How to Exit Full Screen Video Games on PC
Are you tired of being stuck in full screen mode while playing your favorite video games? Do you want to know how to exit full screen mode and return to normal windowed mode? Look no further! This article will guide you through the process of exiting full screen mode in video games on PC.
Method 1: Using the F11 Key
Shortcut: F11
The F11 key is a universal shortcut to toggle full screen mode on and off. This means that if you’re currently in full screen mode, pressing F11 will return you to windowed mode, and vice versa.
Method 2: Using the Esc Key
Shortcut: Esc
The Esc key is another common shortcut to exit full screen mode. Pressing the Esc key will immediately bring up the game’s menu or exit you from the game entirely.
Method 3: Using the Exit Full Screen Icon
Shortcut: varies
Some games may have an exit full screen icon located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. Look for this icon and click on it to exit full screen mode.
Method 4: Using the Task Manager
Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Esc
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using the Task Manager to exit full screen mode. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, then select the game process and click "End Task" to exit the game.
Method 5: Using Steam’s Launch Options
Shortcut: Steam’s Launch Options
If you’re playing a game through Steam, you can add launch options to the game’s settings to enable windowed mode. To do this, right-click on the game title in Steam, select "Properties," then click on the "Set Launch Options" button. Add the following option: -windowed (note the hyphen at the beginning). This will enable windowed mode every time you launch the game.
Conclusion
Exiting full screen mode in video games on PC is a simple process that can be done using various shortcuts and methods. By using the F11 key, Esc key, exit full screen icon, Task Manager, or Steam’s launch options, you can easily exit full screen mode and return to normal windowed mode. Remember to save your progress and close the game before exiting full screen mode to avoid any issues.
Table: Common Shortcuts for Exiting Full Screen Mode
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| F11 | Toggles full screen mode on and off |
| Esc | Exits full screen mode |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Opens Task Manager |
| Steam’s Launch Options | Enables windowed mode |
Additional Tips
- Make sure your game is updated to the latest version before attempting to exit full screen mode.
- If you’re using a game that has a specific full screen mode feature, you may need to disable it in the game’s settings before exiting full screen mode.
- If you’re experiencing issues with exiting full screen mode, try closing and reopening the game or restarting your PC.
By following these methods and tips, you’ll be able to exit full screen mode and enjoy your video games in windowed mode. Happy gaming!