Want to keep a calculator, video, chat, notes, or another app visible while you work in a different window? Learning how to pin a window on top in Windows 11 can make multitasking much easier.
Windows 11 includes several ways to keep a window above other applications. The most convenient built-in option for many users is Microsoft PowerToys, which includes a feature called Always on Top. Some applications also provide their own always-on-top setting, while other Windows features can help you organize windows without actually pinning them.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to pin a window on top in Windows 11, how to use PowerToys, how to change its shortcut, how to unpin a window, and what to do when Always on Top isn’t working.
What Does “Always on Top” Mean in Windows 11?
An always-on-top window stays above other normal windows, even when you click another application.
For example, imagine you’re writing a document while following instructions from a small browser window. Without an always-on-top feature, clicking your document can cause the browser to disappear behind it.
With Always on Top enabled, the selected window remains visible.
You can use this feature for:
- Calculator
- Notepad
- Reference documents
- Video players
- Chat windows
- Music controls
- Translation tools
- Task lists
- Tutorials
- Monitoring applications
Think of it like placing a sticky note on top of your desk. You can continue working underneath it, but the note stays visible.
Does Windows 11 Have a Built-In Always-on-Top Feature?
Windows 11 does not provide a universal Always on Top button for every application in the standard window controls.
However, Microsoft PowerToys provides an Always on Top utility designed specifically for this purpose.
Some individual applications also have their own built-in always-on-top controls.
So, if you want a consistent method across compatible Windows applications, PowerToys is a practical solution.
How to Pin a Window on Top in Windows 11 With PowerToys
PowerToys is a collection of Windows utilities from Microsoft.
Its Always on Top feature lets you keep a selected window above other windows.
Here’s how to set it up.
Step 1: Install Microsoft PowerToys
First, install PowerToys from an official Microsoft source.
After installation, open PowerToys.
If PowerToys is already installed on your computer, simply launch it from the Start menu.
Step 2: Open PowerToys Settings
In PowerToys, look through the available utilities.
Find:
Always on Top
Select it to open its settings.
Step 3: Enable Always on Top
Make sure the Always on Top feature is enabled.
PowerToys will display the keyboard shortcut associated with the feature.
The default shortcut is generally:
Windows + Ctrl + T
If the shortcut has been changed on your computer, use the shortcut shown in your PowerToys settings.
Step 4: Select the Window
Open the application you want to keep visible.
For example, open Calculator.
Make sure the Calculator window is active.
Step 5: Press the Always-on-Top Shortcut
Press:
Windows + Ctrl + T
PowerToys should pin the active window above other windows.
You may notice a visual indication around the window depending on your PowerToys settings.
Step 6: Test It
Open another application and click around it.
If Always on Top is working, the pinned window should remain above the other normal windows.
That’s it.
You’ve turned an ordinary window into a floating reference window.
How Do I Unpin a Window in Windows 11?
Unpinning is just as easy.
Select the window that is currently pinned.
Press the same Always on Top keyboard shortcut:
Windows + Ctrl + T
The window should return to normal behavior.
So the shortcut works as a toggle:
Windows + Ctrl + T → Pin
Windows + Ctrl + T → Unpin
This makes the feature particularly convenient because you don’t need to open PowerToys every time.
How Do I Change the Always-on-Top Shortcut?
Maybe Windows + Ctrl + T conflicts with another shortcut you use.
PowerToys lets you customize the shortcut.
Step 1: Open PowerToys
Search for PowerToys from the Start menu.
Step 2: Open Always on Top
Select Always on Top from the PowerToys sidebar.
Step 3: Find the Activation Shortcut
Look for the option that controls the activation shortcut.
Step 4: Choose a New Shortcut
Select the shortcut field and enter a combination that’s comfortable for you.
Try to choose a shortcut that doesn’t conflict with Windows or another application.
Step 5: Save the Setting
PowerToys should apply the new shortcut.
Test it with a window to make sure it works as expected.
Can I Pin Any Window on Top?
Not necessarily.
PowerToys Always on Top is designed to work with most standard Windows application windows, but some applications may behave differently.
Certain applications can:
- Block always-on-top behavior
- Use unusual window frameworks
- Manage their own window layering
- Run in special modes
- Use full-screen rendering
If the feature doesn’t work with one particular application, test it with another window.
If Calculator or Notepad stays on top but a specific program doesn’t, the application itself may be handling its windows differently.
How to Pin a Video Window on Top
An always-on-top video window can be useful when you’re following a tutorial while working.
For example:
- Open your video player.
- Start the video.
- Make the video window active.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T.
- Open your other application.
- Resize the video window if necessary.
The video can remain visible while you work.
Some video players also have their own Always on Top setting, so check the player’s menus before installing additional software.
How to Keep Calculator Always on Top
Calculator is another excellent use case.
Imagine you’re comparing prices, calculating percentages, or working through a spreadsheet.
Open Calculator and then:
- Click the Calculator window.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T.
- Resize Calculator.
- Move it to a convenient location.
- Continue working in your main application.
The calculator remains visible while you switch between other windows.
How to Pin Notepad on Top
Notepad is useful as a temporary reference area.
You might keep:
- A list of commands
- Notes
- Short instructions
- Copy-and-paste text
- Temporary calculations
To pin it:
- Open Notepad.
- Click the Notepad window.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T.
- Continue working in another application.
You can then unpin Notepad by pressing the same shortcut again.
How Is Always on Top Different From Snap Layouts?
This is an important distinction.
Snap Layouts organize multiple windows on your screen.
Always on Top controls which window stays above others.
For example, Snap Layouts can place two windows side by side.
Always on Top can keep a small calculator above those windows.
They solve different multitasking problems.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Always on Top | Keeps a selected window above others |
| Snap Layouts | Arranges windows into predefined layouts |
| Virtual Desktops | Separates work into different desktop spaces |
| Minimize/Maximize | Changes window size and visibility |
Can I Use Always on Top Without PowerToys?
Yes, depending on the application.
Some apps have their own always-on-top feature.
For example, a media player might include an option called:
- Always on Top
- Keep on Top
- Stay Above
- Float Above Other Windows
Look through the application’s View, Window, or Preferences menu.
However, this only applies to that particular application.
PowerToys provides a more general solution for compatible windows.
How to Keep a Window Visible While Working
Pinning a window is only half the solution.
Window size and position matter too.
For a small reference window, try this workflow:
- Open the reference application.
- Enable Always on Top.
- Resize the window.
- Move it to a corner of your screen.
- Open your main application.
- Work normally.
A small floating window often works better than a full-size pinned window.
You don’t want your reference window covering half of your workspace.
How to Pin a Window on a Second Monitor
If you’re using multiple displays, Always on Top can be particularly useful.
You can keep a reference window on one monitor while using another application on your primary display.
For example:
Monitor 1: Word document
Monitor 2: Calculator or browser reference
The pinned window can remain above other windows on its display.
However, multi-monitor behavior can depend on the application and Windows configuration.
Why Is My Window Not Staying on Top?
If Always on Top doesn’t appear to work, don’t immediately assume PowerToys is broken.
Try these troubleshooting steps.
Check That PowerToys Is Running
Open PowerToys and make sure it is active.
If PowerToys isn’t running, its Always on Top shortcut may not work.
Check the Feature
Open:
PowerToys → Always on Top
Make sure the feature is enabled.
Verify the Shortcut
Check which keyboard combination is assigned.
You may have changed it previously.
Try Another Application
Test the feature with Notepad or Calculator.
If it works there, the original application may not support the behavior properly.
Restart PowerToys
Close PowerToys and launch it again.
Then test the shortcut.
Restart Windows
If the feature remains unresponsive, restart your PC.
A simple restart can resolve temporary background-process issues.
What If the Keyboard Shortcut Doesn’t Work?
Keyboard shortcuts can fail for several reasons.
Check:
- PowerToys is running.
- Always on Top is enabled.
- You’re using the correct shortcut.
- Another application isn’t intercepting the shortcut.
- The target window is active.
Also check whether you’ve customized the shortcut.
If necessary, change the shortcut to another combination and test again.
How to Disable the Always-on-Top Feature
If you no longer want to use the feature, you can disable it through PowerToys.
Open:
PowerToys → Always on Top
Turn the utility off.
You can also leave the utility enabled but simply avoid using its keyboard shortcut.
This is useful if you occasionally need the feature but don’t want to pin windows permanently.
Is Always on Top Useful for Productivity?
Absolutely, when used thoughtfully.
The feature is particularly useful for tasks involving two applications at the same time.
For example:
Research
Keep a reference page visible while writing.
Studying
Keep notes or a reference document above another application.
Calculations
Keep Calculator visible while working with numbers.
Programming
Keep documentation or a terminal window accessible.
Troubleshooting
Keep instructions visible while changing Windows settings.
Communication
Keep a chat window visible while working elsewhere.
The key is to pin only the windows you actually need.
If everything is always on top, the feature loses its usefulness.
Common Mistakes When Using Always on Top
Pinning Too Many Windows
If you pin several windows, they can compete for screen space and make multitasking harder.
Forgetting a Window Is Pinned
You may wonder why another application keeps appearing behind it.
Remember to check whether Always on Top is enabled.
Using It Instead of Snap Layouts
If your goal is simply to arrange two windows side by side, Snap Layouts may be more appropriate.
Ignoring Application-Specific Features
Some apps already include their own always-on-top option.
Check the application’s menus before troubleshooting PowerToys.
What Is the Easiest Way to Pin a Window in Windows 11?
For a general-purpose solution, the basic workflow is:
- Install and open Microsoft PowerToys.
- Enable Always on Top.
- Open the window you want to pin.
- Make that window active.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T.
- Continue working in other applications.
- Press the same shortcut again when you want to unpin it.
That’s the entire process for most compatible windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I pin a window on top in Windows 11?
Install Microsoft PowerToys, enable Always on Top, select the window you want to keep visible, and press Windows + Ctrl + T.
2. Does Windows 11 have an Always on Top setting?
Windows 11 doesn’t provide a universal Always on Top control for every application through its standard window menu. Microsoft PowerToys provides an Always on Top utility for this purpose.
3. What is the shortcut to keep a window always on top?
The default PowerToys shortcut is generally Windows + Ctrl + T, although you can customize the shortcut in PowerToys settings.
4. How do I remove Always on Top?
Select the pinned window and press the same Always on Top shortcut again. The window should return to normal behavior.
5. Can I keep Calculator or Notepad always on top?
Yes. With PowerToys Always on Top enabled, select Calculator, Notepad, or another compatible window and use the assigned shortcut to keep it above other windows.
Conclusion
Learning how to pin a window on top in Windows 11 is a simple way to make multitasking more convenient.
For a general solution, Microsoft PowerToys’ Always on Top utility is particularly useful. Once enabled, you can select a window and use the keyboard shortcut to keep it above other normal windows. Press the shortcut again when you want to return the window to normal behavior.
The feature is especially handy for calculators, videos, notes, documentation, reference material, and troubleshooting instructions.
Remember that Always on Top isn’t the same as Windows 11 Snap Layouts. If you want to organize multiple windows side by side, Snap Layouts may be more appropriate. If you need one small window to remain visible while you work elsewhere, Always on Top is designed for exactly that.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 doesn’t provide a universal Always on Top button in its standard window controls.
- Microsoft PowerToys provides an Always on Top utility.
- Enable the feature through PowerToys → Always on Top.
- The default shortcut is generally Windows + Ctrl + T.
- Use the same shortcut to unpin the active window.
- You can customize the keyboard shortcut in PowerToys.
- Some applications have their own Always on Top setting.
- Always on Top is useful for calculators, videos, notes, reference material, and chat windows.
- Snap Layouts are better when your goal is arranging several windows.
- If Always on Top doesn’t work, check PowerToys, the shortcut, and whether the application supports the behavior.