How To Exit Full Screen in Parallels

Lee Stanton July 19, 2022

Running several operating systems within a single computer while maintaining high performance is every user’s goal. However, it’s an almost impossible task without proper knowledge of virtualization software. Luckily, Parallels – a popular virtualization software – is quite easy to use and master. But how do you actually control the screen modes?

If you want to know how to exit Parallels full screen, you’ve come to the right place. This article will break down the process in the simplest way so that you can take back control of your Mac screen. Read on to find out more.

Exiting Full Screen

It’s easy to get lost in a full-screen view of your Parallels desktop. Luckily, it’s easy to switch back to Mac. To do so, simply exit full-screen mode.

If your mouse is locked in full-screen mode, press “Control + Option” hotkeys to enable the Parallels menu. After that, hover your mouse towards the upper end of the screen.
You should now see your Mac menu.
Click the Parallels icon and navigate to “View” then “Exit Full Screen.” Alternatively, you can hover over the “Exit Full Screen” button (the green button in the top left corner of your screen) and select the option that says, “Exit Full Screen.”

Parallels Exit Full Screen Shortcut

Shortcuts save time and make overly complicated tasks easy to complete. Fortunately, Parallels provides a shortcut for exiting the full-screen mode.

To exit the full-screen mode in Parallels, press the Command + Control + F hotkeys simultaneously.

How to Enter the Full-Screen Mode on Parallels

To go back to the full-screen view, click on the full-screen icon (the green circular icon) in the virtual window. Alternatively, you can simply swipe left on your touchpad using three fingers.

Controlling Your Screen View Using the Coherence Mode

Parallels has a feature called Coherence mode. This feature helps you take control of your screen by allowing you to easily switch in and out of the full-screen mode. Essentially, the feature enables you to operate your Windows programs as you would with native Mac applications. Here’s how to enter Coherence mode:

Click on the blue icon at the top left corner of your virtual window.
If this is the first time you’re using Coherence mode, you should see a quick tour of how to use the mode.

Now that you’re in Coherence mode, you can use Windows applications in full-screen mode.

If you want to exit the full screen in Coherence mode, here’s how to go about it:

Hover your mouse to the upper end part of the screen.
Navigate to “View.”
On the drop down click “Exit Coherence.”

Pros of Using Parallels

Parallels allows you to access Windows within your MAC computer without the need to reboot your computer or log in as a guest.
It integrates with multiple operating systems, including Ubuntu and Fedora.

Cons of Using Parallels

It’s a bit costly compared to other virtualization software like Bootcamp. If you need an affordable alternative to Parallels, you should probably be eyeing the latter.
The app needs more virtual RAM to operate.

Take Back the Control of Your Mac Screen

Windows has some really great features that even Mac users are tempted to try. And this is made possible through Parallels. But while trying this Operating System, ensure you have full control of your screen by mastering how to enter and exit full-screen mode. After all, doing so is a no-brainer.

Have you used Parallels to emulate Windows or any other Operating System before? Let us know in the comments section below.