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Best Free Setting On-Top Windows

Last Update: Sat, 07/18/2009 - 04:39 — Jojoyee

 
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Introduction

When a maximized window is focused, the system will minimize other windows automatically. However, there are times we want a small window to be placed on top of other windows for cross reference even though when we click (focus) on a maximized window.

Such applications as Calculator, Notepad, or DOS Command, etc., usually take up only a small part of the desktop area. It is definitely more convenient for cross reference if they are always placed on-top, instead of being minimized to the taskbar and we need to maximize them again the moment we need to refer to.

These are free programs which enhance the features of the system and help keep the applications on top of other windows.
Discussion

DeskPinsDeskPins is my favorite. It is a small application to keep windows on top of others by setting pins on the windows. The user interface is intuitive, just click the DeskPins icon at the system tray, and drop the pin at any window you like to set on top of other windows. To remove the pin, click it again.

DeskPins features intelligent handling of various application types. It works on normal windows, skinned windows (such as Windows Media Player in skin mode), or a DOS command window.

It also provides an option to enable autopins, change pin colors and other settings. If you just need the setting on-top feature, DeskPins is definitely the best choice among all candidates.

AutoSizerAutoSizer is a good alternative if you need a program to auto detect and set pre-defined windows on top of others.

This program allows you to easily define which are the windows you need to consistently set them on top of other windows. It works well on DOS command window and skinned windows.

As the name of the program implies, it also allows you to set the size and position of the windows you need to open, or to maximize or minimize the programs when they are run.

FileBox eXtenderFileBox eXtender adds a setting on-top button directly to the window. This makes the task more intuitive and simpler, click and unclick on the added pin serves the purpose. You do not need to drop the pin like Deskpins.

It comes with a drawback though. FileBox eXtender's pin cannot attach to some skinned or DOS command windows.
 
In addition to setting on-top, it has other features such as roll-up windows, easy access to favourite and recent folders/documents with a click on Windows Explorer or a file open/save dialogue box. These features can be disabled if you do not need them.
 
PowerMenuIf you are looking for more features for controlling windows, PowerMenu is a good choice. After installing this program, a right click on an open window will show up a menu item Always On Top for placing the window on top. Other features available in the menu include setting transparency of windows and minimizing windows to tray.
 
A drawback of the program is that it does not support some skinned windows, neither a DOS command window.
 
xNeat Windows ManagerAnother alternative is to use xNeat Windows Manager Lite (free lite version). With this program, a right click on the top of an open window allows you to choose Make On Top, together with other available functions such as Hide Window, Send To Tray and Transparency. Moreover, a right click on the taskbar will show up which are the selected On Top Windows, as well as Hidden Windows, Trayed Windows, Hidden Tray Icons, and setting taskbar appearance.
 
However, the program in the version under this review is found to have an issue when running on Vista. Upon shutting down Vista, you will encounter that TaskEng (Task Scheduler Engine Process) is still running and you need to select Shut down now or Cancel. Strangely either option you choose, Vista will proceed to shut down.
 
Others
These are a number of other free applications for setting on-top windows. Some were brought up in comments here or noted from other sources. As they are not rated in this review, I am listing them here with brief descriptions and links to their sites for ease of reference.
 
  • Topmost Toggle, using a hot-key (control right-click) on the active window to toggle Topmost or "Stay On Top" attribute. It works for normal, skinned and DOS command windows, but no indication of which windows are already set on-top.
    •  
  • Stay On Top developed by J. Eric Vaughan is a small program which allows you to set on-top windows, including skinned and DOS command windows, but it is less intuitive than DeskPins in user interface.
    •  
  • Direct Folders, with its main feature for direct access to favorite and recent folders, also supports setting on-top windows by right-clicking on the Windows' standard close button. Some skinned or DOS command windows are not supported.
    •  
  • Dexpot which is a virtual desktop manager also supports setting on-top windows, in addition to its main feature of creating several virtual desktops and other secondary features such as minimizing to system tray, setting transparency, and rolling-up windows. It does not allow setting a DOS command window or other skinned windows on top of other windows.
    •  
  • RegToy's Window Manager is a powerful tool to control windows. Besides setting on-top, it offers many other features such as apply opacity, minimise to tray, roll-up, hide windows, take snapshots and comes with a package with many other utilities which you might not need them all. For setting on-top windows, RegToy's Window Manager does not support DOS windows and skinned windows.
Have Your Say
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Please help us by rating this review

Quick Selection Guide

DeskPins    Rating 10 of 10  Gizmo's Top Pick
Pros   Intuitive interface, easy to use with pin design, intelligent handling of various application types, works on skinned and DOS windows.
Cons   None.
Developer Home Page   http://users.forthnet.gr/pat/efotinis/programs/deskpins.html
Download link   http://users.forthnet.gr/pat/efotinis/programs/deskpins.html
File Size   96 KB   Version 1.30   License Type Unrestricted Freeware   Installation Requirements Win 95 to Vista

AutoSizer    Rating 9 of 10
Pros   Auto detect and set on-top pre-defined windows, works on DOS and skinned windows, other useful features include resize, position, maximize or minimize.
Cons   Removing on-top setting does not immediately apply to the open windows.
Developer Home Page   http://www.southbaypc.com/autosizer/
Download link   http://www.southbaypc.com/autosizer/
File Size   280 KB   Version 1.71   License Type Unrestricted Freeware   Installation Requirements Windows 98 to Vista

FileBox eXtender    Rating 8 of 10
Pros   Click and unclick directly on the pin to the windows, easy to use among other features such as roll-up, access to favorite and recent folders/documents.
Cons   Setting some skinned and DOS windows on top is not supported.
Developer Home Page   http://www.hyperionics.com/files/index.asp
Download link   http://www.hyperionics.com/files/downloads.asp
File Size   1.6 MB   Version 2.00.02   License Type Unrestricted Freeware   Installation Requirements Win 95 to Vista
64 Bit version available   64 Bit version available

PowerMenu    Rating 7 of 10
Pros   Other than setting on top, it has other features such as setting transparency and minimizing windows.
Cons   Setting some skinned and DOS windows on top is not supported.
Developer Home Page   http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/
Download link   http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/
File Size   110 KB   Version 1.5.1   License Type Unrestricted Freeware   Installation Requirements Win 95 to Vista

xNeat Windows Manager Lite    Rating 6 of 10
Pros   Other than setting on top, it has other features such as hide windows, send to tray and set transparency windows.
Cons   Conflict with TaskEng when running on Vista.
Developer Home Page   http://www.xneat.com/
Download link   http://www.xneat.com/windows-manager/download.htm
File Size   372 KB   Version 2.5.0.85   License Type Unrestricted Freeware   Installation Requirements Win XP to Vista
Editor

This article is maintained by volunteer editor Jojoyee. Registered site users are allowed to edit and improve this article wiki-style.
Tags

set on-top window, set window on-top, always on-top, stay on-top, pin windows, ontop window, freeware, free set on-top window, window manager

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#1Submitted by obamausa8 on Sat, 06/27/2009 - 00:38.

This is an interesting discussion.. thank you for sharing.

#2Submitted by andro on Sat, 02/14/2009 - 17:41.

I use Tray it!. To place a window over others by means of this program it is necessary to note preliminary in options point 'Enable Window Attributes menu'.

#3Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 12/27/2008 - 15:15.

I have used Desk Pins for years but I can no longer get it to work on Vista. I have made two changes to Vista - the SP1 update and also adding Chrome browser and this is on three different laptops. Desk Pins was definitely the best program.

#4Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 12/28/2008 - 05:32.

I am running it on Vista SP1 but has no problem. I am using Chrome too on a notebook and a desktop. Another way is to set running the program in compatibility mode.

#5Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 12/24/2008 - 05:54.

Best is WindowSpace, they are fast modern and expertly programmed. Fully Supports Vista x64 edition and rock-solid.

http://ntwind.com/

#6Submitted by Jojoyee on Thu, 12/25/2008 - 10:12.

It is a commercial software and excluded from review.

#7Submitted by peter on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 08:07.

See also:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-windows-explorer-addons.htm

#8Submitted by Jojoyee on Sun, 12/21/2008 - 04:52.

Thanks Peter, FileBox eXtender is a good candidate. Added in the review.

#9Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 12/18/2008 - 19:08.

RegToy also provides an awesome Window Manager, but you will have to install many other features you might never use.
http://k-n.co.cc/index.html

#10Submitted by Jojoyee on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 07:07.

Thanks for the comments and updated in the review.

#11Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 11/30/2008 - 09:34.

Like Dexpot (11/29/2008), DirectFolders sets a window on top with a right click. "Right click on Close [X] button of any application to make it stay on top of other windows."

#12Submitted by Jojoyee on Sun, 11/30/2008 - 16:40.

Thanks for the info and appended in the review.

#13Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 11/29/2008 - 23:27.

Just wanted to add a note that if you use Dexpot (the excellent desktop switcher), you can right-click on any window and set it "always on top", without the need for an extra specific App.

#14Submitted by Jojoyee on Sun, 11/30/2008 - 06:25.

Many thanks for the note. Updated in the review.

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