How to Exit Out Of Full Screen on Chromebook

With technology constantly evolving and adapting to our needs, brands like HP, Dell, Asus, Lenovo, and Acer have brought forth the brilliance of Chromebooks. These devices, powered by Google’s Chrome OS, often popular as “school Chromebooks” due to their widespread use in educational settings, offer a seamless and user-friendly experience. As with any device, Chromebooks come with a set of features and shortcuts meant to maximize user productivity and comfort. One such feature is the “Full Screen” mode, which allows users to view content on the entire screen without any distractions from the distractions of the operating system’s toolbar or other open applications.

Whether you’re presenting, streaming, or just browsing the web, full-screen mode can provide an immersive experience. However, there might be moments when you need to quickly switch back to the regular view. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to exit out of full screen on a Chromebook, ensuring you always have control over your display.

Methods to get out of full screen mode on a Chromebook

Chromebooks have made our lives a lot more convenient with their swift processing speeds and easy-to-use interface. If you find yourself in full-screen mode on your Chromebook and are unsure about how to exit, don’t fret. Here’s a detailed rundown of the methods available to help you restore your screen to its standard view.

Linked issue: YouTube Video Lagging on Chrome When Full Screen (Fix)

1. Using the keyboard shortcut

Arguably the fastest way to toggle between full screen and normal view on a Chromebook is by using a keyboard shortcut.

1. While in full screen mode, locate the “Fullscreen” key on your keyboard. This key is represented by an icon that looks like a rectangle, followed by two outward-pointing arrows. It’s typically found where the F4 key is on most traditional keyboards.
2. Simply press the “Fullscreen” key, and your Chromebook will immediately exit the full screen mode, returning you to the regular display view.

Note: If you have a Chromebook with a standard keyboard that doesn’t feature the “Fullscreen” icon, you can use the F4 key instead.

2. Using the Touchpad

For those who rely heavily on their touchpad, there’s a gesture you can use:

1. Start by placing your cursor at the very top of your screen.
2. A small bar will appear, displaying icons such as tabs, extensions, and the three vertical dots indicating the Chrome menu.
3. Click on the square icon (which represents the screen toggle) or the “X” to exit the full screen mode.

3. Through the Chrome menu

If you prefer navigating through the context menu, you can exit full screen mode using this method.

1. While in full screen mode, you’ll want to right-click anywhere on the screen to access the context menu. If you’re using the touchpad, this can be achieved by holding the “Alt” key and tapping the touchpad once.
2. Once the context menu appears, simply select “Exit full screen” from the list of options.

4. Using the “Esc” key or “F11” equivalent shortcut

Another straightforward method to exit full screen mode is by utilizing the Esc key that are common to most computers and operating systems.

1. While you’re in full screen mode on your Chromebook, locate the “Esc” key, which is typically found at the top-left corner of your keyboard.
2. Pressing the Esc key will usually exit the full screen mode instantly.
3. If the “Esc” key doesn’t do the trick or you’re familiar with the traditional “F11” key from other operating systems, there’s an equivalent shortcut on the Chromebook. To simulate the “F11” function, hold down the “Search” key (represented by a magnifying glass) and then press the “Hyphen (-)” key. This combination serves as the “F11” function on a Chromebook and toggles full screen mode on and off.

Related concern: Video Stops Playing When Switching Tabs in Chrome

FAQs about exiting full screen mode on Chromebook

Below are answers to some common questions regarding full screen mode and how to exit it on a Chromebook.

1. Why won’t my Chromebook exit full screen mode?

Occasionally, users may find that their Chromebook isn’t responding to the usual methods to exit full screen. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. Check for updates: Chrome OS might have pending updates which can sometimes cause glitches. Click on the clock at the bottom-right corner, then click on “Settings” (represented by a gear icon). Navigate to “About Chrome OS” and check for updates. If available, update and restart your Chromebook.
2. Restart your Chromebook: The age-old advice of turning it off and on again can work wonders. Press and hold the power button until the device turns off, then switch it back on.

2. Does full screen mode affect battery life?

Full screen mode by itself doesn’t significantly impact battery life. However, the tasks you’re performing while in full screen (like streaming videos) might. Always ensure you monitor battery usage and adjust screen brightness or close unnecessary tabs to conserve energy.

3. Is there a difference between “Full screen” and “Immersive mode”?

Yes, there’s a subtle difference between the two:

1. Full Screen Mode: This mode takes away all the visible user interface of the browser. This means you won’t see tabs, URLs, or bookmarks. It offers a completely unobstructed view of the content.
2. Immersive Mode: Available in certain apps or while browsing websites, this mode hides only the top part of the browser, such as tabs and the URL. However, hovering at the top will bring back the hidden UI temporarily.

Related resource: How to Go Full Screen on Windows 11/10 Apps or Games

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the Chromebook’s full-screen mode is an excellent tool for users seeking an immersive experience, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or education. With the methods provided in this guide, transitioning between views should be effortless, and you’ll never feel trapped in full-screen mode on your Chromebook again. Always remember that functionality and shortcuts might vary slightly based on the Chromebook model and updates, so it’s beneficial to stay informed of the latest features and functions to make the most of your device.