In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of using stay-on-top applications, how they can enhance your productivity, and provide simple steps to make your favourite application stay on top of all other windows in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Here is a quick step guide to make application stay on top on Windows 10 and Windows 11:
- Minimize All Windows: Clear your workspace to focus on the desired application.
- Right-Click and Select: Right-click the title bar and choose “Always on top” to prioritize that window.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Use Ctrl + Spacebar for a quicker option.
- Third-Party Tools: Consider third-party tools for advanced features and customization.
However, this is just an overview of the basic steps. As you continue reading the full blog, you’ll discover more effective methods, along with their detailed step-by-step instructions to make applications stay on top on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What does “Stay on Top” mean ?
First and foremost, before we get into the how-to, let’s clarify what “stay on top” means. Specifically, stay on top means that a specific window or application will remain visible on your screen, even if you open or switch to other windows.
It essentially pins that window to the top layer of your desktop, preventing it from being hidden by other windows. Moreover, this can be incredibly useful for various tasks such as:
- Monitoring System Performance: primarily, keeping the Task Manager always visible.
- Referencing Information: Additionally, having a notepad or browser window on top while you work in another app.
- Entertainment: Furthermore, watching a video while you work.
Why Windows doesn’t have a native “Stay on Top” feature ?
Interestingly, neither Windows 10 nor Windows 11 include a built-in, universal “stay on top” feature for all applications. While some apps (like Task Manager) have this functionality built in, it’s not a universal feature.
While Windows does not have a native “Stay on Top” feature built directly into its interface, there are a few possible reasons why this might be the case:
- User Interface Simplicity: Firstly, Windows prioritizes a clean, minimalist interface, and adding a “Stay on Top” feature could clutter menus and consume system resources.
- Potential for Misuse: Secondly, overusing this feature could create a cluttered desktop, making it difficult for users to focus and hindering productivity.
- Focus on Core Functionality: Additionally, Windows emphasizes essential functions like file management and security, viewing specialized features like “Stay on Top” as less critical.
- Third-Party Solutions: Finally, numerous third-party tools provide “Stay on Top” functionality, offering users flexibility and customization, which may lessen the need for a native option.
Nevertheless, you can still make an application stay on top in Windows. Here are some ways to do it for application stay on top Windows 10:
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How to make application’s stay on top on Windows 10/11 ?
In this section, we’ll explore various methods to make your applications stay on top in Windows 10 and 11, ensuring you have easy access to what matters most.
Method 1: Using Built-in Options (If Available)
Some applications have a built-in “Always on Top” feature. Here’s how to check:
- Open the Application: First, launch the application you want to keep on top.
- Look for the Option: Then, right-click on the title bar or look in the application’s menu (often under “View” or “Window”) for an option labeled “Always on Top” or similar.
- Select the Option: Finally, if available, click on it to enable the feature.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Alternatively, some applications support keyboard shortcuts to toggle the “Always on Top” feature. For example, VLC Media Player has this feature:
- Open VLC Media Player: Initially, launch the application.
- Use the Shortcut: Subsequently, press Ctrl + T to toggle the “Always on Top” feature.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
However, if your application doesn’t have a built-in option, you can use third-party software. Here are two popular options:
Option A: DeskPins
Download DeskPins:
- First, go to the DeskPins website and download the software.
Install DeskPins:
- Then, run the installer and follow the prompts to install DeskPins.
Launch DeskPins:
- Now, open DeskPins from your Start menu.
Pin the Application:
- Next, click on the DeskPins icon in the system tray. Your cursor will change to a pin icon.
- Lastly, click on the title bar of the application window you want to keep on top. A pin will appear, indicating that the window is now set to stay on top.
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Option B: Always On Top
Download Always On Top:
- First, visit the Always On Top GitHub page and download the application.
Install Always On Top:
- Next, extract the downloaded files and run the executable.
Use the Application:
- Subsequently, once running, press Ctrl + Space to toggle the “Always on Top” feature for the currently active window.
Method 4: Using PowerToys
Additionally, Microsoft PowerToys includes a feature called “Always on Top.”
Download PowerToys:
- First, go to the PowerToys GitHub page and download the latest version.
Install PowerToys:
- Next, run the installer and follow the prompts to install PowerToys.
Open PowerToys:
- After that, launch PowerToys from your Start menu.
Enable Always on Top:
- Then, in the PowerToys settings, navigate to the “Always on Top” section and enable the feature.
Use the Feature:
- Lastly, to make a window stay on top, select the window and press Win + Ctrl + T. This will toggle the “Always on Top” state for that window.
Note: To disable the “Always on Top” state for an application, simply repeat the same method used to enable it.
By following these methods, you can easily keep your desired applications always visible on your Windows 10/11 desktop.
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Conclusion
Making applications stay on top in Windows 10 and 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. While Windows may not offer this feature natively, you now have several reliable methods to make application stay on top on Windows 10/11.
Moreover, whether you choose to use built-in options where available, keyboard shortcuts, third-party tools like DeskPins and Always On Top, or Microsoft’s own PowerToys, you can easily customize your workspace to boost productivity.
Furthermore, remember, the key is to use this feature strategically to avoid cluttering your desktop.
Whether you’re monitoring system performance, referencing important information, or multitasking with entertainment, having windows stay on top can significantly enhance your workflow.
Finally, try these methods today and discover which one works best for your needs.
Source: [ howtogeek, smartwindows, superuser, microsoft, reddit ]
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
To keep an application always on top in Windows 10, use third-party tools like DeskPins or PowerToys. Download and install the tool, then follow the instructions to pin your window, ensuring it remains visible above others for better multitasking.
To pin an app on your desktop, right-click on the app’s icon in the taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar”. Alternatively, you can drag the app’s icon from the Start menu to the taskbar. This will keep the app icon visible on your desktop.
The “Always on Top” pin is a feature that allows you to keep a window or application on top of other windows. To use it, right-click on the title bar of the window and select “Always on Top”. This will keep the window visible and on top of other windows.
