Maximize

Alternatively referred to as resize or zoom, maximize is an option available for almost any open window in a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to enlarge a window to its maximum size, commonly the full display area of the monitor or screen, or the program window that contains the window being maximized. When a window is maximized you will be unable to move or resize it until it is resized back into window mode. Often you can get into this mode by clicking the same button you used to maximize the window or by double-clicking the title bar.

Below are some of the different methods of how you may maximize a window in different operating systems.

  • As shown in the below picture, in Microsoft Windows 95 and above, the maximize button is displayed by a single box in the top right hand of the window.
  • With Apple Mac OSX, the maximize button is represented as a yellow button.
  • With Microsoft Windows 3.x, the maximize button is represented as an up arrow in the top right hand of the window.

Maximize button

Tip: To maximize the current window press Alt + Space bar. Once the window properties is displayed press X to maximize the window.

Tip: Windows 7 users can also use the Windows key + up down to resize and then maximize a window.

Note: The maximize button will not be available or become a resize button if the window is already full screen.

Also see: Close, Minimize, Operating System definitions, Resize, Restore, Window, Zoom