How to Force Microsoft Edge to Launch in Full Screen Mode

Launching Microsoft Edge in full screen mode allows you to maximize your browsing experience by removing distractions such as the taskbar, tabs, and address bar. This setup is especially useful for presentations, kiosks, or immersive reading sessions. While Edge does not have a built-in setting to always start in full screen, there are practical ways to force it to launch this way, including using command-line switches or shortcut modifications.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC with Microsoft Edge installed
• Basic knowledge of creating or editing desktop shortcuts
• Optional: Access to Command Prompt or PowerShell for advanced methods

Step-by-Step

1. Create or locate an Edge shortcut: Right-click on your desktop or in a folder, select New > Shortcut. If you already have an Edge shortcut, you can use that.
2. Find the Edge executable path: The typical path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe. If Edge is installed in a different location, adjust accordingly.
3. Modify the shortcut target: Right-click the Edge shortcut and select Properties. In the Target field, add the following command line switch after the executable path: --start-fullscreen. It should look like this:

   "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --start-fullscreen

4. Apply and save changes: Click Apply and then OK to save the shortcut modifications.
5. Launch Edge using the modified shortcut: Double-click the shortcut. Microsoft Edge should open directly in full screen mode, hiding tabs, toolbar, and taskbar.
6. Optional – Use kiosk mode for locked full screen: If you want Edge to run in a more controlled full screen environment (for example, in kiosks), use the command line switch --kiosk https://example.com --edge-kiosk-type=fullscreen replacing https://example.com with your desired start page. This will launch Edge in a locked full screen mode without user controls.
7. Optional – Use AutoHotkey script for automation: For more advanced users, creating an AutoHotkey script that launches Edge and sends an F11 key press (toggles full screen) can be helpful if the command line switches do not meet your needs.

Common Mistakes

• Not adding the switch outside the quotes: The --start-fullscreen flag must be added outside the closing quotation marks of the executable path, or it won’t work.
• Using the wrong executable path: Ensure you are targeting the correct msedge.exe file, especially if you have multiple versions or installations.
• Expecting full screen on startup without the switch: Simply launching Edge normally or maximizing the window will not trigger true full screen mode.
• Confusing full screen with maximized window: Full screen mode hides UI elements and the taskbar, while maximized window just fills the screen but keeps UI visible.
• Not running the shortcut as the user who installed Edge: Permissions or user context may affect how command line arguments are processed.

Tips

• Use F11 key to toggle full screen manually: Pressing F11 after Edge opens toggles full screen mode without the need for shortcuts.
• Combine with “–kiosk” mode for specific use cases: Kiosk mode is useful for public displays or locked-down environments where you want to restrict browsing.
• Pin the modified shortcut to taskbar or Start menu: For easy access, pin your full screen launch shortcut to your preferred location.
• Test the shortcut after changes: Always test your shortcut modifications to ensure they work as expected before relying on them.
• Use Group Policy or Intune for enterprise deployments: Enterprises can configure device policies to launch Edge in full screen or kiosk mode centrally.

Troubleshooting

If Microsoft Edge does not launch in full screen mode as expected, try the following steps:

• Double-check the shortcut target: Verify that the --start-fullscreen switch is correctly placed outside the quotes and there are no typos.
• Run Edge directly from Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt and run:

  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --start-fullscreen

  This helps isolate shortcut issues.

• Check for interfering extensions or settings: Some extensions or browser settings might prevent full screen mode from activating properly. Try disabling extensions or resetting settings.
• Verify Windows Focus and Display Settings: Full screen may not activate if another window steals focus or if display scaling/settings interfere. Try closing other apps or adjusting display scaling.
• Try toggling full screen manually: Launch Edge normally and press F11. If full screen works manually but not via shortcut, the command line switch might not be supported in your Edge version.
• Update Microsoft Edge: Ensure you are running the latest version of Edge, as older versions might not support these command line switches fully.
• Check for conflicting startup scripts or policies: If your PC is managed by an organization, group policies might override startup behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Microsoft Edge always start in full screen without using a shortcut?

Currently, Edge does not have a built-in setting to always launch in full screen without using a modified shortcut or command line switch.

What is the difference between full screen and kiosk mode in Edge?

Full screen mode hides UI elements but still allows user control, while kiosk mode locks the browser to a specific page and restricts user interaction for public or controlled environments.

Does the --start-fullscreen switch work on all versions of Edge?

Most recent versions of Edge based on Chromium support this switch, but if it doesn’t work, updating Edge or using alternative methods like AutoHotkey can help.

Can I force full screen mode on Mac or Linux versions of Edge?

Command line switches like --start-fullscreen may work on Mac and Linux versions, but shortcut modification differs by OS. Check platform-specific instructions.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to toggle full screen in Edge?

Yes, pressing F11 toggles full screen mode on and off in Microsoft Edge.

How do I exit full screen mode once Edge is launched?

Press F11 again or move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the toolbar and click the exit full screen button.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively force Microsoft Edge to launch in full screen mode, improving your browsing or presentation experience. Whether for personal use, professional presentations, or kiosk setups, these methods provide flexible options to control how Edge displays on startup.

For example, if you frequently use Edge for digital signage, combining the --kiosk mode with full screen ensures a clean, locked interface. Alternatively, casual users can simply modify shortcuts to skip the manual F11 step and dive straight into distraction-free browsing.

Remember that while full screen mode hides UI elements, you can still access tabs and controls by exiting full screen or using keyboard shortcuts. Experiment with these settings to find the best workflow for your needs.

In summary, forcing Microsoft Edge to start in full screen requires modifying how you launch the browser—primarily by editing shortcuts with the --start-fullscreen flag or using kiosk mode for more controlled environments. This approach is straightforward, reversible, and compatible with most Windows setups.

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