Fortnite has taken the gaming world by storm, becoming a household name since its release. With its unique blend of battle royale, building mechanics, and vibrant graphics, it’s no wonder players want to experience it in full screen. However, many users have encountered the frustrating issue of Fortnite not working in full screen mode. This article will delve into the reasons behind this problem and provide solutions to help you get back to battling in style.
Understanding the Full Screen Issue in Fortnite
When you launch Fortnite, the expectation is clear: an expansive battlefield, detailed graphics, and an immersive experience. For many players, switching to full screen enhances this experience, but there are several reasons why this might not work as intended.
Full screen problems can range from simple settings issues to more complex graphics card problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward a solution.
Common Reasons Why Fortnite Won’t Go Full Screen
There are several common culprits when encountering full-screen issues in Fortnite:
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Graphics Settings Misconfiguration: Your graphics settings may be set to a mode that doesn’t allow full screen or conflicts with your display resolution.
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Outdated Drivers: If your video card drivers are outdated, they might not support the full screen feature, causing compatibility issues.
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Window Mode Settings: Sometimes, Fortnite might erroneously launch in windowed mode or borderless windowed mode instead of full screen.
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Screen Resolution Conflicts: Mismatches between the game and the monitor’s resolution can lead to the game not displaying correctly in full screen.
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Fullscreen Optimization Settings: Windows has fullscreen optimization settings designed to improve performance, but these can, at times, create conflicts.
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Corrupt Game Files: If any of the game files are corrupted or missing, this may affect the game’s ability to run properly in full screen.
By identifying the root cause of your full screen issues, you can pursue the appropriate solutions outlined in this article.
Steps to Fix Full Screen Issues in Fortnite
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you resolve full screen issues in Fortnite effectively.
Check In-Game Settings
One of the primary reasons for full screen not working is a misconfiguration within the in-game settings.
Step 1: Access In-Game Settings
- Launch Fortnite.
- Navigate to the main menu and click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the settings menu.
- Go to the Video settings tab.
Step 2: Adjust Display Options
- Locate the Display Mode option.
- Ensure it is set to Fullscreen rather than Windowed or Borderless Window.
- Check your Resolution. Set it to the recommended resolution for your monitor (e.g., 1920 x 1080) to avoid any conflicts.
By making sure these settings are correct, many players have been able to resolve their full screen issues.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can lead to gaming issues, including problems with full screen mode.
Step 1: Check Your Graphics Card
Identify the graphics card your system is using (commonly NVIDIA or AMD) and visit the respective website.
Step 2: Download the Latest Drivers
- For NVIDIA cards, visit the NVIDIA Driver Download page.
- For AMD cards, visit the AMD Driver Support page.
- Download and install the latest drivers.
After updating your drivers, restart your computer and relaunch Fortnite to check if the full screen issue persists.
Modify Fullscreen Optimization Settings
Windows’ fullscreen optimization might interfere with Fortnite’s full screen mode. Here’s how to adjust this setting:
Step 1: Locate Fortnite Executable
- Navigate to the folder where Fortnite is installed (usually found in the Epic Games folder).
- Find the Fortnite executable file (FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe).
Step 2: Adjust Properties
- Right-click on the executable and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box that says Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Restart Fortnite to see if this change resolves the full screen issue.
Adjust Display Settings on Your Computer
Sometimes, the problem may originate from your computer’s display settings rather than the game itself. Follow these steps to ensure the display settings are optimized:
Verify the Display Resolution
Ensure that your PC’s display resolution matches the resolution set in Fortnite.
Step 1: Access Display Settings
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
- Under the Scale and layout section, check that your resolution is set to the recommended option.
Step 2: Change Resolution if Necessary
If you need to change your display resolution, select the appropriate resolution that matches the settings in Fortnite.
Set Display to Correct Orientation
Ensure that your screen orientation isn’t set to an incorrect position that could affect game display.
- Go to Display settings as described above.
- Scroll down to Display orientation and select Landscape if it isn’t already set.
If your display is in the correct orientation and resolution, try launching Fortnite again in full screen mode.
Reinstall Fortnite
If all else fails, reinstalling Fortnite may be the optimal solution to resolve persistent full screen issues.
Step 1: Uninstall Fortnite
- Head to the Control Panel on your PC.
- Click on Programs and Features and locate Fortnite in the list.
- Right-click and select Uninstall.
Step 2: Reinstall Fortnite
- Visit the Epic Games website to download the Launcher.
- Install the Launcher and proceed to install Fortnite again.
Reinstallation can often fix any corrupt files that may be preventing full screen from working.
Conclusion
Encountering the Fortnite full screen not working issue can be incredibly frustrating for players eager to dive into the action. However, by diligently following the steps outlined in this guide, you stand a good chance of resolving the problem. Start with checking and adjusting your in-game settings, updating your graphics drivers, and modifying fullscreen optimizations. If issues persist, examining your display settings and considering reinstalling the game might be necessary.
The world of Fortnite awaits you, and with the right approach, you can reclaim that incredible immersive experience in full screen mode. Happy gaming!
What causes the Fortnite full screen not working issue?
The Fortnite full screen issue can be attributed to several factors, including settings misconfigurations, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicts with other software applications. Sometimes, incorrect screen resolution settings or display scaling can hinder the game from launching in full screen. Additionally, incompatible display settings on your graphics card or operating system can also contribute to this problem.
Moreover, issues may also arise due to corrupted game files or alterations made during software updates. It’s essential to ensure that your video drivers are up to date, check the game settings for display options, and verify that your monitor settings align with what Fortnite requires for optimal playback. By addressing these aspects, you may find a solution to the full screen problem.
How can I adjust the display settings in Fortnite?
To adjust the display settings in Fortnite, first, launch the game and navigate to the “Settings” menu. Here, you’ll find a tab labeled “Video,” which contains various options for screen mode, resolution, and frame rate. Make sure to set the “Window Mode” to “Full Screen” to ensure the game runs as intended. Additionally, choose the appropriate screen resolution that matches your monitor’s native resolution for the best visual experience.
If changes don’t take effect immediately, try restarting the game after adjusting the settings. In some cases, it may be necessary to revisit the settings if the game doesn’t start in full screen as expected. Remember, modifying video settings may require a balance between performance and visual fidelity, so tweak them until you find the perfect setup for your gaming style.
What should I do if my graphics drivers are outdated?
Outdated graphics drivers can severely impact gaming performance and may lead to issues like the full screen not working in Fortnite. To resolve this, visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers. You can also use their respective software applications to detect and install the latest updates automatically.
After updating the drivers, reboot your computer to ensure that the changes take effect. Launch Fortnite again to see if the full screen issue persists. Regularly updating your drivers not only enhances game performance but also ensures compatibility with the latest game updates and features, which is crucial for an optimal gaming experience.
Are there any in-game settings that can affect full screen mode?
Yes, several in-game settings can impact the full screen mode in Fortnite. One critical setting is the “Window Mode” selection, which needs to be set to “Full Screen.” If this is incorrectly configured to “Windowed” or “Windowed Full Screen,” players may experience issues with full screen display. Checking and adjusting this setting in the video options menu is the first step in troubleshooting.
Additionally, settings related to resolution and display ratio play important roles. Ensure that the resolution selected matches your monitor’s specifications, as mismatched settings can prevent the game from displaying correctly. Moreover, enabling or disabling the “Allow Multi-Render” option can also contribute to performance and display stability, which may help in resolving full screen concerns.
What can I do if the issue persists after trying the above steps?
If you’ve tried adjusting the settings and updating your drivers but still face issues with full screen mode, consider verifying the game files through the Epic Games Launcher. This process checks for corrupted or missing files and refreshes the game installation. To do this, go to your library, click on the three-dot icon next to Fortnite, and select “Verify.”
Should the problem persist even after verifying the files, it may be beneficial to reinstall Fortnite entirely. Uninstalling the game and then downloading it again can resolve underlying issues that the verification process might not fix. This step will ensure you have a clean installation without any residual files from previous installations.
Could third-party software be causing the full screen issue?
Yes, third-party software applications can interfere with Fortnite’s ability to run in full screen mode. Programs like screen recorders, overlays (such as Discord or GeForce Experience), or even antivirus software can impact how games display. It’s advisable to close any unnecessary applications running in the background before launching Fortnite to see if this resolves the issue.
If you suspect that a specific program is causing the problem, try disabling or uninstalling it temporarily. Check the in-game performance after doing so. If the game runs seamlessly in full screen, this may indicate that the third-party software was the source of the conflict, and you can explore alternative solutions or settings for those applications.
Is there a way to reset Fortnite settings to default?
Yes, resetting Fortnite settings to default can help resolve various issues, including problems with the full screen display. To reset your settings, you can either do so directly within the game or delete the configuration files manually. In the game, navigate to the settings menu and look for the option to reset all settings. This will restore them back to their factory defaults.
Alternatively, you can locate and delete the configuration files in your Fortnite installation folder. These files are often found under the “Saved” directory in the Fortnite folder on your computer. Once deleted, launch the game, and it will recreate the default settings files. This can be an effective way to troubleshoot persistent display issues, including those with full screen mode.