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.

‍

What is the Apple Mercenary Attack, and Why Should You Care?

Apple rarely sends out alerts about threats, and that is because threats that target Apple devices are somewhat rare in the first place. However, on April 10, 2024, Apple saw fit to send one to certain users in 92 nations by email. These notifications were “designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks.” What does this mean, exactly?

April 22, 2024

Endpoint Detection is Critical for Your Organization’s Security

In today’s world of perpetual security breaches and cyberattacks, it’s no surprise that the greatest response to such threats is to actively prevent them from harming your organization in the first place. One key tool in this effort is an endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution. With endpoint protection on your business’ side, you can leverage a robust and powerful security solution to handle a significant portion of your network security.

April 19, 2024

Tip of the Week: 3 Easy Methods to Police Your IT Infrastructure Policies

How clearly outlined are your IT-related policies and procedures in the workplace? It is difficult at best to manage these expectations alongside your employees, but it’s a necessary task all the same. Today, we want to help your organization walk the fine line between protecting your assets, data, and reputation, and granting your employees permissions to do what they must on your network infrastructure.

Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog