In Windows XP, you can quickly set the Command Prompt to full screen mode with the press of a button. In Windows 8, 7, and Vista, the full screen option has been removed due to changes that Microsoft made to the graphics driver in this new version of Windows. If you really want the Command Prompt to appear full screen, there are several ways to do it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Enlarge Window
Step 1. Understand the process
Vista introduces a new graphics driver that can produce Aero desktop-like effects with better hardware acceleration. However, this new driver has a weakness, namely that it does not support console applications (Command Prompt). This means that Windows 7, Vista, 8, and 8.1 can no longer display the Command Prompt in full screen. Do the following ways so that the window screen becomes full even though it is not the actual full screen.
- On Windows 10, you can press Alt+↵ Enter key to display Command Prompt in full screen.
- You can disable the video card driver, but the Aero theme on Windows will disappear and the maximum screen resolution available is 800 x 600. For details, see the next section.
- If you run a lot of DOS programs and want them to open full screen, try using a DOSBox emulator. This application can simulate a DOS environment and can be run in full screen. For details, see the last section.
Step 2. Go to Start
To run the Command Prompt, you must be logged in as an administrator, which can be done through the Start menu.
Step 3. Right-click "Command Prompt", then select "Run as administrator"
If you are not logged in as an administrator, you must type in the administrator password.
Step 4. Type wmic into Command Prompt, then press Enter key
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) will load. Don't worry when using this tool because you're only using it to trick the Command Prompt into enlarging its window. The Command Prompt appearance will change.
Step 5. Expand the window if WMIC is already open
Click the Maximize button in the corner of the Command Prompt window. The Prompt screen will be displayed in full even though it still has the border and title bar.
Step 6. Type exit, then press Enter to exit WMIC
You will be taken back to the usual Command Prompt screen with the display still in full screen. Now you can use Command Prompt full screen.
Step 7. Close and run Command Prompt again
Your changes will continue to take effect even if the Command Prompt is closed. These changes will also apply to the regular version of the Command Prompt.
Method 2 of 3: Disabling Driver
Step 1. Understand the process
Microsoft introduced a new graphics driver that can bring up the Aero effect. However, this new driver prevents Windows 7, Vista, 8, and 8.1 from supporting Command Prompt in full screen. If you really want Command Prompt in full screen, disable this new driver. Image options will be limited and the maximum available monitor display will be 800 x 600. However, this will allow you to run Command Prompt in full screen. If you want to return it to normal view, reactivate the driver.
Step 2. Open Control Panel
Access Control Panel from the Start menu. For Windows 8.1 users, right-click Start, then select "Control Panel" in the list.
Step 3. Open Device Manager
If you are in Category view, select "Hardware and Sound", then select "Device Manager".
Step 4. Expand the "Display adapters" section
All installed display adapters (video cards) will be listed. Most computers will list one or two adapters here.
Step 5. Right-click the display adapter, then select "Disable"
Confirm that you really want to turn it off. The computer screen may take a moment to turn off and then turn on again in a low resolution.
If there are multiple adapters on your computer, you must disable the primary adapter. If you don't know the main adapter, just disable them all
Step 6. Show Command Prompt in full screen
Run Command Prompt, then press Alt+↵ Enter to display it in full screen. To return to the home screen, press the key again. You can continue to perform this action as long as the driver has been disabled.
Step 7. Reactivate the driver
If you want to reuse your graphics driver, you can quickly reactivate it via Device Manager. Right-click the disabled driver, then select "Enable" to enable it again. You may have to restart the computer.
Method 3 of 3: Using DOSBox
Step 1. Understand the process
DOSBox is a free MS-DOS emulator that lets you run old DOS programs on Windows computers. If you are running an old DOS program with the Command Prompt and want to display it full screen, use DOSBox to do so. This is perfect for old games (games).
DOSBox does focus on games so it doesn't really support networking and printing. However, in theory this tool can be used to run DOS
Step 2. Download and install DOSBox
The DOSBox installer is available for free at dosbox.com/wiki/Releases. Once you have finished downloading, run the installer and follow the given instructions to install it.
During the installation, select its location in the root of the hard disk (hard drive). For example, if the hard disk on the computer is "C:\", install DosBox in C:\DOSBox
Step 3. Create a folder for your program
DOSBox will treat this folder as the "C:\" drive. Create a folder in the same place as the DOSBox folder location. Name the folder something easy to remember and access, for example C:\ProgramDOS or C:\gamesjadul.
Step 4. Put old programs into this folder
Each program should be placed in a separate folder within your program folder.
Step 5. Run DOSBox
The DOSBox command line will be displayed. You have to do some settings before using it.
Step 6. Mount the program folder
Type MOUNT C C:\DOSPrograms, then press Enter. Replace C:\DOSPrograms with the folder you created for the DOS program you want to run.
If you are running the program from a CD, type MOUNT D D:\ -t cdrom to mount the CD drive
Step 7. Open the folder for the program you want to run
Open the program folder by typing cd foldername. Replace the foldername with the folder name for the program you want to run.
Step 8. Run the program
Type dir to display a list of files in the directory. Find the EXE file and type it into the command line. The desired DOS program will be executed.
Step 9. Switch to full screen
Once the program is running, press Alt+↵ Enter key to go full screen.
