SQL SERVER – Maximizing View of SQL Server Management Studio – Full Screen – New Screen

I had a great, unforgettable time at Teched India 2009 in Hyderabad. I had delivered a successful session on SQL Server Management Studio Best Practices, which created a lot of interest in community. I was truly amazed at the tremendous response I got. I received countless different questions on this subject as soon as the event was over. One of the most frequently asked questions was about my demo on how to increase real estate of SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio). My favorite trick is to switch SSMS to full screen.

I had explained the following two different methods:

1) Open Results in Separate Tab

This is a very interesting method as result pan shows up in a different tab instead of the splitting screen horizontally.

To enable this, first go to Tools >> Options >> Query Results >> Result to Grid (or Text) >> Enable Display results in a separate tab.

If you want to switch to a result set after the results are generated enable additional check box of ‘Switch to results tab after the query executes’. I do not find this option comfortable, as while working on query my focus on the working windows suddenly shifts to new windows.

2) Open SSMS in Full Screen

This works always and to its best. Not many people are aware of this method; hence, very few people use it to enhance performance.

Press Shift + Alter + Enter to enable full screen on computer.

In my opinion, by using the above both the options running together one can certainly increase more work area on computer screen. Are you using any of these options? Please share me with by leaving your comments here.

Published by Pinal Dave on SQLAuthority. More of my work at pinaldave.com.