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.

‍

Can You Expect Accountability from Your IT Resource?

It’s tough to own up and take the blame, especially when you know it was you who made the mistake. Unfortunately, in IT, there’s a lot of blame thrown around, so it’s something that those in our profession have to get accustomed to. When you work with a technician, you want them to take responsibility for their mistakes and take action to prevent them in the future—and that’s exactly what we aim to accomplish with our managed IT services. Here’s how we make sure our clients can hold us accountable so they get the best services possible.

August 11, 2025

Two-Factor Authentication: Multiple Locks for the Same Door

You want to make network security one of your top priorities, especially these days when you can hardly go online without feeling like someone’s trying to take advantage of you. The password still plays a dominant role in network security, but the fact remains that it’s only one credential that hackers need to target you. Instead of depending on the password, more businesses are shifting to two-factor authentication, or 2FA.

August 8, 2025

The Psychology Behind the Scam

Scams are often so convincing that it’s difficult for even experienced individuals to detect them, but why is this the case? It all boils down to human psychology. Modern security training can help you identify these telltale signs, but it doesn’t really explain the why of things. That’s what we’re out to explore today.

Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog