Switching between multiple windows while multitasking can be frustrating. The Windows always on top functionality eliminates this hassle by keeping important windows visible whatever you’re doing.
Microsoft PowerToys, a free and open-source set of utilities for Windows 10 and Windows 11, has this valuable feature that boosts your efficiency . You can pin specific windows with the Always on Top tool and they stay visible even as you click through other applications . The feature becomes especially helpful when you have multiple applications running or need quick access to critical information .
The setup process couldn’t be simpler. Once Microsoft PowerToys is installed, press Win+Ctrl+T while selecting the window you want to keep visible . The Always on Top feature remains active even during full-screen video playback on YouTube , so your important information stays in view.
Let’s explore everything about using the Always on Top PowerToy on Windows in this piece. We’ll cover installation steps and customization options that make your multitasking experience better than ever.
What Is Always on Top and Why Use It?
Image Source: YouTube
PowerToys Always on Top lets you pin any window above others so it stays visible [1]. This handy tool helps you keep important windows available while you work with multiple apps.
Helps multitaskers stay focused
You’ll find it easier to handle multiple windows during complex tasks with Always on Top. It’s perfect for professionals who need to check information across different apps quickly. The tool eliminates constant window switching and helps you stay focused. You can pin essential tools like calculators, chat apps, or documents you need while working [2]. It also lets you keep Teams visible during presentations, so you can chat with participants live without losing your place [3].
Ideal for small screens or single monitors
Always on Top works great on devices with limited screen space. Instead of cramming windows side by side until they’re too small to read, you can float a smaller window on top of your main work area [2]. This works better than Windows’ snap features, especially when you have display size limits. It also gives single-monitor users the same benefits as multi-monitor setups by keeping key information visible without cluttering the main workspace.
Keeps reference windows visible at all times
The most important feature of Always on Top is that your pinned windows stay visible whatever else you’re doing. Your pinned window remains in view even in full-screen mode on YouTube [2]. Reference materials, chat windows, and monitoring tools are always there when you need them. Yes, it is true that pinned windows stay on top no matter which other window you select [1]. This makes it perfect for tasks where you need constant access to specific information.
How to Enable Always on Top in PowerToys
Image Source: Tom’s Guide
PowerToys, Microsoft’s free utility collection for Windows 10 and 11, lets you use Windows Always on Top functionality. You can pin windows in minutes with these simple steps.
Install PowerToys on Windows 11
You’ll need PowerToys installed on your system. Here are the ways to get it:
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Microsoft Store (Recommended): Look for “PowerToys” in the Microsoft Store and click Install [4].
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GitHub: Head to the official PowerToys GitHub repository, grab the right installer (x64 or ARM64), and run it [5].
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Command Line: You can also open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type:
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys --source winget[5].
The software needs Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or newer [5].
Open PowerToys and find Always on Top
Start PowerToys from your Start menu after installation. Look for the “Always on Top” section in the left sidebar of PowerToys settings [6]. Turn on the feature by switching the “Enable Always on Top” toggle [2].
Use the default shortcut: Win + Ctrl + T
The feature works right away after you enable it. Here’s how to pin any window:
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Pick the window you want to keep visible
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Press Win + Ctrl + T on your keyboard [7]
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A blue border shows up around the window that tells you it’s pinned [8]
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Your window stays visible even when you click other apps [9]
This keyboard combo works with almost every Windows application.
How to unpin a window
You can unpin a window in two easy ways:
Both methods put the window back to normal behavior, and it follows standard Windows z-order layering rules. The blue border goes away to show the window isn’t pinned anymore.
Customize the Always on Top Feature
Image Source: GitHub
PowerToys gives you complete customization options for the Always on Top feature. You can adjust the settings to match your priorities and workflow needs.
Change the activation shortcut
The default Win + Ctrl + T works great, but you can set up your own keyboard combination. Just open the PowerToys settings window, select Always on Top from the sidebar, and click the Activation Shortcut box. Press your preferred key combination [2]. This flexibility helps avoid conflicts with shortcuts from other applications.
Modify the border color and thickness
A colored border makes pinned windows easy to spot. The Color mode dropdown menu lets you pick between Windows default or a custom color [2]. You can adjust the border thickness through the Thickness (px) value [1]. Lower values create a subtle indicator. The border can be turned off completely if you don’t want any visual cues [2].
Enable or disable sound notifications
PowerToys makes a confirmation sound when you pin or unpin windows. The Play a sound when pinning a window option lets you control this audio feedback [1]. This feature tells you that your command worked successfully.
Exclude specific apps from being pinned
Some applications might not work well when pinned. The Excluded apps setting keeps specific programs from being affected by Always on Top [1]. Add the application’s name to the list and you’re set. The list works with partial matches too – adding “Notepad” will exclude both Notepad.exe and Notepad++.exe [1].
Other Ways to Keep a Window Always on Top
Image Source: How-To Geek
PowerToys isn’t the only way to keep windows on top in Windows 11. Users have several alternatives that match different priorities. You can choose between mouse control, keyboard shortcuts, or specific application solutions.
Using DeskPins for mouse-based pinning
DeskPins gives users a simple way to control windows with a mouse. This lightweight utility adds a pin icon to your system tray after installation. A click on the icon changes your cursor into a pin that lets you select any window to keep visible. The window’s title bar shows a red pin that indicates its always-on-top status. You can unpin the window by clicking the small “X” that appears when hovering over the red pin.
AutoHotkey script for keyboard control
AutoHotkey serves as a powerful option for keyboard users. The process starts with AutoHotkey’s installation. Create a new script with this single line of code:
^SPACE:: Winset, AlwaysOnTop, , A
The script lets you toggle any window’s always-on-top status with Ctrl+Space. The functionality becomes active once you save the file with an .ahk extension and run it.
Built-in options in apps like VLC and Task Manager
Many applications come with their own always-on-top features. Task Manager’s Options menu includes an “Always on top” selection. Windows 11’s Settings also provides this option. VLC Media Player’s View menu contains an Always on Top feature that keeps videos visible while you handle other tasks.
Conclusion
PowerToys’ Always on Top feature is a game-changing tool for modern multitasking in Windows. This tool fixes the hassle of switching between windows by letting you pin important information right where you need it. You can stay focused on complex tasks without losing your train of thought.
A simple Win+Ctrl+T shortcut makes this tool available to anyone who uses Windows. On top of that, it lets you tweak visual indicators and keyboard shortcuts based on what works best for you. Users can also leave out specific apps that don’t play well with the pinning feature.
DeskPins and AutoHotkey scripts are other ways to get the same results. All the same, Microsoft’s solution works best with Windows 10 and 11 systems.
This feature is a lifesaver for people with small screens. You can overlay smaller reference windows instead of squeezing everything side by side. Users with single monitors can now do things that once needed multiple displays. Pinned windows stay visible even during full-screen work, which boosts productivity in many different situations.
PowerToys Always on Top changes how we multitask in Windows with its simple design and real-world benefits. Your workflow will improve by a lot as you move between apps more smoothly. Thanks to this powerful yet simple tool, losing track of important information while working with multiple windows is now a thing of the past.
Key Takeaways
Master Windows multitasking with PowerToys Always on Top feature that keeps important windows visible while you work across multiple applications.
• Install PowerToys from Microsoft Store and press Win + Ctrl + T to pin any window above all others instantly • Customize border colors, thickness, and shortcuts in PowerToys settings to match your workflow preferences
• Use Always on Top for reference materials, chat windows, or monitoring tools that need constant visibility • Alternative solutions include DeskPins for mouse control and AutoHotkey scripts for advanced keyboard users • Perfect for small screens and single monitors where traditional window snapping isn’t practical
This productivity feature eliminates the frustration of constantly switching between windows, allowing you to maintain focus on complex tasks while keeping critical information accessible at all times.
FAQs
Q1. How do I enable the Always on Top feature in Windows? To enable Always on Top, install Microsoft PowerToys, open the app, navigate to the Always on Top section, and toggle the “Enable Always on Top” switch. Once enabled, use the default shortcut Win + Ctrl + T to pin any window.
Q2. Can I customize the appearance of pinned windows? Yes, you can customize the appearance of pinned windows. In PowerToys settings, you can change the border color, adjust its thickness, or even disable the visual indicator completely to suit your preferences.
Q3. Is it possible to exclude certain apps from being pinned? Absolutely. PowerToys allows you to exclude specific applications from being affected by Always on Top. Simply add the application’s name to the “Excluded apps” list in the settings. This feature supports partial matching, so adding “Notepad” will exclude both Notepad.exe and Notepad++.exe.
Q4. Are there alternatives to PowerToys for keeping windows on top? Yes, there are alternatives. DeskPins offers a mouse-based approach for pinning windows, while AutoHotkey allows you to create custom scripts for keyboard control. Some applications like VLC Media Player and Task Manager also have built-in always-on-top functionality.
Q5. How does Always on Top benefit users with small screens or single monitors? Always on Top is particularly useful for small screens or single monitor setups. It allows users to overlay smaller reference windows on top of their main workspace, rather than cramming everything side-by-side. This approach provides functionality similar to having multiple displays, even on devices with limited screen real estate.
References
[1] – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/always-on-top
[2] – https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-use-the-always-on-top-powertoy-on-windows
[3] – https://www.mauriziolacava.com/en/how-to-keep-a-window-always-on-top-in-windows/
[4] – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4056370/always-on-top-pin-to-top-doesnt-work
[5] – https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys
[6] – https://handsontek.net/keep-window-always-top-windows-11/
[7] – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/
[8] – https://www.howtogeek.com/196958/ways-to-make-a-window-always-on-top-on-windows/
[9] – https://www.techrepublic.com/article/microsoft-powertoys-cheat-sheet/
