Are you clicking the Maximize button on an app window, but instead of maximizing the current window, Windows opens a new tab, opens a file, or performs another unexpected action? This strange problem can happen with File Explorer, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Word, Excel, and other applications.
The problem may be caused by a temporary Windows Explorer glitch, incorrect File Explorer settings, a stuck keyboard key, mouse problems, accessibility settings, outdated drivers, or corrupted Windows system files.
You don't need to immediately reset or reinstall Windows. In this guide, we will go through 12 methods that can help fix the Maximize window problem in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer controls the taskbar, desktop, Start menu, and File Explorer. If Explorer temporarily stops working correctly, window controls can also behave strangely.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.
Wait a few seconds for the taskbar and desktop to reload, then open an app and click the Maximize button again.
Method 2: Restart Your Computer
A temporary Windows glitch can cause the Maximize button, taskbar, or applications to behave incorrectly. Restarting Windows reloads all system components.
Click Start → Power → Restart and wait for Windows to restart completely.
Open the affected application again and test the Maximize button. If it works after restarting, the problem was likely a temporary Windows or Explorer glitch.
Method 3: Check File Explorer Options
Incorrect File Explorer settings can cause folders and files to open differently from the normal Windows behavior. Check these settings carefully.
Open File Explorer or This PC, click the three-dot menu (⋯), select Options, and stay on the General tab. Under Browse folders, select Open each folder in the same window.
Under Click items as follows, select Double-click to open an item (single-click to select), then click Apply → OK and test File Explorer again.
Method 4: Turn Off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
Windows accessibility features such as Sticky Keys and Filter Keys can change keyboard behavior. If they were accidentally enabled, it is worth checking them.
Press Win + I → Accessibility → Keyboard and make sure Sticky keys, Filter keys, and Toggle keys are turned Off.
Press Esc, Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and the Windows key once each, then test the affected application again.
Method 5: Check for a Stuck Keyboard Key & Mouse Button
A physically stuck Ctrl, Alt, Shift, or Windows key can cause unexpected keyboard shortcuts when you click buttons or interact with applications.
Press each of these keys several times and make sure they move normally. If you have an external keyboard, disconnect it temporarily.
Test the Maximize button using another keyboard or the laptop's built-in keyboard. If the problem disappears, your keyboard may be causing the issue.
Method 6: Test the Maximize Keyboard Shortcut
Windows provides a keyboard shortcut that lets you maximize the current application without clicking the Maximize button.
Click the application window you want to maximize and press Win + Up Arrow.
If the window maximizes correctly with the shortcut, Windows itself can maximize the window and the problem may be related to the mouse, touchpad, or window button interaction.
Method 7: Test Another Mouse
A faulty mouse button or accidental double-click can cause unexpected actions in Windows. Testing another mouse is a quick way to identify the problem.
Disconnect your current mouse and connect another mouse, preferably to a different USB port. If you are using a laptop, you can also test using the touchpad.
Open Chrome, Edge, File Explorer, Word, or another application and test the Maximize button. If it works with another mouse, the original mouse may be faulty.
Method 8: Update Mouse and Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted input-device drivers can sometimes cause unexpected mouse or keyboard behavior.
Right-click Start → Device Manager, expand Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices, right-click your device, and select Update driver.
Follow the instructions to install an available driver, then restart Windows and test the Maximize button again.
Method 9: Update Windows
If the problem is caused by a Windows bug, installing the latest updates may fix it.
Press Win + I → Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Install available updates and restart the computer. After restarting, open several applications and test the Maximize button.
Method 10: Check the Problem With Different Apps
If the problem happens only in one application, Windows may not be responsible. The application itself could have a temporary bug or damaged settings.
Test the Maximize button in several applications such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, Word, and Excel.
If only one application has the problem, update that application or reinstall it. If every application has the same problem, continue with the Windows troubleshooting methods.
Bonus: Check Windows Mouse Settings
If you are still experiencing unusual mouse behavior, check Windows mouse settings and make sure there are no unexpected custom settings.
Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse and review the mouse settings. Make sure the primary mouse button is set correctly and disable any unusual third-party mouse customization temporarily.
If your mouse came with manufacturer software, such as software for gaming or programmable buttons, open it and check whether any button has been assigned to open a new tab, launch an application, or open files.
What If Restarting Fixes the Problem?
If the problem disappears completely after restarting your computer, it was most likely a temporary Windows, Explorer, application, or input-device glitch. You normally don't need to modify the registry or reinstall Windows for an occasional problem.
If it happens repeatedly, however, try to identify whether it occurs with all applications or only one application. Also check whether it happens only with a particular mouse or keyboard.
Final Words
If the Maximize window is not working and clicking it opens new tabs or files instead, don't panic. This can often be fixed without reinstalling Windows.
Start with the simplest solutions: restart Windows Explorer and restart your PC. Then check File Explorer Options, Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, your keyboard, mouse, and device drivers. Test the Win + Up Arrow shortcut to determine whether the problem is related to the mouse or the window itself.
If the problem continues, update Windows, test different applications, and run DISM followed by SFC to repair possible Windows system-file problems.
These 12 methods cover the most common causes and should help restore normal Minimize, Maximize, Restore, File Explorer, and taskbar behavior in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
