use the “Force Quit” feature to close the full screen application or process.
How do I get rid of full screen on a mobile device?
To exit full screen mode on a mobile device, you can usually tap on the “Exit Full Screen” button, which is often located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can also use gestures such as swiping up or down to exit full screen mode.
If you’re having trouble exiting full screen mode, you can also try pressing the “Home” button or swiping up from the bottom of the screen to return to your home screen. Additionally, you can also use the “Recent Apps” feature to close the full screen application or process.
What if I’m stuck in full screen mode and can’t exit?
If you’re stuck in full screen mode and can’t exit, try pressing the “Esc” key on your keyboard or clicking on the “Exit Full Screen” button. If that doesn’t work, try pressing “Ctrl + Shift + F” or “Command + Shift + F” to toggle full screen mode on and off.
If you’re still having trouble, try restarting your computer or mobile device. This will usually reset your screen to its original state and allow you to exit full screen mode. Additionally, you can also try using the “Task Manager” or “Force Quit” feature to close the full screen application or process.
Can I prevent full screen mode from happening in the future?
Yes, you can prevent full screen mode from happening in the future by adjusting your browser or application settings. For example, you can disable full screen mode in your web browser by going to the settings menu and unchecking the “Allow full screen” option.
Additionally, you can also use third-party extensions or software to block full screen mode or alert you when a website or application is trying to enter full screen mode. This can help you avoid getting stuck in full screen mode and give you more control over your screen.
Are there any keyboard shortcuts to quickly exit full screen mode?
Yes, there are several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to quickly exit full screen mode. For example, you can press “F11” on a Windows computer or “Command + Shift + F” on a Mac computer to toggle full screen mode on and off.
Additionally, you can also use other keyboard shortcuts such as “Ctrl + Shift + F” or “Alt + Tab” to exit full screen mode. These shortcuts can vary depending on your operating system and browser, so you may need to experiment to find the one that works best for you.