The Best DeskPins Alternative Software for Staying Organized
DeskPins is a handy utility designed to keep any application window “always on top” of others, mirroring the “Always on Top” setting found in some programs. It achieves this by letting you grab a virtual pin from its system tray icon and click on any window to elevate its position. While incredibly useful for multitasking and ensuring critical information remains visible, users often seek DeskPins alternatives for various reasons, including platform compatibility, additional features, or open-source preferences. This article explores the top alternatives that offer similar “always on top” functionality and often much more.
Top DeskPins Alternatives
If you're looking to enhance your window management beyond what DeskPins offers, or simply seeking a different approach to keeping windows pinned, these alternatives provide a range of features to suit diverse needs.
MenuTools
MenuTools is a simple, free, and open-source program for Windows that extends the functionality of open dialog windows. Beyond an 'Always On Top' feature identical to DeskPins, it adds options for task priority and window transparency, making it a versatile alternative for those seeking more control over their window's behavior.
FileBox eXtender
FileBox eXtender enhances Windows by introducing advanced functions to standard Open File and Save File dialog boxes. While its primary focus is extensions for file dialogs, it offers broader window management capabilities that can include 'always on top' features, making it a robust alternative for Windows users who also need enhanced file handling.
DM2
DM2 provides several Windows enhancements, including the popular feature of minimizing windows to floating icons. This free and open-source application, available for Windows and PortableApps.com, offers a different approach to keeping windows accessible, making it a good DeskPins alternative for those who prefer minimized but visible windows over always-on-top.
PinWin
PinWin is a minimal, free, and open-source Windows system tray application specifically designed to pin any window to the top of the screen with a single click. Similar to DeskPins, it sits in the system tray and offers a straightforward 'On top' feature, making it an excellent, lightweight alternative for Windows 10 users.
TurboTop
TurboTop offers the exact same core functionality as DeskPins: it lets you set any window to be 'Always on Top'. This free Windows application is simple to use, featuring a taskbar icon from which you can select the window to pin, providing a direct and efficient DeskPins alternative for pinning specific windows.
WindowTop
WindowTop is a freemium and open-source application for Windows that makes setting any window 'on top' incredibly easy. By simply moving the mouse to the top area of a window, a small button appears with a 'SET TOP' option. It also offers features like window transparency, night mode, and a user-friendly interface, making it a powerful and modern DeskPins alternative.
Afloat
Afloat is a free and open-source solution for Mac users (via SIMBL) that allows windows to stay 'afloat' on top of all others, similar to DeskPins' core functionality. It goes further by enabling users to pin windows to the desktop, move them from anywhere (not just the title bar), and even turn a window into an interface overlay, offering more comprehensive window management for macOS.
Stick-It!
Stick-It! is a free and open-source portable Windows application that offers an 'Always on top' feature by simply double-clicking its system tray icon and then left-clicking the desired window's title. It also boasts a cool feature where windows shake when set to stay on top, making it a unique and convenient DeskPins alternative with portability.
Chameleon Window Manager
Chameleon Window Manager is a freemium application for Windows that empowers users to control program windows through customizable buttons added to their title bars. This includes an 'Always on Top' feature, along with other advanced window management options, making it a comprehensive DeskPins alternative integrated seamlessly into the Windows Explorer environment.
Window On Top by Compzets.com
"Window On Top" by Compzets.com is a small, free, and portable gadget for Windows that keeps any specific window on top of others without a complex user interface. Its simplicity and portability make it a straightforward and efficient DeskPins alternative for users who just need the core 'on top' functionality without extra frills.
Ultimately, the best DeskPins alternative depends on your specific operating system, desired features, and whether you prefer open-source solutions. Explore these options to find the perfect tool to keep your essential windows always in view and enhance your productivity.