How to open apps always maximized on Windows 11

• Windows 11 can automatically open apps maximized instead of restoring their previous window size.
• The Open apps maximized option is available under Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
• Turning the setting on makes apps launch maximized, while turning it off restores the last window size.
• The option can be useful for screen readers, magnification, tablet use, or anyone who prefers a consistent full-screen workspace.

On Windows 11, the system usually remembers the window size you used last and restores it the next time you open the app. However, if you prefer apps to always open maximized, you can now enable an option to make that happen.

When enabled, Windows 11 automatically maximizes apps as they launch. The option can be useful when using screen readers, magnification, or a tablet, but it can also help anyone who prefers a consistent full-screen workspace.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable or disable the option to always open apps in maximized mode on Windows 11.

Enable opening apps in maximized mode on Windows 11

To configure Windows 11 to always open apps maximized, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click Accessibility.

3. Click the Visual effects page.

4. (Option 1) Turn on the “Open apps maximized” toggle switch to make Windows always launch apps in maximized mode.

   

5. (Option 2) Turn off the “Open apps maximized” toggle switch to allow the system to restore the last used window size.

Once you complete the steps, apps will automatically open maximized when the option is enabled. If you turn off the feature, Windows 11 will return to restoring the last window size used by each app.

If you cannot find the option, it’s because you’re not running the update that introduces this feature. The “Open apps maximized” option is available after installing the October 2026 Security Update or a later release. Microsoft also rolls out new features gradually, so it may take time for this option to reach every device.