How to Exit Full Screen on Steam: A Comprehensive Guide
Stuck in full screen on Steam? This guide provides simple and effective methods on how to exit full screen on Steam regardless of your operating system or game settings.
Introduction: The Ubiquitous Full Screen and the Occasional Exit Problem
Steam, Valve’s digital distribution platform, is a gamer’s paradise. However, navigating its various features can sometimes present unexpected challenges. A common frustration? Getting stuck in full-screen mode. Whether you’re trying to access another application, troubleshoot a game, or simply prefer a windowed view, understanding how to exit full screen on Steam is essential for a smooth gaming experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, covering various methods applicable across different operating systems and game configurations.
Understanding Steam’s Full Screen Options
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand how Steam manages full-screen mode. Games can launch in one of three primary display modes:
- Full Screen (Exclusive Full Screen): This mode typically offers the best performance as the game has exclusive control of the display. This is the mode that can sometimes be difficult to exit.
- Windowed: The game runs within a window, allowing easy access to other applications.
- Borderless Windowed: A hybrid mode that presents a full-screen appearance without the exclusive control of exclusive full-screen, offering faster Alt+Tab switching.
The method for exiting full-screen often depends on which of these modes the game is currently running in.
The Go-To Methods: Keyboard Shortcuts to the Rescue
Fortunately, there are several keyboard shortcuts designed to quickly exit full-screen mode. These are your first line of defense:
- Alt + Enter: This is the most common shortcut and typically toggles between full-screen and windowed modes. This is your primary tool for how to exit full screen on Steam games.
- Windows Key (⊞) + Shift + Enter: Another option that can sometimes force a switch.
- Esc (Escape): Some games are designed to exit full-screen using the Escape key, often bringing up a menu where you can adjust display settings.
- Alt + Tab: Switches between open applications. While it doesn’t exit full-screen directly, it allows you to access other programs and potentially interact with the game’s settings.
These shortcuts work on most Windows operating systems, and variations may apply to MacOS or Linux.
Diving into Game Settings: The Configuration Route
If keyboard shortcuts fail, accessing the game’s settings menu is the next step. Most games allow you to change the display mode within their options menus.
- Locate the Graphics or Display Settings: Within the game’s settings, look for sections related to graphics, video, or display.
- Change the Display Mode: Choose between “Windowed,” “Borderless Windowed,” or “Full Screen” options. Select either “Windowed” or “Borderless Windowed” to exit full-screen.
- Apply the Changes: Be sure to save or apply the changes you make. The game may require a restart for the changes to take effect.
This method guarantees you have control over your display, even if the game is behaving erratically.
Steam Overlay: Your In-Game Assistant
The Steam Overlay provides an additional layer of control, allowing you to access Steam features without leaving the game.
- Activate the Overlay: Press Shift + Tab while in-game.
- Access Settings (If Available): Some games allow you to access graphics or display settings directly through the Steam Overlay. Look for a “Settings” option within the overlay menu.
- Force Quit (Last Resort): If all else fails, you can use the Steam Overlay to force quit the game, although this should be used as a last resort as it may cause unsaved progress to be lost.
The Steam Overlay can be a powerful tool when figuring out how to exit full screen on Steam.
Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes, exiting full-screen mode can be problematic. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Game Freeze: If the game freezes, try Ctrl + Alt + Delete to bring up the Task Manager. From there, you can force quit the game.
- Driver Issues: Outdated graphics drivers can cause display problems. Ensure your drivers are up to date.
- Game-Specific Bugs: Some games may have bugs that prevent proper window management. Check the game’s forums or community pages for solutions.
Table: Common Methods to Exit Full Screen
| Method | Description | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt + Enter | Toggles between full-screen and windowed mode. | High | The most common and reliable method. |
| Windows Key + Shift + Enter | Another potential toggle shortcut. | Medium | Less reliable than Alt + Enter, but worth trying. |
| Esc (Escape) | Exits full-screen in some games, often bringing up a settings menu. | Low | Depends on the game’s implementation. |
| Game Settings | Change the display mode within the game’s graphics options. | High | Guarantees control over display mode. May require a game restart. |
| Steam Overlay | Access settings or force quit the game. | Medium | Relies on game support. Force quitting should be a last resort. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Opens Task Manager to force quit a frozen game. | High | For situations where the game is unresponsive. |
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Why is my game stuck in full screen even after pressing Alt+Enter?
Sometimes, a game may not respond correctly to the Alt+Enter command due to driver issues, game-specific bugs, or interference from other applications. Try updating your graphics drivers or restarting your computer. Also ensure no other applications are interfering with your key presses.
Is there a way to prevent games from automatically launching in full screen?
Yes, you can often modify the game’s launch options within Steam. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” then “General,” and finally “Launch Options.” You can add commands like -windowed or -borderless to force the game to start in windowed mode. These commands will override the default settings.
What if the game doesn’t have a settings menu?
If a game lacks a settings menu, you’re limited to keyboard shortcuts and launch options. Consult online forums for the specific game to see if there are other community-discovered solutions.
Does this work on MacOS?
The Alt + Enter shortcut is less reliable on MacOS. You may need to use Command + Tab to switch to another application and then use the game’s settings to change the display mode.
My game keeps crashing when I try to change the display mode.
Crashing while changing display modes often points to driver issues or corrupted game files. Verify the integrity of the game files through Steam, and ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. A clean reinstall of the game might also be necessary.
How do I update my graphics drivers?
You can update your graphics drivers through your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Nvidia, AMD, Intel) or through Windows Device Manager. Always download the latest drivers designed for your operating system.
Can the Steam Overlay cause issues with full-screen mode?
While rare, the Steam Overlay can sometimes conflict with full-screen applications. Try disabling the Steam Overlay in the Steam settings to see if it resolves the issue. This is particularly relevant if you’re experiencing crashes or performance issues.
What are “Launch Options” in Steam?
Launch options are command-line arguments you can pass to a game when it starts. These options can modify the game’s behavior, such as forcing it to run in windowed mode or specifying a different resolution. These offer powerful customisation.
How do I verify the integrity of game files in Steam?
Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and finally “Verify integrity of game files.” Steam will then check for and replace any corrupted or missing files. This can solve a multitude of problems.
I’m using a multi-monitor setup. Could that be causing the problem?
Yes, multi-monitor setups can sometimes introduce complications with full-screen mode. Ensure your primary monitor is correctly configured in your operating system’s display settings. Also, check if the game is launching on the correct monitor.
Is there a difference between “full screen” and “borderless windowed” mode?
Yes, there’s a significant difference. Full-screen (exclusive) mode gives the game exclusive control of the display, potentially boosting performance but making Alt+Tab slower. Borderless windowed mode presents a full-screen appearance but without exclusive control, making Alt+Tab switching faster but potentially sacrificing a small amount of performance.
If none of these work, what should I do?
If you’ve exhausted all these options, consider contacting the game’s support team or posting on relevant online forums. Other players may have encountered the same issue and found a solution specific to the game.