Microsoft Tests Maximizing All Apps by Default in Windows 11
Microsoft is testing a feature in Windows 11 that opens every application in a maximized window by default, according to a recent Insider Preview build. The toggle, named 'Open apps maximized,' is located within Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects and allows users to choose whether they want their applications to launch maximized or not.
The feature, which has the internal name MaximizeWindow and feature ID 62915050, was spotted by Windows researcher phantomofearth in Build 26340.9212 of the Windows Insider Program's Experimental channel, released on August 17, 2026. When enabled, an app will launch filling the desktop instead of restoring its previous size and position, although users can still resize or move the window afterwards.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether this feature will be included in the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2 release but is currently being tested in the Experimental channel. The testing comes as Microsoft continues to refine its operating system ahead of its general availability in the second half of 2026.