How To Keep a Window Always on Top in Windows 10

How to Pin a Window on Top in Windows 10

Ever had that frustrating moment where you’re working on something important, like a spreadsheet or a chat window, and then it gets buried behind other apps? Yeah, Windows 10 doesn’t natively let you pin windows on top of everything else, which is kind of a pain when you need quick access. Luckily, there are some third-party tools that can do this heavy lifting for you. Not saying it’s the most elegant solution, but it does work—most of the time. The goal here is to keep a specific window always visible, so multitasking doesn’t turn into a game of whack-a-mole with your screen.

How to Pin a Window on Top in Windows 10

This part is about doing it without too much fuss. Most of these apps are tiny, free, and pretty reliable, although sometimes, no matter how reputable, they need a bit of tinkering or a restart. Just keep in mind, if it’s weird the first time, trying again might fix things. Let’s get that window to stay put.

Method 1: Using a Free Tool Like DeskPins or Always On Top

These lightweight apps are designed explicitly for this purpose. They’re trustworthy enough if you download from official sources or well-known sites like Softpedia or SourceForge. Here’s what you do:

• Go to DeskPins or Always On Top. Download the latest version.
• Run the installer, which is usually just clicking through Next, Next, Finish. Might need admin rights on some setups.
• Once installed, the app’s icon will show up in the system tray. Usually, it’s a small pin icon.
• Activate the pinning feature—this might be clicking on the tray icon and selecting “Enable” or something similar.

Now, open the window you want to keep in front. Make sure it’s the active window (click on it).Then, either left-click the app’s tray icon and click on it or, in some cases, you’ll get a cursor changed to a pin icon—you just click on the window you want to pin.

And bingo—your window stays above everything else. It’s kind of funny how Windows doesn’t do this natively, but hey, third-party apps to the rescue. Sometimes, you’ll notice that on some setups, it takes a few tries or a restart of the app to get things working smoothly, but overall, it’s simple enough.

Method 2: Using PowerShell Scripts (For the Tech-Savvy)

If installing extra apps seems like overkill or you’re feeling extra DIY, some scripting might help. There are scripts out there on GitHub or forums that use PowerShell or AutoHotKey to set a window to “Always on top.” Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Usually, these scripts identify a window by its title or class and toggle the “topmost” attribute.

For example, with AutoHotKey, you could write a simple script like:

Winset, AlwaysOnTop, On, Your Window Title

This requires a bit of setup, but it can be handy if you want quick hotkeys. Just remember, scripts need to be run with proper permissions, and if the window title isn’t unique, it might pin the wrong window.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Explore different tools: Not all apps are perfect. Some might have bugs or conflicts—try a few to see what sticks.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Many apps support hotkeys to toggle pinning, which saves time.
• Keep the app updated: Developers roll out fixes, especially if Windows updates break compatibility.
• Check settings: Some apps let you customize transparency, pinning behavior, or exclude certain windows.
• Performance note: These apps are usually lightweight, but on older PCs, keep an eye on whether they introduce lag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 10 have a built-in pinning feature?

Nope. Windows 10 doesn’t natively support pinning windows on top, so third-party tools are the way to go—unless you’re into hacking your way through with scripts.

Is it safe to use third-party tools?

Generally, yes, as long as you download from reputable sources or the official repositories. Always scan downloads with your antivirus. Just be cautious, because some free tools can come with bloatware or unwanted ads—stick to trusted names.

Can I unpin a window?

Absolutely. Usually, the same app you used to pin the window will allow you to unpin it. It’s often a toggle or a right-click option.

Will pinning slow down my machine?

Probably not. These apps are lightweight, but if you’re running a really old system, it might add a tiny bit of overhead. It’s worth testing if performance drops noticeably.

Summary

• Download a trusty pin-on-top tool like DeskPins.
• Install and run it, then activate pinning mode.
• Click on the window to pin it and enjoy your extra layer of multitasking.

Wrap-up

Pinning windows to stay on top isn’t baked into Windows 10, which is kinda annoying. But with a couple of quick downloads, it’s doable without much hassle. Just be ready for some trial and error—it’s not always perfect out of the box. Still, once set up, it’s a real lifesaver for keeping important info in sight or following tutorials while doing other stuff.