With PowerToys, you can set any window you want to be always on top with WIN + CTRL + T

Enhancing Productivity with PowerToys: Always on Top Feature

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, multitasking has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether you’re juggling spreadsheets, video calls, or your favorite media player, managing multiple windows on your screen can get overwhelming. This is where Microsoft’s PowerToys comes into play, offering a suite of utilities to enhance productivity for Windows users. One of its standout features is the ability to keep any window on top of others, accessed simply through a quick keyboard shortcut.

What is PowerToys?

PowerToys is a powerful, open-source utility set developed by Microsoft, designed to help users customize their Windows experience. Initially introduced in the Windows 95 era, PowerToys has made a modern comeback, offering numerous utilities tailored for a more efficient workflow. Among the many tools included in this suite, the “Always on Top” feature is particularly useful for anyone who frequently needs to reference another window while continuing to work on a primary application.

The Always on Top Feature

The “Always on Top” feature allows users to pin any window to the top of their screen effortlessly. This means that no matter how many applications you have open, the pinned window remains visible, ensuring that crucial information or tools are never lost behind the clutter. This feature is incredibly beneficial in situations like video conferencing, where you want to keep the call open while taking notes or perusing other documents and programs.

How to Use the Always on Top Feature

Utilizing this feature is straightforward and requires just a couple of steps:

1. Install PowerToys: If you haven’t already, download and install PowerToys from the official GitHub repository. The installation process is quick and easy, guiding users through the steps required to get started.
2. Launch PowerToys: Once installed, launch PowerToys by searching for it in the start menu or finding it in your system tray.
3. Activate Always on Top: After launching, find the “Always on Top” feature in the PowerToys settings. You can customize the shortcut if you prefer.
4. Pin Your Window: To pin a window, simply select the window you want to keep visible. Press the shortcut keys (WINK + CTRL + T), and your selected window will stay on top of others.
5. Toggle Off: To unpin the window, press the same key combination again, and it will return to its usual behavior.

This feature is perfect for various scenarios—whether you’re a developer who needs to monitor logs while coding, a student referencing a lecture video while making notes, or anyone who needs to keep an application accessible while working across different tasks.

Conclusion

PowerToys’ ability to keep windows always on top is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to boost their productivity. By minimizing the hassle of searching for your working window amidst a sea of open applications, PowerToys allows you to focus more on your tasks at hand. The ease of access through a simple keyboard shortcut makes this feature not only functional but also user-friendly. So, if you often find yourself wrestling with multiple windows, give PowerToys a try – your productivity might just thank you!