To force any window to stay on top of others in Windows 10 or Windows 11, the most reliable and official method is using Microsoft PowerToys, a free open-source utility suite developed directly by Microsoft. This tool introduces a universal system shortcut that permanently pins your active application window above all others until you turn it off. How to Force Windows to Stay on Top
Follow this step-by-step tutorial to install, enable, and use the feature: Step 1: Install Microsoft PowerToys Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer. Search for “Microsoft PowerToys” in the search bar.
Click the install button to download the application to your system. Step 2: Enable the Always on Top Tool Launch PowerToys from your Windows Start Menu.
Navigate to the Always on Top section in the left-hand menu sidebar.
Toggle the switch labeled “Enable Always on Top” to the On position. Step 3: Pin Your Window
Click on the specific application window you want to pin to make it active.
Press the default universal keyboard shortcut: Windows Key + Ctrl + T.
Verify it worked by looking for a colored tracking border around your window and listening for the activation chime. Step 4: Unpin the Window Select the pinned window again.
Press the exact same shortcut (Windows Key + Ctrl + T) to instantly remove the tracking border and return the window to normal behavior. Settings and Customization
You can personalize how the tool functions inside the PowerToys Settings Portal: Customization Options Borders
Turn the colored border on/off, change the color hex code, or adjust the border pixel thickness. Sounds
Enable or disable the notification sound effect that plays upon locking a window. Exclusions
Input specific application names (like chrome.exe) to block them from ever being pinned. Shortcuts
Map the command to a custom hotkey combination if you dislike the default key binding. Troubleshooting Admin Windows
If you notice the tool failing to pin certain windows, it usually means that specific app is running with elevated administrator permissions. To resolve this, exit PowerToys from your system tray, right-click the PowerToys app icon, and select Run as Administrator. If you want to customize your workspace further, tell me:
What specific workflow you are trying to optimize (e.g., coding, watching videos, or data entry)
If you prefer alternative third-party apps that do not require installing the full PowerToys suite AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more