Windows 11 Tests Toggle to Force Apps to Open Maximized, Aiding Small Screens and Handhelds

Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 feature that allows users to set apps to open maximized by default. Most apps currently open in windowed mode unless the user changes this setting.

The new toggle, found in recent Windows 11 preview builds, is expected to help devices with small screens such as handheld gaming PCs and small tablets. X user phantomofearth was the first to spot the option. The toggle appears in the accessibility section of Windows Settings.

Windows 11's New Toggle for Opening Apps Maximized

The option appears in the accessibility section of Windows Settings as "Automatically open app windows maximized when they open." When enabled, all apps open maximized by default, removing the need to adjust each app individually.

Windows 11 previously forced apps to open maximized on small screens, but this behavior was removed. The new toggle allows users to enable maximized app windows on any screen size instead of relying on automatic detection.

The feature targets devices with small screens. PCs with displays under 13 inches benefit most, since apps are often easier to use maximized when windowed mode is less practical.

The benefit is greater on devices with screens of 10 inches or less, such as the Surface Go line and PC handheld gaming devices like the Xbox ROG Ally X, which has a 7-inch screen. Windows Central notes Windows is not well optimized for these small screen sizes, and opening apps full screen improves the experience.

The toggle can also help on PCs connected to a TV, where the screen is far from the user and windowed apps are less practical.

The toggle is only available in Windows 11 preview builds and has not reached the stable release. Windows Central sees it as part of a broader effort to make Windows 11 more customizable, following recent changes to the Start menu and context menus.

Microsoft has not said when the feature will reach the stable channel, and it may change before general availability.

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