How to Keep Any Application Always On Top in Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever been working on a project that required you to constantly switch between multiple applications? Maybe you’re coding and need to keep an eye on a documentation window, or perhaps you’re transcribing audio and want the media player always visible. Constantly Alt-Tab-ing or manually resizing windows can be a real productivity killer. Thankfully, there’s a solution: keeping an application window always on top. This guide will walk you through several methods to achieve this, catering to different levels of technical expertise, ensuring you can find the perfect solution for your needs.

Why Keep a Window Always on Top?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s briefly touch on the “why.” Keeping a window on top offers numerous benefits:

* **Increased Productivity:** Reduce the time spent switching between windows, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
* **Improved Multitasking:** Easily monitor information from a crucial application while working in another.
* **Enhanced Workflow:** Streamline processes that require constant reference to specific data or applications.
* **Accessibility:** For users with disabilities, keeping important applications visible can significantly improve their computer experience.

Method 1: Using Third-Party Software (Recommended for Ease of Use)

The easiest and most versatile method for keeping windows always on top is using dedicated software. Several excellent options are available, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of customizable features. Here are two popular choices:

1. DeskPins

DeskPins is a lightweight and free application specifically designed for keeping windows always on top. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a top recommendation for beginners.

**Steps to Use DeskPins:**

1. **Download and Install:** Download DeskPins from a reputable source (search “DeskPins download” on Google). Be cautious of download sites that bundle unwanted software. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. **Run DeskPins:** After installation, launch DeskPins. You’ll notice a new icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock).
3. **Pin a Window:** Click the DeskPins icon in the system tray. Your cursor will change to a pushpin icon.
4. **Click the Title Bar:** Click on the title bar of the window you want to keep on top. The title bar will now have a red pushpin icon, indicating that it’s pinned.
5. **Unpin a Window:** To unpin the window, simply click the red pushpin icon on its title bar again. The pushpin will disappear, and the window will behave normally.
6. **Customization (Optional):** Right-click the DeskPins icon in the system tray to access its settings. Here, you can change the color of the pushpin, customize hotkeys for pinning and unpinning windows, and configure other options to tailor DeskPins to your preferences.

**Pros of DeskPins:**

* Extremely easy to use.
* Lightweight and doesn’t consume many system resources.
* Free.
* Customizable.

**Cons of DeskPins:**

* Limited features beyond pinning windows.
* May not be actively maintained (but it’s still very functional).

2. Actual Window Manager

Actual Window Manager is a more comprehensive window management tool that offers a wide array of features, including the ability to keep windows always on top. It’s a paid software, but it provides a free trial period.

**Steps to Use Actual Window Manager for Always On Top:**

1. **Download and Install:** Download Actual Window Manager from its official website. During installation, you’ll be prompted to choose a license (trial or paid). Select the trial option to test the software.
2. **Run Actual Window Manager:** Launch Actual Window Manager. It will integrate into your system and add a small icon to the title bar of each window.
3. **Pin a Window:** Click the new icon (which usually looks like a small window with an arrow) on the title bar of the window you want to keep on top. A menu will appear.
4. **Select “Always On Top”:** In the menu, select the “Always On Top” option. The window will now remain on top of other windows.
5. **Unpin a Window:** To unpin the window, repeat steps 3 and 4, unchecking the “Always On Top” option.
6. **Customization (Extensive):** Actual Window Manager offers a vast range of customization options. You can configure specific applications to always be on top, create rules based on window titles, and much more. Explore the settings to discover all its capabilities.

**Pros of Actual Window Manager:**

* Comprehensive window management features.
* Highly customizable.
* Supports application-specific settings.

**Cons of Actual Window Manager:**

* Paid software (after the trial period).
* Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity.

Method 2: Using AutoHotkey (For Advanced Users and Customization)

AutoHotkey is a powerful scripting language for Windows that allows you to automate almost any task, including keeping windows always on top. This method requires some basic programming knowledge, but it offers unparalleled flexibility.

**Steps to Use AutoHotkey:**

1. **Download and Install:** Download AutoHotkey from its official website (autohotkey.com). Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. **Create a New Script:** Right-click on your desktop or in a folder and select “New” -> “AutoHotkey Script.” Give the script a descriptive name (e.g., “AlwaysOnTop.ahk”).
3. **Edit the Script:** Right-click on the script file and select “Edit.” This will open the script in a text editor (like Notepad).
4. **Add the Following Code:** Paste the following code into the script:

autohotkey
^+t:: ; Ctrl+Shift+T hotkey
WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, , A
return

^+y:: ; Ctrl+Shift+Y hotkey to remove the AlwaysOnTop flag
WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, OFF, A
return

5. **Save the Script:** Save the script file.
6. **Run the Script:** Double-click the script file to run it. An AutoHotkey icon will appear in your system tray.
7. **Use the Hotkey:** To keep a window always on top, press `Ctrl + Shift + T` while the window is active. To remove the “Always On Top” status, press `Ctrl + Shift + Y`.

**Explanation of the Code:**

* `^+t::` defines a hotkey combination (Ctrl + Shift + T). The `^` symbol represents the Ctrl key, the `+` symbol represents the Shift key, and `t` is the letter T.
* `WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, , A` sets the “Always On Top” flag for the active window (`A`).
* `return` ends the hotkey subroutine.
* `^+y::` defines a hotkey combination (Ctrl + Shift + Y).
* `WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, OFF, A` removes the “Always On Top” flag for the active window (`A`).

**Customization (Endless Possibilities):**

AutoHotkey allows for extensive customization. You can:

* Change the hotkey combination.
* Make the script application-specific (so it only works for certain windows).
* Add more complex logic to handle different situations.

**Pros of AutoHotkey:**

* Highly customizable.
* Free.
* Can be used for a wide range of automation tasks beyond just keeping windows on top.

**Cons of AutoHotkey:**

* Requires some programming knowledge.
* Can be more complex to set up than using dedicated software.

Method 3: Using the Windows Command Prompt (Less Recommended, Limited Functionality)

While not a direct solution, the Windows Command Prompt can be used indirectly with the help of tools like `nircmd` to achieve the always on top functionality. This method requires downloading an external utility and running commands. It’s less user-friendly than other methods.

**Steps to Use the Command Prompt with NirCmd:**

1. **Download NirCmd:** Download NirCmd from a reputable source (search “NirCmd download” on Google). NirCmd is a command-line utility that allows you to perform various tasks in Windows.
2. **Extract NirCmd:** Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a folder of your choice (e.g., `C:\NirCmd`).
3. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:** Press the Windows key, type `cmd`, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
4. **Navigate to the NirCmd Folder:** In the Command Prompt, use the `cd` command to navigate to the folder where you extracted NirCmd. For example, if you extracted it to `C:\NirCmd`, type `cd C:\NirCmd` and press Enter.
5. **Use NirCmd to Keep a Window On Top:** To keep a window on top, you’ll need to know the window’s title. You can use NirCmd to find the window title. However, for this example, let’s assume the window title is “My Application.” Type the following command and press Enter:

nircmd.exe win topmost title “My Application” 1

Replace `”My Application”` with the actual title of the window.

6. **Remove the Always On Top Status:** To remove the “Always On Top” status, use the following command:

nircmd.exe win topmost title “My Application” 0

Again, replace `”My Application”` with the actual title of the window.

**Explanation of the Code:**

* `nircmd.exe` is the executable file of NirCmd.
* `win topmost` specifies that you want to modify the topmost status of a window.
* `title “My Application”` specifies the window by its title. Make sure to use the correct title.
* `1` sets the “Always On Top” status to true (on).
* `0` sets the “Always On Top” status to false (off).

**Pros of Using Command Prompt with NirCmd:**

* Can be automated using batch scripts.
* NirCmd offers a wide range of other system administration capabilities.

**Cons of Using Command Prompt with NirCmd:**

* Requires downloading and using an external utility.
* Less user-friendly than other methods.
* Relies on accurate window titles, which can change.
* Finding the correct window title can be cumbersome.

Method 4: Using PowerShell (Advanced, Requires Scripting)

Similar to the Command Prompt method, PowerShell can also be used with external tools or by directly manipulating Windows API calls (using Add-Type) to set the Always On Top property. This is an advanced method suitable for users comfortable with PowerShell scripting.

**This method is significantly more complex and requires a strong understanding of PowerShell and the Windows API. Due to its complexity and the potential for errors if not implemented correctly, detailed instructions are not provided here. However, the general approach involves:**

1. **Loading the Necessary Windows API Functions:** Use `Add-Type` to load the necessary functions from `user32.dll` that allow you to get and set window properties.
2. **Finding the Window Handle:** Use `Get-Process` to find the process associated with the window you want to modify, then use the API calls to get the window handle (HWND).
3. **Setting the Always On Top Flag:** Use the appropriate API calls to set the `WS_EX_TOPMOST` extended window style for the window handle.
4. **Creating a Function or Script:** Encapsulate the code into a PowerShell function or script for easy reuse.

**Important Considerations for PowerShell:**

* **Security:** Running PowerShell scripts requires caution, especially when dealing with system-level functions. Ensure the script is from a trusted source and understand its functionality before running it.
* **Error Handling:** Implement robust error handling to prevent unexpected issues.
* **Window Title Changes:** Be aware that window titles can change, which can break the script. Consider using other methods of identifying the window, such as its process ID.

**Why This Method is Not Detailed:**

The PowerShell method is highly technical and prone to errors for novice users. Providing a simplified example without sufficient context could lead to frustration and potential system instability. If you are comfortable with PowerShell and the Windows API, you can research and implement this method yourself. However, for most users, the other methods described above are recommended.

Choosing the Right Method

* **Beginners:** DeskPins is the easiest and most straightforward option.
* **Users Seeking More Features:** Actual Window Manager offers a wider range of window management capabilities.
* **Advanced Users and Developers:** AutoHotkey provides the most flexibility and customization.
* **Users Comfortable with Command Line:** The Command Prompt (with NirCmd) method can be useful for automation.
* **PowerShell Experts:** PowerShell offers the most control, but it requires significant technical expertise.

Conclusion

Keeping an application window always on top can significantly improve your productivity and workflow in Windows. By choosing the method that best suits your technical skills and needs, you can easily streamline your tasks and focus on what matters most. Whether you opt for a simple third-party application like DeskPins, a comprehensive window manager like Actual Window Manager, or the power of AutoHotkey, you now have the knowledge to make any window stay visible, no matter what. Remember to always download software from reputable sources and understand the potential risks before running scripts or modifying system settings. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the perfect solution to keep your essential applications always within reach.