How to Make Microsoft Edge Open Full Screen Every Time

Setting Microsoft Edge to open in full screen mode every time can enhance your browsing experience by maximizing your screen space and minimizing distractions. This is especially useful for users who prefer an immersive view without toolbars or tabs visible upon launch. While Edge does not have a direct built-in setting to always start in full screen, there are practical methods to achieve this effect using shortcuts and settings tweaks.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC with Microsoft Edge installed
• Basic familiarity with creating and editing desktop shortcuts
• Access to the Windows File Explorer and properties menu

Step-by-Step

1. Create or locate an Edge shortcut: If you don’t have a desktop shortcut for Microsoft Edge, create one by navigating to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe (or your Edge install path), right-clicking msedge.exe, and selecting Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
2. Modify the shortcut to open full screen: Right-click the Edge shortcut on your desktop and select Properties. In the Target field, you will append a command line switch.
3. Add the kiosk mode parameter: At the end of the target path, add a space followed by --kiosk. For example:
   
   "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --kiosk
   
   This launches Edge in kiosk mode, which is full screen and hides UI elements.
4. Specify a URL (optional): If you want Edge to open full screen on a specific website, add the URL after --kiosk. For example:
   
   "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --kiosk https://www.example.com
5. Apply and test: Click OK to save changes, then double-click the shortcut to launch Edge in full screen kiosk mode.
6. Exit kiosk mode: To exit kiosk mode, press Alt + F4 or Ctrl + Alt + Del and sign out or switch tasks.
7. Alternative: Use F11 for full screen: If kiosk mode is too restrictive, you can manually press F11 to toggle full screen after Edge opens. However, this doesn’t force full screen on startup.
8. Create a startup task (optional): To make Edge open full screen at system startup, place your customized shortcut in the Windows Startup folder:
   
   Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. Copy your modified Edge shortcut into this folder.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to include quotes: When modifying the shortcut target, ensure the original path is enclosed in quotes if it contains spaces. For example, "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe".
• Using the wrong switch: Some users confuse --kiosk with other flags like --start-fullscreen. The --start-fullscreen flag opens Edge maximized but not in true full screen mode.
• Not understanding kiosk mode limitations: Kiosk mode disables tabs, menus, and the address bar. This is not ideal if you want to browse freely.
• Editing the original Edge shortcut: It’s better to create a new shortcut for the full screen mode to avoid affecting other Edge launches.
• Expecting full screen on all launches: Only launches from the customized shortcut will open full screen; launching Edge from other methods (taskbar, Start menu) won’t use these settings.

Tips

• Use kiosk mode for presentations or digital signage: If you need a distraction-free browser window for demonstrations or info displays, kiosk mode is perfect.
• Combine with Windows startup: For an always full screen Edge experience on login, add your shortcut to the Startup folder.
• Remember keyboard shortcuts: Pressing F11 toggles full screen mode on and off during browsing sessions.
• Try --start-fullscreen switch: If you want Edge to start maximized but still have access to UI controls, try adding --start-fullscreen instead of --kiosk in the shortcut target.
• Pin the modified shortcut to taskbar: After creating the custom shortcut, pin it to the taskbar for quick access to full screen Edge.

Troubleshooting

If Microsoft Edge does not open in full screen as expected, try the following:

• Check shortcut syntax: Open the shortcut properties and verify the target path is correct and the switch is properly appended with a space separating it.
• Confirm Edge version: Some command line switches may behave differently depending on Edge’s version. Update Edge to the latest version via Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
• Test kiosk mode manually: Open Command Prompt and run Edge with the kiosk flag directly:
  
  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --kiosk
  
  If this works, the shortcut is likely misconfigured.
• Verify no conflicting startup scripts: Other startup scripts or group policies might override window size behavior.
• Try alternative switches: If --kiosk is too restrictive, test --start-fullscreen or --start-maximized to see which fits your needs.
• Restart PC: Some changes only take effect after a full restart, especially if you add the shortcut to startup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Edge open full screen without using kiosk mode?

Edge does not have a native setting to always open full screen without kiosk mode, but you can use the --start-fullscreen switch to open maximized with UI visible. Pressing F11 manually toggles full screen anytime.

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

Kiosk mode opens Edge in a locked full screen with no tabs, address bar, or menus, ideal for public displays. Full screen mode (via F11) hides only the browser UI but allows tab switching and navigation.

Can I set Edge to open full screen on Mac or Linux?

Microsoft Edge kiosk mode and command line switches are primarily supported on Windows. Mac and Linux versions may not support the same flags consistently.

How do I exit kiosk mode if Edge is stuck full screen?

Press Alt + F4 to close the window or Ctrl + Alt + Del to open the Windows security screen and sign out or switch users.

Does adding switches to the Edge shortcut affect other users on the PC?

No. Shortcut modifications only apply when that shortcut is used. Other users or launch methods are unaffected.

Can I automate Edge to open full screen for multiple users in a company environment?

Yes, via group policy and deployment scripts, administrators can configure kiosk mode or startup shortcuts with full screen switches on managed devices.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure Microsoft Edge opens in full screen mode according to your needs, whether for personal productivity, presentations, or kiosk setups.

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