How to Keep Windows Maximized in Windows XP

Many people want their windows fully maximized when working with Windows XP. However,some programs don't open in the maximized setting. The maximize button is an easy fix for this problem, but the program doesn't always remember this the next time the program opens.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make the unmaximized setting full screen. Instead of clicking the maximize button in the corner, put the unmaximized window in the top left corner. Then, click and drag the bottom right corner to resize it until the window fills the screen.

2. Force the change to stick. Press the "Ctrl" button, and then go to the "File" menu and choose "Exit" from the drop-down menu. This will close the window and make the computer remember the current setting.

3. Take a shortcut. If you have programs in the quick launch area of the taskbar (next to the Start menu), you can change the settings to make them always open maximized. Right click the icon on the quick launch menu and click "Properties." Choose the "Shortcut" tab and click the drop-down menu next to "Run." Choose "Maximized," and then click "OK."

4. Be diligent when closing your programs. Some programs such as email programs and web browsers may pop up smaller windows in the course of using the program. The computer only remembers the settings for the last window of a program you close. Make sure that the last window you close is your maximized window.