Always on Top is a highly popular utility function or feature used to “pin” a specific application or window so that it floats above all other open windows on your screen. Even if you click on another program, the pinned window remains visible, making it an essential tool for multitasking, monitoring reference documents, watching media, or keeping a calculator handy.
Because “Always on Top” isn’t natively built into Windows by default, users rely on specific tools to achieve this capability. The Most Popular Ways to Get It Microsoft PowerToys (Recommended for Windows):
Microsoft provides a free, official suite of power-user utilities called PowerToys. It includes a native Always on Top tool.
How to use: Simply select the window you want to keep on top and press the default keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + T. A colored border will appear around the window to indicate it is pinned. Press the same shortcut again to unpin it.
You can customize settings, such as the color of the border, sound effects, or exclude certain apps from ever being pinned. You can learn more or download it via the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub. Third-Party Standalone Tools:
If you are on an older OS or want a dedicated lightweight tool, programs like DeskPins, TurboTop, or a popular utility called Always on Top (by Ayamadori) are classic choices. These sit in your system tray and let you easily click or use a hotkey to pin windows. Native App Features:
Many applications already have an “Always on Top” setting baked directly into their menus. Examples include:
VLC Media Player: Found in the top toolbar under View > Always on Top.
Windows Task Manager: Open settings (the gear icon) and toggle the Window Management option to Always on Top.
Zoom or Microsoft Teams: Active meeting windows often have a feature to keep ongoing calls prioritized. Why Users Find It Useful
Workflow & References: Keeps a floating sticky note, script, or PDF reference open while you type in a full-screen word processor.
Troubleshooting: Allows you to pin the Task Manager over a frozen, crashing, or misbehaving application so you can close it without hunting through hidden windows.
Entertainment: Enables floating a video or tutorial in the corner of your screen while gaming or working.
If you are trying to set up “Always on Top” for a specific operating system or have an application in mind, let me know! I can help you find the right tool or shortcut for your setup.
PowerToys Always On Top Utility for Windows – Microsoft Learn
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