Modify the position and dimensions for windows in the "Maximized" state

this is program specific behavior if you want to do this for a software program you built then you can interrupt maximizing event and set your own position, size
otherwise you need a program that hook to windows messaging system (the one used by os for marshaling windows events and commands ) and inspect the event to handle it

Hi We...Toad,

A program can do this, but I'm not aware of a way to do it for an arbitrary window in W7. For example, here's an explanation of how a Visual Basic program can limit a window's maximum size (and the minimum size, too):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/185733

But unless the app is programmed for it, there's no way in native W7 to do this. However, there are third-party utilities that claim to be able to do it. I haven't tried them, so I can't endorse one for you. One that pops up in a web search that seems to be worth a look is MaxMax:
http://lifehacker.com/5623681/maxmax-customizes-windows-default-maximize-size

The link in that article no longer works, because the developer took down his site, but here's a site that still has it:
http://www.ghacks.net/2010/08/25/change-the-maximize-window-size/

I want to say again that I haven't tried it so you're on your own to evaluate it.

Another approach is to write an AutoHotkey program to do it (I mention this because I know you use AHK). You could have an AHK persistent script look for various windows (via IfWinExist and then WinActivate) and then size each window that it finds via the WinSet command (with the W, H, and X-Y parameters). If you're not familiar with how to do this in AHK, I'll be happy to work with you on it. Regards, Joe

Hi Joe Winograd,

Always good to see you on topics. Always keeping learning, just by reading your posts.

I used to have MaxMax before. I can tell that it was working for me.

WeThotUWasAToad, you can give it a try. let use know if it works. I gave you 2 links on my previous post were you can download it.

A "Maximized" window is always full-screen, so it takes up all your display. Naturally when something uses the full-screen, there is no point and no way to change the size or position, or it won't be maximized anymore. This is by definition of maximize.

> A "Maximized" window is always full-screen, so it takes up all your display.

Not true. Microsoft allows a program to define the size of a "Maximized" window (a "Minimized" one, too). The article I posted earlier shows how a VB program can do it. Regards, Joe

But then it is something else, not maximized anymore. Since this is something of VB, it probably has to do with the history of VB, which started off with DOS and really had nothing to do with a Windows Software yet. For me Maximized is either "On" or "Off", there is nothing in between. Probably in VB it is just a wrong definition.

It's semantics. Depends on your definition of "maximized". You're defining it as taking up "the full-screen". But Windows has definitions for maximizing, minimizing, and restoring a window — and such definitions include that a maximized window does not necessarily have to take up "the full-screen". Regards, Joe

@Rindi,

A window in the "Maximized" state will take up the "Working Area" of the Desktop, not the full screen:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.windows.forms.screen.workingarea(v=vs.110).aspx

The working area is the desktop area of the display, excluding taskbars, docked windows, and docked tool bars.

Here is the documentation for AppBars, which fall under the category of docked tool bars:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/cc144177%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

An application desktop toolbar (also called an appbar) is a window that is similar to the Windows taskbar. It is anchored to an edge of the screen, and it typically contains buttons that give the user quick access to other applications and windows. The system prevents other applications from using the desktop area used by an appbar. Any number of appbars can exist on the desktop at any given time.

A program that can handle this is called MaxMax. You will be able to customize your window size as you like.

MaxMax software

Thanks. This is exactly what I was hoping to find.

I'm glad  this is what your were searching for.

Just make sure to accept the solution if this solution works for you.

Another approach is to write an AutoHotkey program…

Joe, as usual, you are right on target — well actually, almost on target.

I've got an AHK script which creates a ButtonBar and enables the creation of as many buttons of whatever shape or size you want. It's essentially a way to to replace keyboard hotkeys with GUI triggers. In other words, any AHK script can be set to run in response to the click of a button rather than a keyboard entry.

Now with MaxMax (which seems to work great), my intent is to play around with button bars on all for sides of a "maximized" window. I'm optimistic that, with as many scripts as I'm always using, the need to remember keyboard hotkeys will be a thing of the past.

:)

Thanks!

We are always glad to help :-)

> Joe, as usual, you are right on target — well actually, almost on target.

Thanks — I appreciate the compliment — even the "almost" part of it. :)

Sounds like a fascinating approach that you're taking with the AHK-created ButtonBar. Keep us posted on your progress with it. Regards,  Joe