each time i open a fullscreen game with a lower resolution than my desktop, most the previously maximized apps get reduced in size, any way to prevent this?

Understanding and Resolving Window Resizing Issues When Launching Fullscreen Games at Lower Resolutions

If you’re a dedicated gamer or someone who often switches between gaming and productivity applications, you might have encountered a common frustration: launching a fullscreen game at a lower resolution causes some of your previously maximized applications to resize or minimize unexpectedly. This can disrupt your workflow and require you to manually resize multiple windows—an inconvenience that many users would prefer to avoid.

The Issue Explained

When you run a fullscreen game set to a resolution lower than your desktop’s native resolution, Windows and other operating systems sometimes interpret this action as a change in display context. As a result, windows that were maximized may automatically adjust their size or minimize when focus shifts between applications like your browser or productivity tools. This behavior is often linked to how Windows manages display scaling, window focus, and multi-monitor setups.

Common Scenarios

Launching a full-screen game or application at a lower resolution causes other maximum-sized windows to resize or minimize.
Repeated manual resizing of windows hampers productivity, especially if you constantly switch between applications.
The issue becomes more pronounced on multi-monitor setups where resolution changes or display focus shifts are frequent.

Potential Causes

Operating System Window Management Policies
Display Scaling and Resolution Settings
Specific behaviors of certain applications regarding window focus and size
Graphics driver settings that influence display output behavior

Strategies to Prevent Window Resizing

Use Borderless Windowed Mode Instead of Fullscreen
Many modern games support a borderless windowed mode, which runs the game in a window without borders and maintains a fullscreen appearance. This mode typically retains the position and size of other application windows, preventing them from resizing when switching between applications.
Adjust Compatibility Settings
For some applications, adjusting compatibility settings can help. Right-click the application’s executable, select “Properties,” then navigate to the Compatibility tab. Enabling settings like “Disable display scaling on high DPI settings” can sometimes improve window behavior.
Utilize Window Locking or Management Software
Several third-party tools allow you to lock window positions and sizes, preventing accidental resizing or minimization when switching contexts.
Configure Display Settings
Ensure your desktop resolution and scaling settings are properly configured for your hardware. Sometimes, mismatched or custom scaling can lead to erratic window behavior.
Update Graphics and Display Drivers
Ensure that your