To keep a window on top in Windows 10, install Microsoft PowerToys and turn on Always On Top. Then select the window and press Windows + Ctrl + T. The window stays above all others until you press the shortcut again or close it.
Applies to: Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 27, 2026.
Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in setting that pins any window on top. A few apps have their own, and PowerToys adds it for every app.
Pin a window with PowerToys
- Install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store.
- Open PowerToys Settings, select Always On Top, and make sure Enable Always On Top is on.
- Select the window you want to keep on top.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + T. A colored border shows the window is pinned.
To unpin it, select the window and press Windows + Ctrl + T again, or close the window.
Change how it works
In PowerToys Settings > Always On Top, you can:
- Change the Activation shortcut.
- Turn the border on or off, and change its color and thickness.
- Stop it from working during games with Do not activate when Game Mode is on.
- Add apps to Excluded apps so they can’t be pinned.
If the window won’t stay on top
- Make sure PowerToys is running. Its icon is in the notification area.
- Some windows, such as Remote Desktop and some virtual machine apps, can still appear above a pinned window.
- Check that the app isn’t on the Excluded apps list.
- If the window belongs to an app running as administrator, PowerToys may not be able to pin it. Open PowerToys Settings, select General, and turn on Always run as administrator, then restart PowerToys.
- If Windows + Ctrl + T does nothing, another app may be using the same shortcut. Change the Activation shortcut to a different key combination.
- Pinning doesn’t survive closing the app or restarting your PC. Press the shortcut again after you reopen the window.
Other ways if you don’t want PowerToys
AutoHotkey: install the free AutoHotkey v2, right-click the desktop, select New > AutoHotkey Script, and give the file this single line:
^Space::WinSetAlwaysOnTop -1, "A"Double-click the script to run it. Ctrl + Space then pins or unpins whichever window is active. Put a shortcut to the script in the Startup folder (type shell:startup in the Run box) if you want it every time you sign in.
DeskPins: this small free tool adds a pin icon next to the clock. Click it, then click a window’s title bar to keep that window on top. Click the red pin on the window to release it.
Apps with their own keep-on-top option
If you only need one app on top, check whether it has a built-in option before installing anything:
- Calculator: in Standard mode, select the Keep on top button next to the mode name. A small Calculator window stays above your other windows.
- VLC media player: select Video > Always on top.
- Movies & TV: select the Play in mini view button while a video plays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pin more than one window?
Yes. Select each window and press the shortcut.
Is there a way without installing anything?
Only in some apps. For example, the Calculator app has a Keep on top button in Standard mode. To see two windows side by side instead, see how to split screen in Windows 10.
How do I work with lots of windows?
Try virtual desktops in Windows 10 to group them.
Is PowerToys free?
Yes. PowerToys is a free, open-source set of tools from Microsoft. You can install it from the Microsoft Store or from Microsoft’s GitHub page.
How do I know which window is pinned?
By default, PowerToys draws a colored border around the pinned window. You can also turn on a sound that plays when you pin or unpin a window in the Always On Top settings.
Can I stop it from working while I play games?
Yes. So a stray key press doesn’t pin a window during a game, turn on Do not activate when Game Mode is on in PowerToys Settings.
Can I move a pinned window to another monitor?
Yes. Drag it, or press Windows + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow. It stays on top on the new screen.
How do I uninstall PowerToys?
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select PowerToys, and select Uninstall. Windows goes back to its normal behavior.
To bring a window to the front quickly with the keyboard, see how to toggle between windows in Windows 10.
On Windows 11, see how to pin a window on top in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is Always On Top utility. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to center the screen on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.