How To Launch Google Chrome in Full Screen Mode Automatically [2026 Guide]

Launching Chrome directly in full screen saves a click and puts your tabs front and center. I will show a quick tweak to your Chrome shortcut that makes it open full screen every time. It takes less than a minute and is easy to undo.

This method edits the shortcut you already use. You will add a small flag to the Target field and apply the change. Double check each step to avoid typos.

Launch Google Chrome in Full Screen Mode Automatically [2026 Guide]

Find the Chrome shortcut

Make sure you can see the Google Chrome shortcut on your desktop or taskbar. Right click the icon and select Properties. The Properties dialog lets you control how Chrome starts.

Open the Shortcut tab and locate Target

In the Properties window, select the Shortcut tab. Find the Target field, which tells your computer exactly how to run Chrome. Do not delete or alter existing text in this field.

Add the full screen flag

Click at the very end of the text in the Target field. Type a single space, then add two hyphens followed by the flag start-fullscreen.

It should look exactly like this:

--start-fullscreen

A complete example Target line:

"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --start-fullscreen

Double check your typing, because even a small mistake could make Chrome ignore the command.

Apply and test

Click Apply to save the change. Click OK to close Properties. Open Chrome using this shortcut and it should launch in full screen automatically.

To exit full screen at any time, press F11. Press F11 again to return to full screen. For more options and tips, see ways to exit full screen in Chrome.

Troubleshooting and extras

If YouTube feels choppy in full screen, see how to fix full screen lag in Chrome. Small playback tweaks can make a big difference.

If you manage a shared computer and want tighter control, learn how to disable Guest Mode in Chrome. It pairs well with a focused full screen setup.

Final thoughts

You added a simple flag to your Chrome shortcut and full screen now launches automatically. Remember F11 toggles full screen on and off. Keep this shortcut handy and enjoy a cleaner start every time.