How to Fix Chrome Goes Fullscreen When Pressing Keyboard Keys

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If you on this page, then I believe you might have encountered a strange problem where Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge go fullscreen every time you press a button that’s not supposed to function like that.

In my case, the browser often switched to the fullscreen mode after I pressed the ‘B’ button on the keyboard. The issue comes and go and it’s rather difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the problem.

In spite of that, I found some tricks that could it stop this behavior.

#1 Restart your PC

The most simple thing you can do is by restarting your computer and see if the issue still persist.

#2 If the CPU is overclocked, try to disable it

This is may not common, but I found the issue consistently occurs when the CPU is running at an overclocked speed. When I switched back to the default speed, everything seems to run normally.

This is a bit odd as the CPU virtually won’t affect how other peripherals work. However, there are some users reporting that their keyboard isn’t working properly after an overclocking profile applied. The solution includes resetting BIOS, switch to a different keyboard, use a different plug, or just disable the overclocking temporarily.

#3 Unplug the keyboard and plug it back

This trick does permanently fix the issue for me. I’m using a wireless keyboard, so I only need to unplug and plug the receiver and it’s working without any issue. If it didn’t work, try to use a different USB port.

And please avoid using a USB hub as it can introduce interference between connected devices.

#4 Update the Chrome version

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It could be a simple glitch from the browser, a small mistake by a sleepy developer when writing the program’s code. If that was the case, go to the Chrome menu > Help > About Google Chrome and see if there’s a new update available.

Restarting the computer and the browser may be necessary once the installation process completed.


And that’s it! The four solutions to fix Chrome that randomly goes fullscreen when a certain key is pressed. It’s so sad that there is only little to no explanation on this issue on the internet. But in case one of these tricks help you, don’t hesitate to tell other readers about your experience.

A Simple Yet Overlooked Solution

Check for Stuck Keys

Sometimes, the issue might not be as technical as it seems. A stuck or malfunctioning key on your keyboard could be triggering the fullscreen mode unintentionally. Carefully inspect your keyboard to ensure that no keys are physically stuck or damaged. If you’re using a wireless keyboard, consider replacing the batteries or reconnecting it to rule out connectivity issues.

If you suspect a hardware problem, testing with a different keyboard can help confirm whether the issue lies with your current one. For those using gaming keyboards with programmable keys, ensure that no macros are assigned to trigger fullscreen mode.

Consider External Factors

Another aspect to explore is interference from third-party applications. Software like screen recorders, remote desktop tools, or even certain browser extensions can sometimes conflict with normal browser behavior. Temporarily disable these tools and observe if the problem persists.

For more insights into browser settings and troubleshooting, visit Google Chrome Support or Microsoft Edge Help Center.


FAQ

Why does my browser randomly go fullscreen without pressing F11?

This could be caused by a stuck key, an outdated browser version, or conflicting software such as extensions or drivers. Checking your keyboard and ensuring all software is updated can often resolve this issue.

How do I disable hardware acceleration in Chrome or Edge?

In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > System, and toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available.” In Edge, navigate to Settings > System and Performance, and disable the same option.

Can browser extensions cause fullscreen issues?

Yes, certain extensions may interfere with browser functionality. Disable all extensions temporarily by typing chrome://extensions in Chrome or edge://extensions in Edge, then re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.

For additional tips on optimizing your browsing experience, explore Chrome Web Store Extensions or Edge Add-ons.