How to get an Internet browser out of and into fullscreen

Updated: 05/03/2022 by Computer Hope
F11 key

With Internet browsers, whether it be Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari, a fullscreen mode allows the web page to fill the entire screen. The address bar, menu bar, bookmarks, and status bar are hidden from view when in fullscreen mode.

Fullscreen mode on a Windows computer

To exit the standard view with the address bar, status bar, etc., always showing, press F11 on your keyboard to enter fullscreen. Pressing F11 again goes back to normal view.

Note

If pressing F11 does not have any effect, you may need to press Fn, and while holding it down, press F11.

Tip

In Internet Explorer and Firefox fullscreen view, the address bar is hidden from view. However, moving the mouse pointer to the top of the screen causes the address bar to appear. If you press F11 again, it switches to normal mode and keeps the address bar always visible and never hidden.

Fullscreen mode on a Mac computer

To set an Internet browser like Safari to fullscreen mode on a macOS computer, press Command+Control+F. To exit fullscreen mode, press Command+Control+F again.

Note

In full-screen mode on a Mac, the browser's address bar and toolbars are still displayed.

Fullscreen mode on a Google Chromebook

Chromebook fullscreen

The Google Chromebook does not have function keys. However, it does have keys on the top row that perform functions, including making the screen full screen. Press the fullscreen button. It has a box with an arrow in the top-left and bottom-right corners, as shown in the picture.