Overview
When you put Microsoft Edge into full screen, the address bar and toolbar can slide out of the way automatically, reappearing only when you move the mouse to the top of the screen. Microsoft calls this behaviour the "shy UI". It is ideal for reading, presentations and watching video, giving you the maximum amount of screen space. This guide shows how to enter full screen and turn the auto-hiding toolbar on.
Microsoft Edge in full screen with the address bar hidden for a distraction-free view.
Key Takeaways
- Press F11 to toggle Microsoft Edge in and out of full screen mode.
- The "shy UI" hides the toolbar and address bar until you move the pointer to the top edge.
- Auto-hiding is controlled by a setting under Appearance in Edge.
- Move the mouse to the top of the screen at any time to bring the toolbar back.
Enter Full Screen Mode
1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Press the F11 key to switch to full screen. The window expands to fill the entire display.
3. To exit full screen at any time, press F11 again or move to the top of the screen and click the exit (X) control.
<w:bottom w:val="single" w:color="E2F0E1" w:sz="2" w:space="4"/><w:left w:val="single" w:color="2E7D32" w:sz="24" w:space="8"/><w:right w:val="single" w:color="E2F0E1" w:sz="2" w:space="4"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="E2F0E1" w:color="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:before="80" w:after="160"/><w:ind w:left="120" w:right="120"/></w:pPr><w:r><w:rPr><w:b/><w:bCs/><w:color w:val="2E7D32"/><w:sz w:val="21"/><w:szCs w:val="21"/><w:rFonts w:ascii="Calibri" w:cs="Calibri" w:eastAsia="Calibri" w:hAnsi="Calibri"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">Tip: You can also enter full screen from the menu: click the three-dot menu, expand the zoom row, and click the full-screen (diagonal arrows) icon.
Turn On the Auto-Hiding Toolbar
By default the toolbar hides in full screen. If it stays visible, confirm the related appearance setting is enabled.
1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose "Settings".
2. Select "Appearance" from the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll to the "Customize toolbar" section.
4. Make sure "Hide the toolbar in full screen mode" (or the equivalent full-screen option) is switched on.
5. Return to your page and press F11 to test the behaviour.
<w:bottom w:val="single" w:color="DEEAF6" w:sz="2" w:space="4"/><w:left w:val="single" w:color="0B5394" w:sz="24" w:space="8"/><w:right w:val="single" w:color="DEEAF6" w:sz="2" w:space="4"/></w:pBdr><w:shd w:fill="DEEAF6" w:color="auto" w:val="clear"/><w:spacing w:before="80" w:after="160"/><w:ind w:left="120" w:right="120"/></w:pPr><w:r><w:rPr><w:b/><w:bCs/><w:color w:val="0B5394"/><w:sz w:val="21"/><w:szCs w:val="21"/><w:rFonts w:ascii="Calibri" w:cs="Calibri" w:eastAsia="Calibri" w:hAnsi="Calibri"/></w:rPr><w:t xml:space="preserve">Note: To reveal the hidden toolbar and address bar while in full screen, simply move your mouse pointer to the very top of the screen. The bar slides down and tucks away again when you move off it.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The address bar stays visible in full screen.
Solution: Open Settings > Appearance and confirm the full-screen toolbar-hiding option is enabled. Restart Edge after changing it.
Problem: F11 does nothing.
Solution: The key may be intercepted by a laptop function-key lock. Try Fn + F11, or use the full-screen icon in the three-dot menu instead.
Problem: The toolbar will not come back in full screen.
Solution: Move the pointer firmly to the top edge of the display and pause. If it still hides, press F11 to leave full screen, then re-enter.
Problem: The setting is missing from the Appearance page.
Solution: Update Microsoft Edge to the latest version via Settings > About Microsoft Edge, as older builds place or name the option differently.
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge’s full screen mode with the shy UI gives you an uncluttered, distraction-free window that is perfect for reading and media. Press F11 to toggle full screen, keep the auto-hide toolbar setting enabled, and reveal the controls whenever you need them by nudging the pointer to the top of the screen.
About TechHub
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