Last Updated on June 23, 2026
Most people enjoy working with applications that fill the entire screen because it makes everything easier to see and helps reduce distractions. When a program is already running you can simply click the maximize button in the top right corner of the window, and the program expands to use the full display. This is something many users do automatically without thinking because a larger window allows them to view more content at once and work more comfortably.
However, you may have noticed that some of your shortcuts or icons for certain programs do not open in full screen when you double click them. Instead of launching maximized they open in a smaller window that you have to enlarge manually every single time. This quickly becomes frustrating, especially if it is a program you use frequently and you prefer it to always start in a full screen view.
Changing the Shortcut Run Properties
1. Open the Shortcut Properties Menu
Locate the specific desktop shortcut or taskbar icon you use to open your target program. Right click the icon to open the context menu. Choose Properties from the list of options. A new window will appear that contains several settings for that specific shortcut.
2. Locate the Run Dropdown Menu
Make sure you are on the Shortcut tab at the top of the properties window. Look down near the bottom of the window for a setting labeled Run. Next to it is a drop down list containing three different window state choices.
3. Understand the Window State Options
This list gives you three choices for how the program will execute. Normal window tells the program to open in a standard resizable window. Minimized opens the program but keeps it hidden on the taskbar so it does not appear on the screen until you click it. Maximized opens the program in full screen right from the start.
4. Select the Maximized Setting
Click the dropdown menu and select the Maximized option from the list. This locks the shortcut to force the application to consume your entire monitor upon launch.
5. Apply and Save Your Changes
Click the Apply button at the bottom right of the window. Then click OK to close the properties menu. You may be prompted for administrator permission to save the changes depending on where the shortcut is located.
6. Test Your New Shortcut
The next time you open that program using the same shortcut it will begin in full screen automatically. This small adjustment saves time and creates a smoother experience, especially for programs you use often. It is a simple change that can make your daily computer use more efficient and more enjoyable.
For additional training resources, check out our online IT training courses.
Check out our extensive IT book series.
