Sometimes, you need one window to stay visible while you work on others. Windows 11 offers a feature through PowerToys called “Always On Top” to make this happen. Use it to keep important windows—like chats, calculators, or videos—right in view without juggling open applications.
Getting Started with Always On Top
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download and install PowerToys from the official GitHub page if it’s not already on your device.
- Open PowerToys from Start menu once it’s installed.
- In the PowerToys app, find the “Always On Top” setting.
- Toggle the “Always On Top” switch to activate the feature.
- Open the window you want to pin and press ⊞ Win + Ctrl + T. Now, this window will stay above the rest.
Customization Options
PowerToys allows you to tweak Always On Top for your needs:
- Shortcut Customization: Set your own key combination to activate it.
- Game Mode Exclusion: Keep Always On Top disabled when gaming.
- Pinned Window Border: Add a visible border around pinned windows.
- Highlight Color: Pick a default or custom color for the border.
- Opacity and Thickness: Control how bold the border appears.
- Rounded Corners: Smooth the edges of the border for a modern look.
- Sound Feedback: Get sound alerts when you pin or unpin.
- Excluded Apps: Exclude certain apps from being pinned.
With Always On Top, you keep your focus. Important windows stay visible, even if you switch between apps constantly. This small change can make your workflow smoother and save time.