Would you like to learn how to keep a window always visible in Windows 11 using Always On Top? Doing so will prevent you from losing sight of your notes or calculator when clicking on other screens. Multitasking no longer has to be total chaos thanks to this official Microsoft tool that allows you to Easily fix any window in the foregroundNext, let's see how to activate this feature in Windows 11.
How to keep a window always visible in Windows 11 using Always On Top
To keep a window always visible in Windows 11 using Always On Top, You need to download the tool Microsoft PowerToysIn fact, this is the fastest, safest, and most official way to do it. Below, we've provided a step-by-step guide to setting it up and using it in just a few seconds.
Step 1: Install Microsoft PowerToys
If you don't already have the Microsoft PowerToys tool You can download it in two very simple ways:
- Open Microsoft Store and search for “Microsoft PowerToys” and install it.
- Per terminal: Open the terminal or CMD and type the command: winget install Microsoft.PowerToys.
Step 2: Activate and use the function
Once you have downloaded the Microsoft PowerToys tool, open it and Look in the menu on the left for Always on Top and make sure the switch is on Activated. Then Click on the window you want to keep fixed. (for example, Notepad, Calculator, or Browser) to make sure it's the active window.
So, to keep a window always visible in Windows 11, you have to use one of the keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11: Press the Windows + Ctrl + T key combination simultaneously.When you do this, you'll hear a brief confirmation sound and notice that the selected window will be surrounded by a colored border. This visual border indicates that the window is now pinned to the front.
To deactivate it: Simply reselect the pinned window and press Windows + Ctrl + T again. You'll notice the colored border disappears, and it will behave like a normal window again. What else can you do with PowerToys?
- Personalization: From the PowerToys panel you can change the border color, adjust its thickness, or even disable the activation sound if you don't like it.
- Make exclusions: If there are specific applications in Windows 11 where you don't want to keep a window always visible by mistake (such as when playing games in full screen), you can add them to the exclusions list on that same settings screen.
How do you know if it worked?
How can you tell if the process to keep a window always visible in Windows 11 worked? When you activate the Always On Top feature through Microsoft PowerToys, the selected window subtly changes to indicate that it's fixed. These are some of the visible signs:
- The highlighted colored border: The overlay or fixed window is surrounded by a bright purple or blue border that stands out against the rest of the desktop. You can also change or remove this color entirely.
- Overlap behavior: Even if you click on any other background application, the fixed window will never hide. The other windows will open and move behind it.
- Audible alert: Each time you use the Windows + Ctrl + T shortcut, the system plays a short notification sound. This will help you know if it was fixed correctly.
In what everyday situations can you take advantage of this feature?
Enabling Always On Top basically eliminates the frustration of constantly switching between windows. In Windows 11, it keeps a window always visible. It helps you retain exactly the information you need. where You need it...no matter what other window or application you have open behind it. Let's look at everyday situations where you can take advantage of this feature.
Copy data and take notes
Keeping a window always visible in Windows 11 helps you to transcribe informationFor example, if you're transferring data from a PDF, email, or webpage to a Word or Excel document, you can pin the source document to a small corner to type in the main window without the PDF hiding every time you press a key in the other window.
you can also use it when taking notes in class or meetingsYou pin your notepad or notes app to the side while you focus on an explainer video or a full-screen video conference. This will save you time and increase your productivity.
Calculations and finances
Using a calculator is one of the most common situations In Windows 11, it's advantageous to keep a window always visible. Whether you're viewing a statement in a browser or filling out a spreadsheet, pinning the Windows calculator lets you perform calculations quickly without losing sight of it when clicking on cells.
Programming and technical design
When you are following the steps in a guide or tutorialWhether you're programming or configuring something on the system, you can leave a guide visible in a small window at the top while you work in the terminal editing code or on configuration screens. You can also keep a window always visible in Windows 11 to monitor an app's performance.
Entertainment and multitasking
Do you usually watch videos while you work? If you're watching a video, movie, or tutorial while you work, You can pin the media player or application tab to a cornerYou can also use it to control music or chats in a small floating window in view to quickly reply or change the song without losing sight of what you're doing on the main work screen.
Here's how to keep a window always visible in Windows 11
In conclusion, mastering the Always On Top feature in Windows 11 It can completely transform your daily productivityDownloading Microsoft PowerToys to your PC not only saves you from switching tabs, but also makes things easier and saves you time. By memorizing the keyboard shortcut, you can control your screen with just a few clicks.
From a young age, I've been fascinated by all things scientific and technological, especially those advancements that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. I love staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, and sharing my experiences, opinions, and tips about the devices and gadgets I use. This led me to become a web writer a little over five years ago, focusing primarily on Android devices and Windows operating systems. I've learned to explain complex concepts in simple terms so my readers can easily understand them.