If your Chrome keeps opening in a small window instead of spreading to full screen, it could mean that the settings haven’t been properly adjusted, or there is something wrong with the browser.
Either way, this problem is rather easy to solve once you’ve detected the core issue. This is precisely why we’ve decided to tackle some of the most common causes, as well as the most effective ways to make Chrome open in full screen.
Keep on reading to find out how you can prevent your Chrome from automatically opening in a small window.
Why does Chrome open in a small window?
If your Google Chrome browser keeps opening up in a small window instead of full screen, several factors could be behind this issue.
Let’s discuss some of the most common reasons, and then we’ll jump right into the most effective method to fix this annoying issue.
1. Flash players
Usually, if you have two flash players installed on your computer, it could be that they’re affecting your Chrome and it is, therefore, unable to open in full screen.
Two conflicting flash players may also affect other programs and apps on your computer, so you might want to look into that.
2. Browser data
Sometimes, the browsing data is causing Google Chrome to act up, and you may have to clear it for the browser to open up in full size.
It could be that the cookies from some of the sites you visited are affecting your browser and the way it is opening.
3. Google profile problem
In case you’re logged into your Google profile on Google Chrome, it could be that there is a problem with the profile that is blocking the browser from opening in full screen.
Regardless of the browser issues, it is recommended to check your Google profile for any problems – especially privacy concerns, as your profile holds valuable information.
4. Hardware acceleration
One of the settings that could be affecting the Chrome browser is hardware acceleration. While hardware acceleration can be beneficial for certain processes by improving overall efficiency and speed, it can stop the browser from opening up in full screen.
The key to stopping your Chrome browser from constantly opening in a small window could be as simple as disabling the hardware acceleration feature. Don’t worry, it usually doesn’t affect other programs and apps.
5. Display settings
Speaking of settings, you may be able to get the Chrome browser to open in a normal, full-size window by adjusting some of the display settings.
In most cases, disabling the display scaling is all you need to do to have your browser open up in the full screen.
6. Reinstall Google Chrome
In case none of the mentioned hacks and adjustments seem to be working and your browser still appears in a small window, it could be that there is something wrong with Chrome itself.
If this is the case, the best way to solve this problem would be to uninstall the browser, and then download and install it again and check if it’s working properly.
7. Malware or viruses
Lastly, it could be that a larger issue is causing your Chrome browser to act up, and there’s nothing wrong with the settings or the browser itself.
In case your computer has been affected by some kind of malware or a virus, it could be compromising not only the browser but all other programs and processes as well.
That being said, if you’ve recently noticed other bugs and problems with your computer and not just Chrome opening in a small window, it is highly probable that the core issue lies in malware or a virus.
How to stop Chrome from opening up in a small window?
Trying to figure out what is causing your Chrome browser to act up may be a process of trial and error. You may have to try different methods until you find the one that works, but in the end, you should have no problem opening Chrome in full screen.
1. Disable a flash player
Yes, disabling one of the flash players may stop the conflict between the two players and allow you to open Chrome in full screen. However, how do you even know if a flash player is causing this problem? Try this process below:
- Enter the following sequence into the Chrome URL bar: chrome://settings/content.
- In this menu, choose additional permissions, then click on Protected Content.
- Under the Protected Content tab, make sure to check both options.
In case you’re using an older browser version and the method we’ve described isn’t working, enter this sequence into the URL bar: chrome://plugins. Now, all you have to do is disable the player’s entry and you’re done!
2. Clear browser data
If the Chrome browser opens normally in Incognito mode but keeps opening in a small window in “normal” mode, you may have to clear your browser data:
- Once you’ve exited the Incognito mode, paste the following sequence into the URL bar: chrome://settings, and press Enter.
- Choose Advanced Settings>Privacy and Security.
- In this menu, there will be an option to Clear Browsing Data.
- Make sure to click on the All-Time box before hitting Clear Browsing Data.
Now restart your computer and check if Chrome is opening up normally in “normal” mode, and not just Incognito.
3. Check your Google profile
In case you’re logged into your Google profile and it is synced with your browser, it could be affecting the browser due to some privacy preferences, as well as possible problems with your account.
The quickest way of solving this is simply removing your Google profile from Chrome – at least until you can check if that’s what’s causing Chrome to act up.
All you need to do is click on your profile picture in the upper right corner of your Chrome browser and make sure that the sync is turned off.
Now, go to Manage Other People and find your profile. You will remove your profile by simply selecting Remove this person.
Now that you’ve removed your Google account, close Chrome and restart your computer.
4. Disable hardware acceleration
To disable this feature, go to Settings, then open Advanced options to find System. In this menu, you should see a box titled Use hardware acceleration when available.
In case this feature is turned off, you want to uncheck it and restart your computer. However, if the problem with Google Chrome persists, you can go back and turn the hardware acceleration option back on since it isn’t affecting your browser.
5. Adjust display settings
Sometimes you can get your Chrome back to normal in a few simple steps, by adjusting your display settings accordingly. Right-click on the Google Chrome shortcut on your display, then choose Properties.
Under the Compatibility tab, you will find an option titled Disable display scaling on high DPI settings. You want to check this option if it isn’t checked already, then hit Apply and finally click on OK to save the new settings.
6. Delete and reinstall Google Chrome
The best method you can use to prevent Chrome from opening in a small window if none of the above mentioned methods seem to work is to uninstall the program and then install it again.
However, ensure you’ve backed up all your important bookmarks, files, and folders from Chrome before you go ahead and uninstall it. If your Google profile sync is on, you will be able to recover everything once you install Chrome again.
To uninstall Google Chrome, press Windows key + R and paste appwiz.cpl in the dialog box that pops up. Search for Google Chrome in the list of available applications, then right-click on it and hit Uninstall.
When you’re ready to install it again, go to the official website do download the latest version of the browser. Once the download is complete, open the file and install the browser again.
7. Remove malware and viruses
As you already know, malware and viruses can seriously jeopardize your system, and not just affect the way you use your browser and how it opens.
In case you’ve tried all the methods, we’ve discussed and none seems to be working, you can simply open your antivirus software and run a check. If any threats are detected, make sure to remove them right away, as well as all the corrupted files.
You also want to check the browser extensions you’ve recently installed. Try uninstalling them and check if your Chrome is still opening in a small window even after you’ve removed the extensions in question.
Also, if your browser was affected by malware, it would be best to uninstall it, then download and install it again (see the method above).
After cleaning your system of malware and viruses, as well as removing browser extensions and/or re-installing Chrome, make sure to restart your computer and then check if the browser is now opening in full screen.
