Google Chrome’s Full Screen Mode is a popular feature that allows users to view web content without distractions from the browser’s user interface elements like the toolbar and menu. However, when this feature malfunctions on operating systems such as Windows, macOS (including recent versions like Sonoma 14.1), or Chrome OS, it can significantly impact the browsing experience. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps users can try to resolve this issue.
How to Fix the Google Chrome Full Screen Is Not Working
First, to fix the fullscreen mode on Chrome, try disabling the Hardware (GPU) acceleration, then relaunch the browser. If this does not work, update Chrome or enable GPU Rasterization from the Chrome flags. Toggle off all the extensions once. Lastly, press F11 or Fn + F11 to enter fullscreen mode.
Fix 1. Update Chrome
As u/omnptnt mentioned, “Hey there! Had the same problem, Chrome was unusable. Go to chrome://settings/help at the part where it shows the Chrome version. Click on the button that says to relaunch to finish installing the update. It should work.”
In my experience, making sure you have the latest version of Chrome is the first step you should take when facing issues like this. Updated versions often include fixes for known problems.
Fix 2. If Updating Doesn’t Work, Try Enabling GPU Rasterization
If updating Chrome doesn’t solve the problem, the next step I suggest is enabling GPU Rasterization. This feature allows Chrome to use your computer’s GPU to render web pages, which can help resolve display issues. To enable it, go to chrome://flags/#enable-gpu-rasterization, click “Enable,” and then relaunch Chrome.
Fix 3. Still Having Issues? Try Turning Off Extensions
If you’re still facing problems after trying the previous solutions, I recommend turning off your extensions one by one to see if one of them is causing the issue. Extensions can sometimes interfere with Chrome’s functionality.
Proof it works: u/challahfrenchtoast suggested, “Praise be I am no longer suffering in silence 🥹 here’s a link to a resolution that I found: https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/239565069/certain-areas-on-my-screen-not-working-on-full-screen?hl=en Update: After ensuring my data has been synced, turning off my extensions resolved the problem.”
Fix 4. If All Else Fails, Try Disabling Hardware Acceleration
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still having issues, the next step I recommend is disabling hardware acceleration. Hardware acceleration allows Chrome to use your computer’s hardware to perform certain tasks more efficiently, but it can also cause problems in some cases. To disable it, go to chrome://settings/system and toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available,” then relaunch Chrome.
Fix 5. If Nothing Else Works, Wait For A Chrome Update To Fix The Issue
Sometimes, issues like this are caused by bugs in Chrome itself, and the best thing you can do is wait for an update that addresses the problem. Keep an eye out for new Chrome releases and install them as soon as they’re available.
Proof it works: u/TypicalTim mentioned, “UPDATE 2023.10.31 After updating to Sonoma 14.1 and Chrome 118.0.5.5993.117 the issue is no longer present. I am relieved to report that everything is working fine for the last 2 days after the last 2+ weeks of headaches.”
More Ways to Fix
Fix 6: Keyboard Shortcuts
Let’s start with the easy stuff. I always tell my students to try the keyboard shortcuts first. It’s like having a magic key to unlock full screen mode!
On Windows or Chrome OS, just hit that F11 key. It’s usually at the top of your keyboard. For my Mac users, it’s a bit fancier – hold down Command and Shift, then tap F. I like to think of it as “Command the Shift to go Full screen!”
Why does this work? Well, these shortcuts are hard-coded into Chrome. They’re like secret handshakes between you and your browser.
Fix 7: Restart Chrome
If the shortcuts don’t work, don’t worry. Sometimes Chrome gets a bit sleepy, just like us after a long day. A quick nap (or in this case, a restart) can do wonders.
Close all your Chrome windows – and I mean all of them! Then open Chrome again. It’s like giving your browser a fresh start to its day.
This works because restarting clears out any temporary hiccups in Chrome’s memory. It’s like when you feel better after a good night’s sleep – Chrome does too!
Fix 8: Check for Conflicting Software
Now, this is where it gets a bit tricky. Sometimes, other programs on your computer can be like nosy neighbors, peeking over the fence and messing with Chrome’s business.
Security software is often the culprit. It’s trying to protect you, but sometimes it goes overboard. If you feel comfortable, try turning it off for a minute. See if Chrome behaves better.
Remember, always turn your security software back on when you’re done! We don’t want to leave the front door open, so to speak.
Fix 9: Reset Chrome Settings
This is our nuclear option. It’s like moving to a new house because you can’t find your keys. Effective, but drastic.
Go to Chrome’s settings (look for the three dots in the top right), find the Advanced section, and hit “Reset settings.”
Warning: this will erase all your Chrome customizations. It’s like starting fresh on a new computer. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need, but it can be a pain to set everything up again.
Fix 10: Advanced Troubleshooting
If nothing else works, we might need to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. This is where things get technical.
Graphics hardware acceleration can sometimes cause issues. It’s like Chrome is trying to use a fancy sports car engine, but it’s not quite compatible.
Updating your graphics drivers is another option. Think of it as teaching your computer a new language so it can talk to Chrome better.
These steps can vary depending on your computer, so you might need to do some research for your specific setup.
Fix Chrome Full Screen: 30 Smart Solutions
Here’s a comprehensive list of ways to fix Google Chrome’s full screen issue, including some innovative approaches:
- Use keyboard shortcuts (F11 on Windows/Chrome OS or Cmd+Shift+F on macOS)
- Restart Google Chrome to clear temporary glitches
- Update Chrome to the latest version (e.g., Chrome 118.0.5993.117)
- Clear browser cache and cookies in Chrome Settings
- Disable Chrome extensions temporarily via chrome://extensions
- Check for conflicting software (antivirus, firewalls) on your operating system
- Reset Chrome settings through the Advanced section in chrome://settings
- Update GPU drivers to ensure compatibility with Chrome
- Toggle hardware acceleration in Chrome’s System settings
- Reinstall Google Chrome completely
- Check Windows display settings for any conflicts
- Use Chrome with a new user profile to isolate issues
- Run Chrome as administrator on Windows systems
- Check for operating system updates (Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS)
- Test with Chrome Canary for cutting-edge features and fixes
- Toggle Chrome flags at chrome://flags for experimental features
- Scan for malware that might interfere with Chrome
- Use a portable version of Chrome to bypass system conflicts
- Try browsing in Chrome’s Incognito mode
- Adjust Windows display scaling settings
Innovative approaches
- Use a virtual machine to isolate Chrome from system issues
- Test with a different user account on your computer
- Use Chrome Remote Desktop for accessing from another device
- Install Chrome on an external drive for a clean environment
- Use a browser extension designed to force full screen mode
- Try different Chrome channels (Beta, Dev) for potential fixes
- Use command line switches to launch Chrome with specific settings
- Adjust your monitor’s refresh rate for display compatibility
- Check for conflicting keyboard mapping software on your system
- Create a script or batch file to launch Chrome in full screen mode
Conclusion
That is it for the blog post today. Today I tried showing you all the ways which are the most proven and working for my Chrome version (Version 126.0.6478.127 (Official Build) (64-bit)) in Windows 11. I also tried the same thing on Windows 10 and recently Windows 7 Ultimate too. It worked out for all of them, and I hope this will work for you too. If you have any queries or if anything worked for you and your PC, then do tell others in the comments. Or if you have any doubts or particularly want to contact us, then here it is, the contact page link.
Have a nice day, and enjoy your Chrome’s full screen.
