How to Resize a Window

Easily make windows as small or large as you like

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Last Updated: March 24, 2025

Need to make a window or document your screen smaller or larger? We'll show you how to resize any window on your desktop in a few simple steps.

Resizing Windows: Quick Steps

On a Mac or Linux, click and hold the bottom right corner of the window. Move your mouse up and down, left and right, or diagonally to make the window smaller or larger. On Windows or Linux, click and hold the top of the window to change the size vertically, then do the same on one of the sides to adjust the width.

Steps

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Open a computer application, such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer or Firefox.
If this is the case, your window will cover the whole screen. You can also verify this by looking up in the top right corner. There are three buttons. One button looks like a line, which is the "Minimize" button. This minimizes the window. The button on the far right (on a Mac) or in the middle (other computers) is the "Restore Down/Maximize" button, which makes your window a smaller size. It also maximizes your window. The last button is the "X" button, which closes your window.

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Your window should be a smaller size now.
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Resize the window.
- If you're on a Mac, go to the bottom right of your window. There should be a square with 3 diagonal lines in it under the scroll bar. Click and hold on it. Then, drag your mouse (side to side to make horizontal changes, up and down to make vertical changes, diagonal to change both at once) until your window is the desired size.
- To resize vertically on other computers, go to the top of the window (you will more than likely have to go to the very top, as if you’re going past the window). When you get to the top, your cursor should show two arrows going in opposite directions. Click on the top of the window. Hold and drag the window down. Drag in the opposite direction if you want to make the window bigger again.
- To resize horizontally on other computers, move your mouse to right or left side of the window. Make sure the cursor is at the edge of the window. The cursor should change. It should have two arrows pointing at opposite directions. Click, hold, and drag the window inward. This will make it shorter. Do the opposite to make it large again.
Move the mouse just a little past the X button. The cursor should once again show the arrows going in opposite directions. Click, hold, and drag the window.
Move your mouse to the top of the window (left side on a mac, right side on other computers). You will see those three buttons: Minimize, Restore Down/Maximize, and Close. Click on the Restore Down/Maximize button. Your window should cover the whole screen again.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if I can't reach the maximize button, and the double arrow doesn't show up on the right side of screen to move it over?

Community Answer

You don't have to see the double arrow to move the window over. Simply click and drag the top edge of the window, and it should move.

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Question

Which buttons resize the windows?

Community Answer

If you want to change the size of the window you have open, you will need to do one of two things. Either use your mouse and manually click and drag the corner or any of the edges of that window, or you can try to find a settings option in one of the tabs on the top left of that browser.

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Question

Does screen resolution and window sizing affect the arrangement of ribbon buttons?

Community Answer

Yes.

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