Force Full Screen

What Is Force Full Screen for Windows?

Force Full Screen is a lightweight utility that lets you transform virtually any application window into a true full‑screen mode, even when the app itself doesn't offer that option. Developed by Workstation Master, this tool lives in the Microsoft Store and targets users who wrestle with stubborn windows that refuse to go full‑screen — think legacy games, media players, or tools that only run in a fixed‑size window. The main highlights include one‑click forced full‑screen activation, customizable hotkeys, multi‑monitor awareness, and support for both windowed and borderless modes. It's perfect for gamers, productivity enthusiasts, and anyone who just wants a cleaner, more immersive workspace without the usual headaches.

The Experience – From Clunky Windows to Seamless Immersion

A Little App That Fixes a Big Annoyance

We've all been there: you boot up an old favorite game or a niche productivity tool, only to find it locked inside a tiny window. The maximize button is greyed out, the resolution settings are limited, and alt‑Enter does nothing. That's where Force Full Screen steps in – like a gentle but firm hand that says, “Hey, we're going full screen now, whether you like it or not.”

Core Function 1 – Instant Full‑Screen Transformation

The app's main trick is dead simple. After installation, you choose which window to target (or let it work on the currently active window) and press a hotkey (default: Ctrl + Shift + F). Instantly, the window snaps to fill your entire monitor. The best part? It respects the original aspect ratio and can even add black bars automatically if needed – no stretching or distortion. I tested it with a few stubborn utilities (a vintage screen recording tool, a card game from 2003, and even a command‑line app running in a tiny CMD window). Every single one stretched to full screen without a hitch.

Core Function 2 – Customizable Hotkeys and Multi‑Monitor Smarts

Workstation Master didn't stop at the basics. You can remap the hotkey to anything you like, set it to automatically launch Windows, and – here's the killer feature – control which monitor the forced full‑screen applies to. If you have two screens and want a window to go full‑screen on your secondary monitor while keeping your main display untouched, that's doable with one extra click. This alone makes it a godsend for streamers or anyone using a second screen for reference documents while working in a full‑screen app.

User Experience – Clean, Fast, and Intuitive

The interface is a minimal window with about six options. You can't get lost. The learning curve is basically zero – even my non‑techy friend figured it out in 30 seconds. Performance? It uses practically no CPU or memory. The app stays in your system tray and only springs to life when you hit the hotkey. No bloat, no ads, no nag screens. It's exactly the kind of utility that you forget exists until you desperately need it.

What Makes It Stand Out Among Utilities & Tools?

Most “force full‑screen” tools out there are either overcomplicated, outdated, or come with sketchy installation packages. Force Full Screen for Windows is modern (UWP, clean design), verified in the Microsoft Store, and has one critical edge: it doesn't just “maximize” – it actually treats the target window as a true full‑screen element. The app can hide the title bar, remove borders, and even disable the taskbar's ability to peek through, all while keeping your system stable. Another unique angle is its ability to run silently in the background and still remember your preference for specific apps. Compare that to older tools like “Windowed Borderless Gaming” – Force Full Screen feels lighter and works with both Win32 and UWP apps (yes, even Store apps). It's the set‑it‑and‑forget‑it approach that I appreciate.

Should You Download It?

If you ever find yourself fighting a window that just won't go full‑screen – especially for retro games, old software, or niche tools – this app is a no‑brainer. It's free (or very cheap, depending on region), and it solves a problem that Windows itself still hasn't addressed properly. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who never faces this issue, but for power users, retro enthusiasts, or multi‑monitor workers, it's a five‑star addition to your toolbox. One small caveat: it doesn't work with all DirectX games (those with built‑in exclusive full‑screen modes might ignore the hotkey), but for borderless and windowed‑only apps, it's nearly flawless. Give it a spin – you might just find a new favorite utility.

FAQ

How do I set up Force Full Screen for the first time?

After installation, open the app from the system tray. Set your preferred hotkey under Settings > Hotkey. Enable 'Start with Windows' if desired. The app runs in background—press your hotkey on any window to force it full screen.

Can I use Force Full Screen without pressing any keys?

Yes. Go to Settings > General and toggle 'Force full screen automatically'. The app will then maximize any window that gains focus, ideal for games that refuse to resize. You can disable auto mode anytime.

What hotkey combinations does Force Full Screen support?

You can assign any combination including Ctrl, Shift, Alt, and Windows key plus a letter or number. Navigate to Settings > Hotkey, click the box, and press your desired keys. The default is Ctrl+Shift+F.

Will Force Full Screen work with borderless windowed games?

Yes. It forces any in-focus window to true full screen, even borderless windows. For best results, set your game to windowed mode first, then apply the hotkey or enable automatic mode.

Does Force Full Screen support multiple monitors?

Absolutely. The app acts on the focused window regardless of which monitor it's on. It will stretch the window to fill the entire screen of its current monitor. No extra configuration needed.

How do I turn off automatic full screen temporarily?

Right-click the app icon in the system tray and uncheck 'Force full screen automatically'. Alternatively, open Settings > General and disable the toggle. Re-enable it just as easily.