How to Enable or Disable Open Apps Maximized by Default in Windows 11

Method 1Turn On Open Apps Maximized Using the Settings App

You can turn on open apps maximized using the Settings ⚙️ app by going to the Accessibility settings. This built-in Windows 11 menu includes a direct switch to make apps open in full screen automatically, and it is the safest method because it does not require changing advanced system files.

1. Open your main Windows settings ⚙️ menu. Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard at the same time.
2. Navigate to the accessibility section. Look at the list of options on the left side of your screen and click on Accessibility.

   

3. Locate the visual effects settings. In the main window, look under the “Vision” heading and click on Visual effects.

   

4. Toggle the setting on or off. Find the option labeled Open apps maximized. Click the switch next to it to turn the feature on. If you change your mind later, you can come back to this exact spot and turn it off.

   

5. Close out of the settings ⚙️ window. Click the “X” in the top right corner to close the Settings app. Your new preference starts working right away for any apps you open from now on.

Method 2Force Full Screen Apps Using the Windows Registry

You can force full screen apps using the Windows Registry Editor (a tool for changing advanced system settings) to make programs open maximized by default. This method is useful if the main settings menu does not work, but you need to follow the steps carefully to avoid system errors.

1. Open the Windows Registry Editor. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box. Type regedit into the text box and press Enter on your keyboard. When a security prompt asks if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device, click Yes. Warning: Be very careful when working in the registry. Changing or deleting keys by accident can cause system issues. Stick strictly to the path shown below.
2. Navigate to the correct registry folder. Copy and paste the following path into the address bar at the very top of the Registry Editor window, then press Enter:

   🗝️Registry

   Copy

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Accessibility

   This specific folder handles user-specific accessibility and visual preferences in Windows.
3. Create or modify the feature value. Look at the right-side pane for a value named MaximizeWindowsByDefault. If you do not see it there, right-click any empty space in the right pane, hover over New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new item exactly MaximizeWindowsByDefault and press Enter.
4. Set your preference value. Double-click the MaximizeWindowsByDefault value to open its settings box. To turn the feature on, change the value data box from 0 to 1 and click OK. To turn the feature off, change that same value back to 0 and click OK.
5. Restart your 🔄 computer to finish up. Close the Registry Editor window. Restart your computer to make sure the system fully applies your new preference.

Summary

You can make apps open in full screen by default in Windows 11 using either the simple Settings app ⚙️ or the Windows Registry method. Both options help you save time by stopping you from having to resize your open windows every single time you launch a program.