To keep a window above other applications, use an always-on-top feature such as PowerToys Always On Top. Pinning an app to the taskbar only keeps its shortcut handy, while Snap arranges windows beside each other.
Choose the right option
| Goal | Useful feature |
|---|---|
| Keep a note, calculator or other window in front | PowerToys Always On Top. |
| Arrange several windows side by side | Windows Snap and, on supported Windows 11 setups, Snap layouts. |
| Open a favorite app quickly | Pin to taskbar. |
| Watch a small floating video | The app or browser’s picture-in-picture control, where supported. |
Pin the active window with PowerToys
- Install PowerToys from Microsoft’s official source and open its settings.
- Enable Always On Top.
- Select the window you want to keep visible.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T, the default shortcut.
- Use the shortcut again on that window to unpin it.
Microsoft‘s Always On Top guide describes the shortcut, customizable border and exclusions. If you changed the shortcut, use the one shown in your settings.
If pinning does not work
- Confirm PowerToys is running and the feature is enabled.
- Check excluded apps and the Game Mode option.
- Check whether the app runs as administrator; follow Microsoft’s PowerToys guidance for that situation.
- Remember that pinning cannot make a minimized window visible or guarantee behavior over every fullscreen application.
Does Always On Top lock a window’s position or size?
No. Keeping a window in front is a different goal from fixing its coordinates or preventing resizing. Use Snap to arrange windows side by side, and check the app’s own settings if you need it to remember a size or position. Neither taskbar pinning nor the Always On Top shortcut should be treated as a permanent position lock.
Arrange windows with Snap
Drag a window to an edge, or use Windows + an arrow key to try a layout. On Windows 11, hover over the maximize button or use Windows + Z for supported Snap layouts. The layouts available depend on your screen and settings. Snap arranges windows on the screen; it doesn’t keep a window in front of all others.
Pin a taskbar shortcut
Right-click an app’s taskbar icon and choose Pin to taskbar when offered. Use Unpin from taskbar to remove the shortcut. This does not close the app or change the order of open windows.
Prefer a feature that matches your goal before installing several older window utilities. For video, try the browser’s own picture-in-picture control first.
Reviewed October 12, 2026, using the sources linked above.