Keep Windows On Top: 5 Simple Methods for Windows

Maintaining Focus: Keeping a Window Always on Top

Modern computers excel at multitasking, enabling users to work on several applications simultaneously. Consequently, many individuals find themselves navigating between numerous open windows to manage different tasks.

Despite this capability, there are instances where maintaining focus on a single window is crucial. You might need to constantly reference information or monitor a specific application while working on others.

Interestingly, the Windows operating system lacks a built-in function to permanently keep a window in the foreground. This means a standard feature isn't available to ensure one window remains always on top.

Solutions: Third-Party Tools for Window Management

Fortunately, several third-party applications address this limitation. These tools provide the functionality to designate a window as always visible, regardless of other activity on the screen.

Below are five tools designed to fulfill this specific need, offering varying levels of customization and features.

• DeskPins: A lightweight and straightforward utility that allows you to pin any window with a simple hotkey.
• Always On Top: As the name suggests, this tool focuses solely on the always-on-top functionality, offering a clean and simple interface.
• TurboTop: Provides more advanced options, including the ability to cycle through always-on-top windows and customize hotkeys.
• PowerToys (Microsoft): Microsoft’s PowerToys suite includes an “Always on Top” utility, offering a native-feeling solution integrated within the Windows ecosystem.
• Actual Multiple Monitors: While a comprehensive window management solution, it also includes an always-on-top feature alongside many other functionalities.

Each of these tools offers a unique approach to keeping a window in view, catering to different user preferences and requirements. Selecting the best option depends on the level of control and additional features desired.

By utilizing one of these applications, users can effectively overcome the lack of a native Windows feature and enhance their workflow by ensuring critical windows remain consistently visible.

OnTopReplica

OnTopReplica leverages the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) composition capabilities present in Windows Vista and Windows 7. It functions by creating a clone of a specified window and displaying it as a persistent, small thumbnail that remains positioned above all other windows.

This functionality is particularly useful for isolating and maintaining the video portion of a media player in a constantly visible state.

Successful operation of OnTopReplica necessitates the presence of .NET Framework 2.0 and the utilization of a Windows Aero theme.

Initial Setup and Window Selection

Upon initiating OnTopReplica, a blank grey window will appear on your desktop. To begin, right-click within this frame and choose the specific window you wish to duplicate.

The application will then prepare to clone the selected window's content.

Defining the Clone Region

Following window selection, another right-click within the frame is required. This time, select the select region option. This allows you to precisely define the area of the screen that will be replicated in the thumbnail.

Carefully adjust the selection to capture only the desired portion of the window.

Finalizing and Utilizing the Clone

Once the region is defined, the cloning process is complete. You can now view and utilize the miniature, always-on-top representation of the selected window area.

Enjoy the convenience of having key content readily visible while working on other tasks.

Important Considerations

It's important to note that the source window from which the clone is created cannot be minimized while OnTopReplica is active. Furthermore, replicating a browser window prevents tab switching within the cloned instance.

For a more detailed evaluation of this tool, refer to the article: Two Ways To Sneak A Peek At Videos While You’re Working.

4t Tray Minimizer: A Window Management Utility

4t Tray Minimizer introduces a collection of supplementary buttons directly to the title bar of your active windows. These additions provide enhanced control over window behavior and visibility.

Notably, the inclusion of a pin icon enables users to fix a specific window, maintaining its position above all other applications until the icon is deactivated. This offers a straightforward and efficient solution for keeping important windows in view.

Key Features and Functionality

Beyond simply pinning windows, 4t Tray Minimizer provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing open windows. It allows for diverse window manipulation techniques.

Access to these functionalities is available not only through the newly added title bar buttons, but also via the system menu at the top level. This dual access ensures user convenience and flexibility.

This utility was previously highlighted in a discussion of effective window management techniques for Windows 7, specifically within the article “3 Best Strategies & Tools For Open Window Management In Windows 7”.

The software offers a simple and effective method for controlling window placement and visibility, enhancing user productivity.

PowerMenu

PowerMenu is a utility designed to augment the functionality of existing system menus. It introduces supplementary menu choices to all primary system menus without altering the default options.

Beyond the capability to maintain a window Always On Top, the software also enables minimization to the system tray and adjustments to window transparency.

Key Features and Comparison

The features offered by PowerMenu overlap with those found in applications like 4t Tray Minimizer. However, a key distinction is that PowerMenu does not introduce additional buttons directly onto the window title bar.

This approach provides similar functionality with a different user interface implementation.

Further details and a comprehensive evaluation of PowerMenu can be found in this review: Keep Windows on Top & Minimize To Tray with PowerMenu.

DeskPins

DeskPins operates directly from your system tray. Upon activation via a click, the cursor transforms into a pin icon.

Subsequently, clicking on any window with this pin cursor will cause that window to remain fixed at the forefront of your screen.

To remove a window from this pinned state, simply click the red pin icon located within its title bar.

A Streamlined Application

This application is remarkably focused, performing a single task efficiently without introducing unnecessary additions to your windows or system menus.

It provides a clean and unobtrusive solution for keeping important windows always visible.

A visual representation of DeskPins in action can be found here.

Further Information

DeskPins was also featured in a guide detailing methods for pinning application windows to the top of the screen: How To Pin Any Application Window To The Top.

AquaSnap

Similar to the utilities discussed earlier, AquaSnap provides a comprehensive set of functionalities. A notable feature is the ability to instantly pin a window and adjust its transparency by simply shaking it.

Users can fine-tune the shake gesture's responsiveness, velocity, and length to their preferences.

A detailed evaluation of AquaSnap can be found in this article: How To Enhance Your Windows Experience With AquaSnap (Not Only in Windows 7!).

For additional window management tools, consider exploring these resources:

• 3 Simple Programs That Can Help You Manage Multiple Windows
• 3 Programs That Help You Snap Windows Like a Win 7 User
• 3 Useful Programs That Help Manage Multiple Monitors

Are you still finding yourself needing to organize numerous applications on a single display, or have you expanded your setup with a secondary or tertiary screen for content like videos?

Image credits: Tatiana Popova