Keeping a specific window always on top in Windows 11 isn’t officially supported, which kinda sucks because sometimes you just need a calculator, chat, or reference open while doing other stuff. Thankfully, there are third-party tools that make this super easy, and honestly, once you get the hang of it, it’s a lifesaver especially when multitasking gets hectic. These apps are lightweight, tend to be pretty stable, and are designed just for this purpose—pinning windows so they stay visible no matter what else you’re clicking around. So, here’s a pretty practical breakdown on how to do it without messing around too much.
How to Pin a Window on Top in Windows 11
Method 1: Use a free third-party tool like DeskPins or Always on Top
First off, this approach helps because Windows just doesn’t have a native way to do this—yet. Using a tool like DeskPins or Always on Top is usually the fastest fix. They add a tiny overlay or hotkey to pin windows easily. On some setups, it might feel a bit finicky—like clicking the pin icon doesn’t immediately work or needs a second try, but generally, they do the job. Expect your window to stay put even if you click over to another app, which is honestly what you want.
- Head to the official site or trusted source — for DeskPins, it’s here.
- Download it — it’s just a small executable (.exe), so no messing with tons of bloat.
- Run the installer or just use the portable version if available (it’s kinda nice not to install crap).
- Open the app, then find your window—like your browser or a media app—and click the pin icon or use the hotkey it assigns.
On one machine, I found that just clicking the pin icon (or pressing Alt + P if that’s the shortcut) made it stay on top. On another, the hotkey wouldn’t register right away until I ran it as administrator, so try that if it’s acting flaky. The goal here? You click once, and that window pops above everything else—even if you click elsewhere. Kinda magical, but not always perfect—more like a useful hack.
Method 2: Use built-in Windows settings plus a simple script (if you’re into scripting)
If you’re into a more sophisticated setup, some folks have cobbled together PowerShell scripts or AutoHotkey scripts to toggle “always on top.” That’s a bit more involved, but it removes the need for third-party apps. You’d need to find or write a script that uses Windows API calls to set window styles. Not gonna lie, it’s more setup, but it can be automated if you like scripts and aren’t afraid to tinker.
For example, with AutoHotkey, a simple script might look like this:
^SPACE:: ; Ctrl + Space hotkey WinSet, AlwaysOnTop, Toggle, A return Save that as a.ahk file, run it, and whenever you press Ctrl + Space, the currently focused window toggles “always on top.” That’s kind of cool if you want quick toggling without extra apps.
Method 3: Use Windows features for multitasking (less about pinning, more about managing)
Recently, Windows 11 pushed some new features like Snap Layouts and Groupings, which help you organize windows but don’t keep a window on top per se. Still, combining these with the desktop overlay tools can do the trick. Not exactly the same, but sometimes just arranging windows strategically works if pinning seems overkill.
Also, if you’re trying to keep a chat window or music app visible while working, the built-in “Keep on top when minimized” isn’t in Windows 11—so those third-party tools are still king here.
Another note: sometimes, on certain apps like Microsoft Edge or Chrome, the “Always on Top” feature via extensions or web APIs may be blocked by security restrictions. So, for full control, dedicated tools are still better.
Tips for Pinning a Window on Top in Windows 11
- Pick your poison: maybe try DeskPins first — it’s simple and lightweight — and see how it goes. Some tools might look basic but get the job done faster than chasing Windows’ native features that don’t exist yet.
- Hotkeys are your friends: try setting or using default hotkeys if the app has them. It’s faster than clicking around, especially if you need to switch the pinned window quickly.
- Keep the tools updated: newer Windows updates might cause older pinning tools to break, so check for updates or switch to newer versions if things stop working.
- Knowing how to unpin: just click the pin icon again or use the same hotkey to toggle off—simple but essential to prevent your screen cluttered with sticky windows.
- Explore extra features: some tools offer transparency controls or multiple window pinning. Exploring these can boost your workflow even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use third-party tools to pin windows?
Generally, yes, if you stick to reputable sources like DeskPins or similar. But always watch out for sketchy downloads—some less reputable sites package adware or worse.
Can multiple windows be pinned at once?
Most tools support pinning several at the same time, so feel free to pin a couple of important apps — like your chat and calculator — and keep ’em floating.
Will it slow down my system?
Not really. These are lightweight tools, and pinning windows isn’t a resource hog—especially compared to running multiple heavy apps. But, of course, if your PC is already struggling, adding extra overlays might cause minimal lag.
Does Windows 11 have a native way to pin windows on top?
Not yet. That’s why these third-party solutions are the best option until Microsoft adds a native feature. Fingers crossed for an update someday.
Can I pin windows from all applications?
Most, but some—like certain fullscreen games or protected apps—may ignore pinning commands, or their windows might not respond well. It’s a hit-or-miss, so testing your key apps is worthwhile.
Summary
- Download a reliable “always on top” tool (like DeskPins or Always on Top).
- Install or run it, depending on the app.
- Open the window you want to keep visible.
- Use the app’s pin feature or hotkey to lock it in place.
- Test by clicking around — it should stay visible on top.
Wrap-up
Pinning windows in Windows 11 isn’t exactly built-in yet, but with a little workaround, it’s totally doable. Using third-party tools feels kinda hacky but works surprisingly well. Just pick a tool, set your hotkeys, and voilà—your essential window stays front and center. Hopefully, this saves a few headaches or hours for someone trying to juggle multiple apps. It’s one of those small tweaks that can really boost productivity when set up right, so give it a shot and see how it works out.