How to exit full screen on windows 8

Key Takeaways
  • Press the Esc key on your keyboard to exit full screen mode.
  • Use the Alt + F4 or Windows + D keyboard shortcuts to exit full screen mode.
  • Use the Task Manager to end the program or process in full screen mode.

We’ve all been there – you’re in the middle of a gripping game or a movie and suddenly you need to exit full screen mode on your Windows 8 device. Sure you could press the power button but that’s a bit extreme. Here’s an easy guide to exiting full screen mode without having to resort to drastic measures.

1. Exiting Full Screen Mode with a Mouse

The simplest way to exit full screen mode is to press the Esc key on your keyboard. This will take you back to the normal windowed mode. If you don’t have access to a keyboard you can also use your mouse to exit full screen mode.

First move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen. You’ll see a small menu bar appear with a few options. Click the Restore Down button which looks like two overlapping squares. This will exit full screen mode and allow you to minimize or resize the window.

Alternatively you can also click the Maximize button which looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of it. This will take you out of full screen mode and resize the window to fit the full size of your screen.

2. Exiting Full Screen Mode with the Taskbar

If you’re in full screen mode and can’t access the menu bar you can use the Windows Taskbar to exit full screen mode. Simply right-click on the Taskbar and select the Show Windows option. This will exit full screen mode and show the taskbar.

3. Exiting Full Screen Mode with Keyboard Shortcuts

If you don’t have access to a mouse you can use keyboard shortcuts to exit full screen mode. Press the Alt + Spacebar keys to open the window menu. Then press the M key to move the window and the Enter key to exit full screen mode.

You can also use the Windows + Down Arrow keys to exit full screen mode. This will minimize the window and take you out of full screen mode.

4. Exiting Full Screen Mode with the Menu Bar

If you can access the menu bar you can use it to exit full screen mode. Click the View tab at the top of the window then select the Exit Full Screen option. This will take you out of full screen mode and allow you to resize or minimize the window.

2. Exiting Full Screen Mode with a Keyboard

Exiting full screen mode with a keyboard is a great way to quickly get back to your desktop. It can be done in a few simple steps and you don’t even need to move your mouse. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Identify the Keyboard Shortcut

The most commonly used keyboard shortcut to exit full screen mode is the Alt + F4 combination. This combination is universal so it works on all Windows 8 devices. You can also use the Windows + D combination to get back to your desktop.

Step 2: Press the Keyboard Shortcut

Once you have identified the keyboard shortcut press the keys simultaneously. The full screen window will immediately minimize and you will be taken back to your desktop.

Step 3: Confirm the Exit

Some applications may prompt you with a confirmation window before exiting full screen mode. If this happens simply click the ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ button to confirm the exit.

Step 4: Enjoy your Desktop

Once you have exited full screen mode you can now enjoy your desktop. You can open new applications access your files and do whatever else you need to do.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having trouble exiting full screen mode there are a few things you can try.

  • Ensure that you are pressing the correct keyboard shortcut.
  • Check to see if the application has a menu bar. If it does you can use the menu bar to exit full screen mode.
  • If the application does not have a menu bar try using the Windows + D combination to get back to your desktop.
  • If all else fails you can always try restarting your device.

Exiting Full Screen Mode with the Task Manager

Exiting full screen mode on Windows 8 can be done in several ways. One of the most popular methods is to use the Task Manager. The Task Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage the programs and processes running on your computer.

To exit full screen mode with the Task Manager you will need to open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard. This will open the Task Manager window. Once the Task Manager window is open you will need to select the Applications tab. Here you will see a list of all the programs and processes running on your computer.

To exit full screen mode you will need to select the program or process that is currently in full screen mode. Once you have selected it you will need to click the End Task button at the bottom of the window. This will terminate the program or process and you will be returned to your desktop.

It is important to note that ending a process or program with the Task Manager can cause data loss or other problems. It is best to use the Task Manager only if you are certain that the program or process is not needed.

If you are having trouble exiting full screen mode you may need to try one of the other methods mentioned in this article. For example you may be able to exit full screen mode by pressing the Esc key on your keyboard. You may also be able to exit full screen mode by clicking the Close button in the upper right corner of the window.

Finally if all else fails you may need to restart your computer. This will terminate all programs and processes and return you to your desktop.

It is important to remember that exiting full screen mode on Windows 8 can be done in several different ways. You can use the Task Manager the keyboard shortcuts the menu bar or the mouse. Depending on the type of program or process you are running you may need to try different methods until you find one that works.

4. Troubleshooting Tips for Exiting Full Screen Mode

If you’re having trouble exiting full screen mode on Windows 8 here are some tips that can help.

Check the Keyboard Shortcut

First make sure you’re using the right keyboard shortcut. The most common shortcut for exiting full screen mode is Alt + F4. This shortcut can be used in most situations but some programs may have their own unique shortcut. If you’re unsure check the program’s help menu or search online for the specific shortcut.

Check the Taskbar

If you’re using a mouse try clicking the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up the Start Screen which you can use to exit full screen mode.

Check the Menu Bar

If you’re using a program with a menu bar look for an option to exit full screen mode. This will usually be in the File or View menu.

Check the Task Manager

If all else fails you can try using the Task Manager to exit full screen mode. To do this press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select the Task Manager from the menu. Then select the program you’re using and click End Task. This should exit full screen mode and bring you back to your desktop.

Check the Settings

Finally you can check the settings of the program you’re using. Look for an option to disable full screen mode or to always open the program in a window. This will prevent the program from automatically entering full screen mode in the future.