Full screen mode is great for diving into videos, presentations, or focused work, but getting stuck in it can drive you nuts. I’ve hit full screen by accident in apps and panicked when menus disappeared, leaving me clicking aimlessly. How do you quickly exit fullscreen mode Windows 10 or other versions? I’ve got your back with five tried-and-true methods—universal shortcuts, app-specific tricks, and a WPS Office tip to make switching modes effortless. Let’s get you back to multitasking in no time!
Part 1: Use the Esc Key to Exit Full Screen
The Escape (Esc) key is my first go-to for exiting full screen in most video players and browsers—it’s quick and usually works like magic.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Press the Esc key on your keyboard.
Step 2: The app (like YouTube or VLC) should instantly switch back to windowed mode.
Works In: YouTube, most web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox), photo viewers, and video players like VLC or Windows Media Player.
I was binge-watching a show on Netflix in full screen and needed to check a text. Hitting Esc popped me out in a second, but when I tried it during a PowerPoint presentation, it did nothing, so I had to try something else. This is a lifesaver for quick exit full screen shortcut needs.
Part 2: Use the F11 Key to Toggle Full Screen
The F11 key is a classic Windows shortcut that flips full screen on and off, especially in browsers. I lean on it when menus vanish, and I need a fast way out.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Press the F11 key on your keyboard.
Step 2: The app (like Chrome or File Explorer) will toggle between full screen and windowed mode.
Works In: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, File Explorer, and some other Windows apps.
Tip: Perfect when there’s no visible exit button on the screen.
I got stuck in full screen while browsing in Chrome, and F11 brought my tabs back instantly. It didn’t work in a game I was playing, so I had to switch tactics. This is a must-know for how to exit fullscreen mode Windows 10.
Part 3: Use Alt + Enter for Games or Command Line Tools
For games or old-school tools like Command Prompt, Alt + Enter is a go-to shortcut to jump between full screen and windowed mode. I’ve used it to escape glitchy game screens without a hitch.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Press Alt + Enter together on your keyboard.
Step 2: The app or game should switch to windowed mode (or back to full screen if pressed again).
Works In: Older PC games, Command Prompt, and some legacy Windows apps.
Tip: This might not work in modern games with exclusive full-screen modes or Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.
I was playing an old game that froze in full screen, and Alt + Enter got me out to tweak settings in seconds. It didn’t help with a newer app, so I had to try another approach. This is awesome for terminate unresponsive program in windows in games.
Part 4: Hover to Reveal Menu Bar (App-Specific Trick)
Some apps hide their menus in full screen but show them when you hover your mouse, making exiting a breeze. I’ve used this in video players and presentations to avoid fumbling.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Move your mouse to the top or bottom edge of the screen.
Step 2: Wait for the control bar or menu to pop up.
Step 3: Click the “Exit Full Screen” or “Close” icon (usually a square or X).
Works In: VLC, WPS Presentation, Windows Media Player, and similar apps.
I got stuck in VLC’s full screen during a movie, but hovering at the bottom brought up the exit button. It didn’t work in a game, so I switched to another method. This is a handy trick for how to close unresponsive apps on windows in media apps.
Part 5: Use Taskbar or Alt + Tab to Minimize and Recover Windowed Mode
When shortcuts don’t do the trick, the taskbar or Alt + Tab can force an app back to windowed mode. I’ve leaned on this when all else fails, and it’s a reliable backup.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Press Alt + Tab to switch to another app or the desktop.
Step 2: Locate the full-screen app’s icon on the taskbar.
Step 3: Right-click the icon and select “Restore” or “Maximize” to return to windowed mode.
Works In: Most Windows apps, including browsers, games, and productivity tools.
A full-screen app wouldn’t budge with Esc or F11, but Alt + Tab got me to the desktop, and right-clicking the taskbar icon fixed it fast. It’s a bit of a workaround but clutch for windows task manager close app moments when shortcuts flop.
Part 6: Why Use WPS Office for User-Friendly Full Screen Control
WPS Office makes full-screen mode a breeze with clear controls and shortcuts, saving you from the frustration of getting stuck. I’ve used it for writing and presentations, and it’s super intuitive.
I used WPS Presentation for a class talk, and clicking the “Exit Slideshow” button got me out of full screen without hunting for hidden menus. Writer’s full-screen mode helped me focus on essays, and Ctrl + Shift + F toggled it off in a snap. WPS Office is a lifesaver for avoiding full-screen headaches on any Windows PC.
FAQs
Q1: My screen is stuck in full screen, what should I do?
Try Esc, then F11, or use Alt + Tab to switch apps and regain control via the taskbar.
Q2: Why doesn’t Esc work in PowerPoint or games?
Some apps use custom full-screen modes. Try Alt + Enter, hover for menus, or use WPS Office for easier controls.
Q3: How can I disable auto full screen on apps?
Check the app’s settings or right-click its shortcut, go to Properties, and uncheck “Start in full screen.”
Q4: Can I exit full screen with just the keyboard?
Yes, Esc, F11, or Alt + Enter usually work, depending on the app.
