Windows 7 remote desktop (MSTSC) client won't go fullscreen after "restore down"
Hi, I'm on Windows 7 Ultimate x64 connecting to Server 2008 x64 (NOT R2) via the terminal client, MSTSC "Remote Desktop". When I first connect, my connection shows as fullscreen (as per my settings) with the connection bar (the "flap" at the top that has the minimize, retore and close buttons on it). Here's my problem... if I hit the "restore down" button, the RD window shrinks down and I can resize it etc like any normal window. But now if I hit "maximize", instead of going fullscreen again (like in Vista's version) it maximizes the RD window, but leaves the title bar in place. So now my RD window has scrollbars because the titlebar and other bits of "chrome" around the window have shrunk the viewable area, but my remote desktop remains at the same resolution. Basically, I just want to know - once you have resized a Windows 7 remote desktop winow, how do you get it to go into fullscreen again, so there's no title bar etc. in the way, just the remote desktop you want to work on. Thanks much, Richard
May 5th, 2010 6:37pm

Grrrr.... having the same problem! If you don't mind, please post if you found a solution (I'll do the same). UPDATE (10 minutes after posting my reply): Richard - you may have already found a solution, but in case you haven't (or for anyone else who searches for info on this problem and lands on this thread first), someone posted a workaround: there's some kind of a "bug" with certain resolution that cause it to refuse full screen. the only way to force it back to full screen mode is by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Break From: remote desktop won't return to full screen
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June 6th, 2010 6:16pm

hi had the same problem.. after running mstsc click options on the bottom left corner, go to display tab, display configuration, slide the bar to the end, it will change to full screen Regards, Bidali
August 10th, 2010 5:34pm

I had the same problem. It turned out to be a toolbar / sidebar whatever you want to call it that was installed by the laptop manufacturer and it was sitting on top of the screen. Turn off any tooblars, sidebars, whatever bar you have on your desktop, and close all your remote desktops and try again that should take care off it. H
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August 15th, 2010 10:08pm

Hi, guys! Try [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Pause Break]. I use this to toggle Fullscreen/Window on Win7 Home Premium x32 and it works pretty well. Regards
December 5th, 2010 7:34am

Yes it sure does, ONLY if your laptop has [Pause Break] key. My new Dell laptop does not have that key. So I have to use On Screen keybaord for that feature. But why can't things just simply work! I guess it's too early in computer age for anything to work all the way... oh well. Life is to short, live with what you got. ;)
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December 5th, 2010 10:30am

thank u brother, i have that isuse 4 so long but not any more thanks to you!!
December 8th, 2010 3:21am

You are a LIFE SAVER. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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January 3rd, 2011 8:26pm

Just to add to this, my HP laptop also doesn't have a break key, but a bit of research and I find the pause key works as the break. THerefor Ctr Alt Pause gives me full screen in MSTSC
February 10th, 2011 8:46am

I also have a Dell Laptop and if you hold down ctrl + fn + alt + F12 it gives you the desired function. Works 100% for me.
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February 10th, 2011 12:36pm

Worked with dell laptop! ctrl + alt + fn + F12 works perfect!!
March 8th, 2011 11:55am

With my Dell Laptop worked also perfectly. (ctrl + alt + fn + F12) Tank you!
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March 27th, 2011 11:34pm

I have this problem too. Dell XPS14 laptop ... No Pause Key ... No Break Key... (ctrl +alt + fn + F12) doesn't work. The thing that bugs me most is ..... What's changed and WHY? I've been using remote desktop for years and maximizing always used to send it to full screen. Now suddenly I can't go to full screen without exiting and resetting the screen size with the slide bar in the options! WHY ?!?!?!?!?!? Ok just answered my own what question. Seems this has been broken in Windows 7. It still works fine as it used to on my old M65 running Vista. The question becomes Why has this been broken in Windows 7?
April 4th, 2011 4:16pm

SOLUTION! For those of you who don't have [Pause Break] PRESS CTRL + FN + ALT (THEN TRY FROM F1 TO F12) And eventually you'll find one of your Function keys being tied to [Pause Break] mine in this case is [F6].
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April 4th, 2011 7:32pm

Having to press a hot key sequence is not a SOLUTION, espicially is the laptop doesn't have the required keys. This is a bug that MS needs to fix. It affects all win7 builds. Do not give in that this is fixed. I want a permanent solution released from MS.
April 15th, 2011 1:00am

Try Ctrl+Alt+fn+F6 worked for me with Dell Inspiron M5010
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April 17th, 2011 7:16pm

I Just had the same problem Windows 7 On Tosh satellite Pro - I resolved it by reducing my Screen resolution to 1280 x 800 - Running MSTSC and going to fullscreen (which it did) - Closed out - Reset Screen res back to 1440 x 900 and run MSTSC again - Problem Solved
April 19th, 2011 2:46pm

I had to use ctrl-alt-fn-del to restore the remote desktop to full scrren on my dell xps l501x
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May 3rd, 2011 2:02am

You can recreate the problem if you use MSTSC and leave your computer going to sleep mode. Restart your laptop on a dock station and the remote desktop resolution will be wrong. The screen resolution has been set for your laptop's screen. You have to change the screen resolution and put it back on the good size. Remote desktop will not use the full screen.
June 2nd, 2011 6:31pm

i got an xps15 i use ctrl fn alt delete
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June 7th, 2011 7:07pm

Having to press a hot key sequence is not a SOLUTION, espicially is the laptop doesn't have the required keys. This is a bug that MS needs to fix. It affects all win7 builds. Do not give in that this is fixed. I want a permanent solution released from MS. --> TOTALLY AGREE! Used to work flawlessly in XP. Launched full screen, restored full screen, even when moved to secondary monitor and restored (went full screen). My ONLY gripe with Win7, but *a serious bug*. It impacts my productivity almost as much as it peeves me. I LIVE ON KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS, but expect to be able to seamlessly deliver them to the client PC without the local keyboard acrobatics first. Sir Gates; hear my prayer...
June 24th, 2011 7:16am

MSTSC , then OPTIONS, DISPLAY, and full screen
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July 13th, 2011 11:44am

Thanks! ctl alt break completely fixed the problem for me.
July 21st, 2011 9:45pm

I use the standard remote desktop full screen fine I use it lots when I need to manage my server Windows MVP, paid Remote Assistance is available for XP, Vista and Windows 7. My page on Video Card Problems is now my most popular landing page. See my gaming site for game reviews etc. Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Hardcore Games | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews
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July 21st, 2011 10:04pm

And your point -? How is this comment helpful to the next reader -? We are very glad that you are able to use it. We think you are a superstar and we wish you all the best.
July 21st, 2011 10:07pm

suggestion to use the standard tool as it does work Windows MVP, paid Remote Assistance is available for XP, Vista and Windows 7. My page on Video Card Problems is now my most popular landing page. See my gaming site for game reviews etc. Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Hardcore Games | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 21st, 2011 10:13pm

I've been using remote desktop for years and maximizing always used to send it to full screen. Now suddenly I can't go to full screen without exiting and resetting the screen size with the slide bar in the options! WHY ?!?!?!?!?!? Why has this been broken in Windows 7? I totally agree. For me, clicking the Maximize button now makes the window SMALLER! There seems no reason for this illogical retrograde change. MS, please fix.
July 22nd, 2011 5:19am

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