Have you ever found yourself switching between multiple open windows on your computer, searching for that one specific window you need to reference while working on a project? It can be frustrating constantly resizing windows and trying to juggle everything. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this predicament – making a window always on top.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different methods available to Windows 11 users, the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, and commonly asked questions to help you successfully make a window always on top.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To make a window always on top in Windows 11, no special hardware or software is required. All you need is a Windows 11 computer and the window you want to keep on top.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before diving into the different methods to make a window always on top, it’s important to understand the implications each method has on your computer. Depending on the method used, making a window always on top could impact performance, cause compatibility issues, or require extra effort every time you want to make a window always on top.
Consider the method that best fits your needs and computing requirements before proceeding.
Different Methods to Make a Window Always on Top in Windows 11
Method 1: Using Third-Party Software
One of the easiest ways to make a window always on top is to use third-party software. Below are the steps:
- Download and install Always On Top software from the official website or a reputable source.
- Launch the software and minimize the window.
- Select the window you want to make always on top by clicking on it once.
- To make the window always on top, press the Ctrl + Spacebar keys on your keyboard simultaneously. The window will now stay on top of all other open windows until you close it.
Pros:
Quick and easy to use.
Cons:
Requires installation of third-party software that could impact system performance or cause compatibility issues.
Method 2: Using Windows 11 Built-In Functionality
Windows 11 also provides a built-in feature that allows you to make a window always on top without any additional software. Below are the steps:
- Select the window you wish to make always on top.
- Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and press the Spacebar.
- From the dropdown menu that appears, click ‘Always on top’.
Pros:
No need for third-party software.
Cons:
May not work for some applications.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
This method requires a little more effort than the previous two methods, but it allows you to make any window always on top using keyboard shortcuts. Below are the steps:
- Download and install AutoHotkey software from the official website.
- Create a new plain text document and open it in Notepad.
- Copy and paste this code into the Notepad document:
^SPACE:: Winset, Alwaysontop, , A - Save the file with a .ahk file extension.
- Double click the saved file to launch the script.
- Select the window you want to make always on top.
- Press Ctrl + Spacebar on your keyboard and the window should remain on top.
Pros:
Allows you to make any window always on top.
Cons:
Requires installation of third-party software. Requires coding knowledge to create and modify scripts.
Why Can’t I Make a Window Always on Top and Its Fixes
There are several reasons why a window may not stay on top. Here are a few possibilities and their fixes:
Compatibility Issues: Some applications may not work with third-party software or the built-in Windows 11 feature. In this case, try the keyboard shortcut method.
Lack of Administrative Privileges: Without the proper administrative privileges, you may not be able to make a window always on top. Adjust your user account privileges in the Windows 11 Control Panel.
Bugs or Glitches: Sometimes, bugs and glitches occur that prevent windows from staying on top. Restart your computer and try again.
Implications and Recommendations
While it’s convenient to make a window always on top, it’s important to be cautious about overusing this feature. Having too many windows on top can clutter your desktop and negatively impact performance. Be intentional about which windows you keep on top and limit yourself to a few at a time.
5 FAQs about Making a Window Always on Top in Windows 11
Q1: How do I remove the always on top feature from a window?
A: Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then press the Spacebar. From the dropdown menu, click ‘Always on top’ to deactivate the feature.
Q2: Can I make multiple windows always on top at the same time?
A: Yes, but be cautious about cluttering your desktop and negatively impacting performance. Limit yourself to a few windows at a time.
Q3: Does the always on top feature work with all applications?
A: No, the built-in Windows 11 functionality and some third-party software may not work with all applications. Try the keyboard shortcut method if you encounter compatibility issues.
Q4: Do I need to install any special hardware or software to make a window always on top?
A: No, all you need is a Windows 11 computer and the window you want to keep on top.
Q5: Will making a window always on top impact my computer’s performance?
A: It can impact performance if you have too many windows on top. Be intentional about which windows you keep on top and limit yourself to a few at a time.
In Conclusion
Making a window always on top can save you time and reduce the frustration of constantly resizing and juggling open windows. Whether you prefer the built-in Windows 11 feature, third-party software, or keyboard shortcuts, there’s a method that works for you. Be cautious about overusing the feature, and be mindful of any performance impacts.