Maximize window hotkey does not work when program windows touch two sides of the screen at once

Question

I often use the windows key + up and windows key + down shortcuts to maximize and minimize windows, but I've been noticing that if I have a window that is touching two sides of the screen (left and bottom, top and left, etc.) the windows key + up hotkey stops working. If I move the window away from the sides it works, but if I put it back it stops again. This is frustrating since I do not like having unused gaps on my screen and it shrinks the amount of space I have to work with in windows. I know this is a Windows problem because the same issue happens on my older desktop. I booted it up to check. It happens with firefox, vlc media player, discord, and every other program I've tested it on.

I thought it was a bug on my old desktop because it used to let me use the hotkeys again if I restarted the program I was having the issue with a couple times, but now it's just like this all the time.
Is there a way to fix this or am i doomed to have wasted screen space for the rest of my life?

Answer 1

What's the result in safe mode? Is the problem still remain even in safe mode?

If so, try to connect your keyboard to another device to see if this feature works well.

Answer 2

I did all of the above suggestions and still the hot keys are not working.

I am able to minimize with the windows touching the sides, but not maximize. Regardless of what mode I boot in, what account I use, or what services are enabled or disabled

Answer 3

Hi Skekenon,

Thanks for raising your concern in Microsoft Community.

It sounds like maximize window hotkey does not work when program windows touch two sides of the screen at once on your Windows 10. I regret the inconvenience caused to you, and understand your frustration.

I tested many times on Windows 10 pro 20H2, and everything goes well. I analyze that the issue on your Windows may be caused by the interference of third-party software. Kindly follow the solutions below and check if it helps:

1. Temporarily close the third-party security programs and optimization software that may exist under the system (with firewall nature), and perform a clean boot on your system: Press and hold Windows+R > Enter msconfig > Hit Enter -- Click on Services > Check to hide Microsoft services > Click Disable All > Reboot the device, and confirm if the problem solved.
2. Start your PC in safe mode and only open a window to check this feature:

• If there is no problem, it will be necessary to continue to troubleshoot which software or service is the cause.
• If the problem is still there, it is recommended to create a local administrator account to check the effect.

Feel free to post back if you need further assistance.

Best Regards,

Lynn Sun | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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