Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar: This is a very annoying problem where user’s open a program from start menu but nothing happens, only the icon would show up in the taskbar but when you click on the icon no application comes up and if you hover over the icon you could see the app running in a very small preview window but you won’t be able to do anything with it. Even if you try to maximize the window nothing will happen and the program will remain stuck in the tiny little window.
The main cause of the problem seems to be the extended display which seems to create this problem but it’s not limited to this as the issue depends on user’s system and their environment. So we have listed quite a few methods to fix this issue, so without wasting any more time let’s see how to actually Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar issue with the below-listed troubleshooting steps.
Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar
Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.
Method 1: Select Computer Only Screen
The main cause of this error is when two monitors are enabled but only one of them is plugged in and the program is running on another monitor where you can’t actually see it. To fix this issue simply press Windows Key + P then click on Computer only or PC screen only option from the list.
This seems to Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar problem in most of the cases but if for some reason it doesn’t seem to work then continue to next method.
Method 2: Cascade Windows
1.Run the application which is facing the issue.
2.Right-click on the Taskbar and click on Cascade Windows.
3.This will maximize your window and solve your problem.
Method 3: Disable the Tablet mode
1.Press Windows Key + I to open Settings then click System.
2.From the left-hand menu select Tablet mode.
3.Disable Tablet mode or select Use Desktop mode under “When I sign in.”
4.Reboot your PC to save changes. This should Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar problem but if not then continue to the next method.
Method 4: The Hotkey Alt-Spacebar
Try holding Windows Key + Shift and then press left arrow key 2 or 3 times, if this doesn’t work then try again with the right arrow key instead.
If this wasn’t helpful then click on the program icon which can’t be maximized to give it the focus then again press Alt and Spacebar together. This would appear the move/maximize menu, select maximize and see if this helps. If not then again open the menu and select move then try moving the application in the perimeter of your screen.
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That’s it you have successfully Fix Can’t maximize programs from taskbar if you still have any questions regarding this guide then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.
Thank you for a very simple fix, that i couldn’t figure out. worked like a charm.
Method 4b worked for me after trying lots of other things!
Method 4b worked for me. Tnx for the help
Its not working nothing is happening i need more help!
In my case, hovering over the icons didn’t create the pop-up mini-images, and I could only maximise by clicking on the icons, not the images. I resolved it with a reboot.
Alt + Space worked (y)
This is superb, thankyou. I couldn’t get any of them to work initially, but I was able to tweak the fourth method to finally return my window. These were my steps:
1) Click on program that won’t show
2) Press Alt + Windows key
3) Select ‘Move’ from dropdown menu that appears
4) Use keyboard arrows to manoeuvre program
a. using the mouse didn’t ‘grab’ it so it was only the keyboard that was effective
Warm thanks for putting this up! *sighs with relief*
Thanks for trying to help, but it’s only temporary.
Method 1 and 3 works for me, but it only lasts a couple of days and the problem is back on again. Any other sugestions?
Thank you very much. First method worked for me. Your advice was the best on the net!
Thank you ❤️
It really worked for me. It was my fault since I usually have two screens on and this time one was off. In other words, the windows was open but in the off screen. It is just a simple stupid thing that can eventually drive anyone crazy trying to figure out what was wrong. Thank you for your help.
First method worked beautifully. The store where we bought the new computer set it up for 2 screens; we did not know this. Thank you very much!
Thank you a lot!!
For me it was Tablet Mode.
A quicker way to find it is to click Win key and then type TABLET, with the first proposed item you will directly access Tablet Mode Settings.
I still can’t fix even after using all these methods. Could someone help me?
Yes. Do a system restore. Happened to me just now as well. Last time I used the computer was last week, all was fine. This week, same application can’t get the window to maximize. Something must be wrong with the last Windows update. After system restore to last weeks level, everything works like it should
Oh my God. You are a total lifesaver!!, I was such an idiot for not checking if i use extended screen or not in my monitor. That is why i can’t maximize an app!
This was helpful. The last final resort worked, finally.
TQVM for the tips.
I just purchased a new Dell 8950 with Windows 11 and this was driving me nuts! You da boss!
Thanks,
Jim
Hold down Shift and then right click on pinned taskbar shortcut.