MBP14 - is full-screen mode the only way to use all the screen real-estate?

[Fomalhaut]

I'm not sure if I have a software issue on my MBP14, but I recently noticed that the only way to use the full screen real-estate is to view apps in full-screen mode.

If I exit full-screen mode all apps (including Finder) move below the notch (i.e. "classic mode") *AND* reduce horizontal width by scaling the window to less than the actual screen width - in effect adding "artificial side bezels".

I've only just noticed this because 99% of the time I use the laptop with external screens, and mostly in clamshell mode. I've also just upgraded to macOS Ventura, so am wondering whether this is a new "feature"? If so, it would be an extremely annoying one....

I seem to recall being able to maximise apps (not full-screen) and have them use the top of the screen (either side of the notch) for the menu, and having the full physical screen width. I could select the application properties to place the menu under the notch if desired, but this toggle now only seems to work in full-screen mode.

The screen is already quite small so any reduction in usable real-estate is unwelcome. It doesn't sound right, so just wanted to compare with other users.

 

[wilberforce]

Yes, on my MBP14, when apps are maximized (not full screen), the full width is used and the menu for the app is either side of the notch.

Maybe check this:

How to adjust an app's settings to appear below the camera area on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support

You can adjust an app’s settings so that it uses the whole display or uses only the area below the camera housing.

support.apple.com

 

[Fomalhaut]

Yes, on my MBP14, when apps are maximized (not full screen), the full width is used and the menu for the app is either side of the notch.

Maybe check this:

How to adjust an app's settings to appear below the camera area on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support

You can adjust an app’s settings so that it uses the whole display or uses only the area below the camera housing.

support.apple.com

Thanks for your reply and the link. I knew how to do apply the "scale to fit below the camera" toggle, but this now only works in full-screen mode, and doesn't do anything otherwise.

Interestingly the problem disappears if I connect external monitors, although the "scale to fit below the camera" toggle now doesn't do anything at all - all application menus are now inside the notch-area and can't be moved down with the toggle.

I thought it might be using a scaled display mode instead of default, but this makes no difference.

I'll need to remove any screen management extensions (I have something for controlling the notch menu bar area and another called "Spectacle" for moving windows between screens easily), and then reboot. Something must have got screwed up when switching between different monitors.