Full-screen mode is a fantastic feature of PC games, immersing players in stunning visuals and captivating gameplay. However, there may be times when you need or want to exit this mode. Whether it’s to check a guide, change settings, or simply take a break, knowing how to do this effectively is essential for an optimal gaming experience. In this article, we delve deep into the various methods to exit full-screen mode in PC games, ensuring that you can enjoy your gaming sessions without interruption.
Understanding Full-Screen Mode
Before we discuss how to exit full-screen mode, it’s essential to understand what it is and its significance in gaming. Full-screen mode allows the game to take over the entire display, eliminating distractions like the desktop background or taskbar. This results in a more immersive experience, displaying the graphics in their entirety without any interruptions.
Why Use Full-Screen Mode?
– Enhanced Immersion: Games look and feel more realistic.
– Better Performance: Full-screen mode can sometimes lead to improved frame rates over windowed mode.
Despite these advantages, situations arise where players need to switch back to windowed mode. Let’s explore how you can exit full-screen mode seamlessly.
Basic Methods To Exit Full-Screen Mode
You may find that exiting full-screen mode is straightforward. Here are some standard methods:
1. Keyboard Shortcuts
Many PC games support standard keyboard shortcuts for exiting full-screen mode. Here are a few you can try:
- Alt + Enter: This shortcut works in many games, toggling between full-screen and windowed mode.
- F11: In some titles and applications, pressing F11 can also switch the view mode.
Make sure to experiment with these shortcuts during gameplay, as they may vary based on the game or engine.
2. In-Game Settings
Most PC games have an options menu where players can adjust their settings. To exit full-screen mode via in-game settings:
- Pause the game by pressing the appropriate key (usually “Esc”).
- Navigate to the Settings or Options menu.
- Look for Display or Graphic settings.
- There should be an option labeled Full-Screen or Windowed Mode. Change the setting accordingly.
This method may also allow you to adjust the resolution, which can significantly improve your gaming experience.
3. Using The Task Manager
If your game becomes unresponsive and you cannot exit full-screen mode, using the Task Manager can help you regain control:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Locate your game in the “Processes” tab.
- Right-click on the game process and select Minimize. This action should take the game out of full-screen mode.
While this method might seem drastic, it can be a useful last resort if the game freezes or becomes unresponsive.
Game-Specific Methods
Several popular games have specific ways to exit full-screen mode. Knowing these can save time and improve your gaming experience.
Popular Titles And Their Exit Options
Here are some widely played games and how you can exit their full-screen modes:
1. Fortnite
In Fortnite, you can switch to windowed mode through:
- Pressing Esc to bring up the options menu.
- Go to Settings > Video.
- Change the Fullscreen Mode option to either Windowed or Windowed Fullscreen.
2. Call of Duty: Warzone
To exit full-screen mode in Call of Duty: Warzone:
- Press Esc to access the menu.
- Navigate to the Graphics tab.
- Look for the Display Mode option and select either Fullscreen Borderless or Windowed.
These game-specific settings can help streamline your experience, especially if you often manage multiple tasks while gaming.
When To Consider Windowed Mode
Switching from full-screen to windowed mode has its benefits, depending on your gaming habits:
1. Multitasking Needs
If you frequently switch between games and applications, using windowed mode is advantageous as it allows quick access to your desktop and other programs.
2. Performance Troubles
Some players experience better performance in windowed mode, especially if their graphics card struggles with intensive graphics using full-screen settings.
Tips For A Smooth Transition
Exiting full-screen mode should be straightforward, but there are some tips to ensure a seamless transition.
1. Keep Your Keyboard Responsive
Ensure that your keyboard settings are optimized, avoiding any sticky keys that could hinder shortcuts.
2. Adjust Resolution Before Launching Games
Set your resolution to match your monitor’s native setting before launching a game. Doing so will create an optimal gaming experience whether or not you use full-screen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Occasionally, you may encounter problems when attempting to exit full-screen mode. Here are some common issues and solutions:
1. Game Freezes While Exiting
If your game freezes and you cannot exit full-screen mode, try to:
- Force Quit using Ctrl + Shift + Esc to access the Task Manager, select the game, and click End Task.
2. Display Issues After Switching Modes
If your screen resolution changes unexpectedly when switching back to windowed mode, adjusting the resolution in the game settings can help restore it to normal.
Conclusion
Knowing how to exit full-screen mode on PC games is essential for any gamer looking to manage their experience effectively. Whether opting for simple keyboard shortcuts, in-game settings, or using tools like the Task Manager, having a variety of methods at your disposal ensures that you can keep your gaming sessions enjoyable and hassle-free.
Mastering these techniques not only enhances your gaming experience but also prepares you to tackle unexpected issues, allowing you to focus on what you love most: gaming. The next time you’re captivated by a game’s visuals, feel confident that you can exit full-screen mode quickly when needed. Happy gaming!
What Is Full-screen Mode In PC Games?
Full-screen mode is a display setting in PC games that allows the game to occupy the entire screen, hiding the operating system’s taskbar and borders. This setting can enhance your gaming experience by providing more immersive visuals and reducing distractions from other applications running in the background.
When a game runs in full-screen mode, it usually takes control of the display settings, which may lead to better performance, as it can use the entire graphical resources of the computer. However, players may sometimes need to exit this mode for various reasons, such as multitasking or adjusting in-game settings.
How Can I Exit Full-screen Mode Using The Keyboard?
The most common way to exit full-screen mode is by pressing the “Esc” key on your keyboard. This command typically brings you back to the game’s main menu or the previous screen, where you can choose to revert to windowed mode. This is effective in many games, but it may vary depending on the game’s design and settings.
If the “Esc” key doesn’t work, you can try other combinations such as “Alt + Enter.” This keyboard shortcut is widely used to toggle between full-screen and windowed modes in various applications and games. If these methods fail, check the game’s specific key bindings or settings for alternative options.
Can I Exit Full-screen Mode Using The Mouse?
Yes, you can exit full-screen mode using your mouse in many PC games. Look for a menu option typically located in the game’s settings or pause menu. This is often represented by an icon or a button labeled “Windowed,” “Exit Full-Screen,” or similar terms.
Additionally, you might find an “X” button in the corner of the game interface that allows you to close the full-screen view. If these graphical options aren’t available, you might still need to resort to keyboard commands or system commands like “Alt + F4” to quit the game entirely and return to the desktop.
What If The Game Freezes While In Full-screen Mode?
If a game freezes while in full-screen mode, the first step is to try to unfreeze it by pressing “Alt + Tab,” which allows you to switch to another application. This might help you regain control and return to the game more smoothly by exiting full-screen mode. However, if the game remains unresponsive, you may need to restart it.
In some cases, you can force the game to exit by using “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” to bring up Task Manager. Once in Task Manager, you can locate the game and select “End Task” to close it. This method effectively exits full-screen mode but will also result in losing any unsaved progress in the game.
Are There Specific Games That Have Trouble Exiting Full-screen Mode?
Yes, certain games, especially older titles or those not designed with modern user interfaces, may have difficulty exiting full-screen mode. These games can sometimes ignore standard key commands due to how they handle display settings. In such cases, players may find themselves stuck and unable to navigate away from full-screen mode.
For persistent issues, looking for patch updates or visiting the game’s community forums could provide solutions to exit full-screen mode more smoothly. Modifying settings in the game configuration file can sometimes help, enabling windowed mode without relying on in-game prompts.
How Can I Change The Default Display Setting Of A Game?
To change the default display settings in a game, go to the game’s options or settings menu usually accessible from the main menu. Under Graphics or Display settings, you can often find options for adjusting the resolution and display mode, allowing you to switch between full-screen, borderless windowed, and windowed modes.
If the game doesn’t provide an in-game option to change these settings, you can try launching the game while holding specific keys, such as “Shift” or “Ctrl,” which may prompt it to start in windowed mode. Additionally, modifying the game’s configuration files found in the installation directory can provide more granular control over how the game opens by default.
Is There A Performance Difference Between Full-screen And Windowed Modes?
Yes, there can be a performance difference between full-screen and windowed modes in PC games. Full-screen mode usually offers better performance, as it allows the game to take direct control of the graphics processing unit (GPU) and other resources. This can lead to improved frame rates and reduced input lag, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
On the other hand, windowed mode might introduce a slight decrease in performance due to a shared interaction with the operating system’s desktop environment. However, this mode often provides the convenience of multitasking and allows players to switch between apps more easily, which may be important for some users who like to chat or stream while playing.