When you're multitasking on Windows 11, the struggle is real. Apps juggled across multiple windows, screen real estate shrinking faster than your patience—it's chaos when you need to stay laser-focused on one specific application. Whether it's keeping a calculator handy, having Task Manager visible as your PC labors under a thousand Chrome tabs, or frequently referencing a video tutorial while working, there’s life-changing power in keeping an app "always on top."
Guess what, though? Windows 11 still doesn't have a native "always on top" feature. Seriously, Microsoft? However, there are ways to achieve this needed functionality with a sprinkle of creativity and tools at your disposal. So buckle up, as we dive into the three best solutions for keeping your apps exactly where they belong… on top!
If you're not already using Microsoft PowerToys, it’s like leaving a premium buff on the table in an RPG—you’re missing out! PowerToys is a free and official toolset from Microsoft that expands Windows' capabilities in exciting ways. One of its MVP features is, you guessed it, the "Always on Top" utility.
Here’s how you can wield PowerToys to keep those apps pinned where you want them:
Here are some examples worth bookmarking:
Here’s a quick lowdown of third-party titans in the "always on top" game:
How to get started:
Windows might have forgotten to make this a native feature, but ensuring your app reigns supreme in the chaos of multitasking? That’s entirely up to you. Go forth and conquer your windows! Have thoughts or tips of your own? Share them with the community!
Source: XDA 3 ways to keep an app window always on top in Windows 11
Guess what, though? Windows 11 still doesn't have a native "always on top" feature. Seriously, Microsoft? However, there are ways to achieve this needed functionality with a sprinkle of creativity and tools at your disposal. So buckle up, as we dive into the three best solutions for keeping your apps exactly where they belong… on top!
Method 1: Leveraging Microsoft PowerToys—The Swiss Army Knife of Windows
If you're not already using Microsoft PowerToys, it’s like leaving a premium buff on the table in an RPG—you’re missing out! PowerToys is a free and official toolset from Microsoft that expands Windows' capabilities in exciting ways. One of its MVP features is, you guessed it, the "Always on Top" utility.Here’s how you can wield PowerToys to keep those apps pinned where you want them:
- Download and Install PowerToys: Visit the PowerToys page on GitHub or through the Microsoft Store (yes, it's legit and free), and install it.
- Enable ‘Always on Top’:
- Launch the PowerToys app.
- Navigate to "Windowing & Layout" on the left sidebar.
- Select "Always On Top" and toggle the feature on.
- Activate App Pinning:
- Use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + T to pin any app window to the top.
- You'll know it's working when a border appears around the pinned app, marking it as king of the multitasking mountain.
- Customize It Your Way:
- Hate the shortcut keys? Modify them!
- Is the constant border aesthetic not your vibe? Tweak its appearance in the PowerToys settings.
If you’re the minimalist type who wants an all-in-one trustworthy solution, Microsoft PowerToys is your best bet.
Method 2: Apps That Do It Already
Okay, this one’s less of a hack and more of a solid reminder: Some apps natively support the 'always on top' feature. These tools come pre-baked with the feature you’re looking for, especially in areas where multitasking is critical.Here are some examples worth bookmarking:
- VLC Media Player:
Go to the top toolbar, clickView, and enable "Always on Top". Great for watching videos, running tutorials, or just keeping your Netflix not-so-secretly visible at work. - Task Manager:
Ever wish Task Manager could stay visible as you hunt down a rogue process that's throttling your system? Switch it on: - Right-click the Taskbar and open Task Manager.
- Under Settings, expand the "Window Management" section and check the box for "Always on Top".
- Zoom or Teams:
Want ongoing meetings front and center? Both platforms offer options to keep their windows prioritized—usually under Settings or the app’s toolbar for active calls.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps—Flexibility Meets Feature Overload
If Microsoft PowerToys isn’t your jam, and your favorite app lacks a baked-in option, third-party applications will save the day. These lightweight tools offer powerful customization options and nifty extra features beyond just pinning windows.Here’s a quick lowdown of third-party titans in the "always on top" game:
1. DeskPins
- Download and install DeskPins.
- Activate from the taskbar's system tray. You’ll see a little pin icon—drag it over any app window to keep it prioritized.
- Voilà, the pinned window will show a red pin icon on top.
2. TurboTop
Looking for a simpler interface? TurboTop lives quietly in your taskbar. You can use it to select which windows should stay on top from a simple dropdown menu. It's lightweight, silent, and perfect for every multitasker.3. WindowTop
Beyond just keeping windows pinned, WindowTop introduces mind-blowing features like transparent shrinking. Ever wished you could make an app somewhat transparent and still stay on top? Now you can!How to get started:
- Download and install WindowTop from their website.
- Hover over a window title bar and use the provided menu to shrink, make transparent, or pin to top.
Why Keep an App on Top? Practical Use Cases
- Monitoring Real-Time Data: Keep Task Manager, resource monitors, or event logs always visible.
- Side-by-Side Comparisons: Work on spreadsheets while your tutorial video floats on top.
- Creative Workflows: Find your muse in a reference window, whether you’re designing graphics or editing videos.
- Gaming Assist: Track guides, stats, or calculators without switching away from full-screen to browser tabs.
Which Solution Fits You Best?
The ideal option depends on your situation:- PowerToys: Best for geeks who love feature-packed utilities directly from Microsoft.
- Native App Support: For no-extra-download convenience.
- Third-Party Apps: If you’re all about flexibility and unique features—hello, WindowTop!
Final Thoughts: Taming the Window Jungle in Windows 11
With an ecosystem as robust as Windows 11, frustration can melt into productivity once you use the right tools. Whether you pledge your allegiance to PowerToys, rely on app-based solutions, or dabble with third-party marvels like DeskPins, achieving "always on top" isn’t a wild goose chase—it’s just good multitasking management!Windows might have forgotten to make this a native feature, but ensuring your app reigns supreme in the chaos of multitasking? That’s entirely up to you. Go forth and conquer your windows! Have thoughts or tips of your own? Share them with the community!
Source: XDA 3 ways to keep an app window always on top in Windows 11
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