Toggle Full Screen Mode in Windows Folders

Sometimes, if you are working in a folder crowded with files, you might want to devote as much screen real estate as possible to the task at hand.

Windows XP allows you to view folders in full screen mode at the press of a key or the click of a button.

Normal Viewing Mode

Full Screen Mode

To view a folder in full screen mode, simply press the "F11" key when the window is active. This hides the title and menu bar and uses the saved space to display more of the folder's contents. The full screen option gives you an even larger than maximized viewing window. To go back to "normal" viewing mode, press the "F11" key again. F11 acts as a toggle key and allows users to quickly switch between viewing modes.

If you prefer a mouse click approach, you can add a Full Screen button to the folder toolbar. Clicking the Full Screen button will toggle between normal and full screen mode just like the F11 key.

To add a Full Screen button:

Open Windows Explorer and right-click the toolbar.
Click "Customize" to open the "Customize Toolbar" window.
In the "Available Toolbar buttons" list, double-click "Full Screen" to add it to the toolbar (Or use the "Add" button).
Click the "Close" button to exit the "Customize Toolbar" window.

A Full Screen button should now be available on the toolbar in folders.

Notes:
Most modern web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera, also use the F11 key to toggle full screen mode.

F11 should toggle full screen in earlier Windows versions as well as Windows XP although the toolbar button option may not be available.

XP Tips - Computer Tips for Windows XP