Maximize Your Windows On Launch

November 20, 2025

Have you ever noticed how, by default, Windows might not open your programs in the maximized state? That’s because the normal state that it defaults to doesn’t fill the entire screen. While you could always just maximize the window yourself, wouldn’t it be helpful if the windows simply defaulted to opening in their maximized state?

Well, you can, and it’s as easy as can be through the Properties menu.

How to Access the Properties Menu

To find the settings that allow for maximized windows on launch, you first have to open the Properties menu.

Depending on where the program shortcut icon is located, you will find Properties in different spots. From the desktop shortcut icon, for example, all you have to do is right-click the shortcut icon and find Properties near the bottom of the drop-down menu. You can also find Properties in the taskbar. Right-click the icon, then right-click the program itself to find the Properties option.

To maximize programs on launch, follow the steps below.

Setting the Program to Maximize on Launch

From the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab.
Find the Run: section, which triggers when the program starts up, and click the down arrow.
You’ll notice the default option is Normal window. You want to select Maximized.

It’s a relatively straightforward trick, and it can save you a significant amount of time. Keep in mind, however, that some software is developed in a way that prevents opening in a maximized window, so if changing these features doesn’t work, you might be out of luck.

If your technology isn’t working the way you want it to, you can always contact First Column IT for support. Our trusted technicians will work with you to identify the cause of your issues and recommend solutions to prevent them in the future. Learn more by calling us at (571) 470-5594 today.

‍

5 Technologies for Any Business That Will Improve Operations

You’ll go through various high and low points when you're running your business. That’s just part of the game; the unpredictability comes with running a business. You might lose confidence in your operations and wonder if you’re making the right calls—particularly with business technology. Thankfully, there are ways you can use technology that take a lot of the guesswork out of what the future holds for your business.

April 29, 2024

The Challenges of a 4-Day Workweek

There are many ways to increase your team's productivity, but one of the less obvious ones is to consider an alternative work week. Specifically, the idea in question is the four-day workweek, which advocates argue could potentially increase productivity by virtue of working less.

April 26, 2024

Let’s Solve Your Business’ Greatest IT Challenges

Technology is crucial to the success of modern-day business operations, so you must ensure efforts are made to keep your IT in proper working order. A managed service provider, or MSP, can make this a much easier task. Today, we want to discuss some of the common IT challenges businesses encounter and how we can address them.

Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog