Question: Every time I open Windows Explorer it is not maximized so I have to double click on the window header.

Is there some way to have it open maximized by default?

Answer: 
**Tip #1 - Maximize Window Explorer window from shortcut**

![alt text](https://i.stack.imgur.com/GJwL6.png)

**Tip #2 Registry Setting**

A little snooping in the registry turns up the MaximizeApps key. I don’t know if this works on all apps or just Windows Explorer but I solved my problem.

Find this Key

```
* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
* CurrentVersion\Explorer

```

Add a new DWORD value named “MaximizeApps”

```
* Set the value to 1

```

**Tip #3 use key short cut** 

Open explorer, maximize and close it with `Shift`  pressed...
Eusing's **[Auto Window Manager](http://www.eusing.com/WindowManager/WindowManager.htm)** will do that (and a lot more useful things) for you.

> 
> **Automatically maximize** or minimize or normal **all new windows you
>  specify**.
> 
> 
> Automatically minimize all new windows
>  you specify to system tray.
> 
> 
> Automatically keep all new windows you
>  specify always on top.
> 
> 
> Adds several menu items to standard
>  window system menu.
> 
> 
> Minimize the current window to system
>  tray.
> 
> 
> Apply transparency effect from 0%
>  (fully transparent) to 100% (solid)
>  rate to any program in Windows
>  2000/XP/2003/Vista.
> 
> 
> Show window property of application,
>  such as window handle, class name,
>  process id etc.
> 
> 
> Auto Refresh Internet explorer at
>  custom intervals.
> 
> 
> 

*AWM is freeware.*