Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to set applications to open maximized by default. Traditionally, most applications launch in windowed mode unless users manually adjust their settings. This new toggle, which has been spotted in recent preview builds of Windows 11, aims to enhance the user experience, particularly for devices with smaller screens such as handheld gaming PCs and compact tablets.
Windows 11’s New Toggle for Opening Apps Maximized
The feature can be found in the accessibility section of Windows Settings, labeled as “Automatically open app windows maximized when they open.” Once activated, this option ensures that all applications open in a maximized state by default, eliminating the need for users to individually modify each app’s settings.
Previously, Windows 11 automatically forced applications to open maximized on smaller screens, but this functionality was later removed. The introduction of this toggle allows users to manually enable maximized windows regardless of screen size, moving away from reliance on automatic detection.
This feature particularly benefits devices with screens measuring under 13 inches, where maximized applications tend to offer a more user-friendly experience. The advantages are even more pronounced for devices with displays of 10 inches or less, such as the Surface Go series and handheld gaming devices like the Xbox ROG Ally X, which features a 7-inch screen. According to Windows Central, Windows has not been fully optimized for these smaller dimensions, and opening apps in full screen significantly enhances usability.
Moreover, the toggle could prove advantageous for PCs connected to larger displays, such as TVs, where the distance from the user makes windowed applications less practical.
Currently, this toggle is exclusive to Windows 11 preview builds and has not yet been rolled out to the stable release. Windows Central interprets this addition as part of a larger initiative to enhance the customizability of Windows 11, following recent updates to the Start menu and context menus. While Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when this feature will be available in the stable channel, it remains subject to potential modifications before its general release.
