Best Window Managers of 2025

Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Window Managers on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.

https://sourceforge.net/software/operating-systems/Window Managers Overview

Window managers are software that control how windows appear on a computer's desktop, including their size and position. They provide the ability to move, resize, hide, maximize, minimize, and close windows. In addition to controlling the appearance of windows on the screen, window managers can also control which software are running in each window.

Window managers are usually part of a larger user interface framework such as GNOME or KDE. These frameworks provide additional features such as taskbars and menus that make it easier for users to interact with their computers.

A key feature of some window managers is virtual desktops. A virtual desktop allows you to switch between different workspaces without closing any applications or changing any settings. This allows you to organize your work more efficiently by having separate working environments for tasks like web-browsing, file management, programming, etc., while still having access to all the applications they require in each workspace.

Another important feature of window managers is support for multiple monitors. It is becoming increasingly common for people to have multiple monitors connected to their computers. Window managers let you configure how these monitors should be used (for example one monitor being dedicated solely for email) as well as allowing you to move windows between them easily.

Many window managers offer a variety of customization options so they can be made more personalized and usable according tot he user's needs and preferences. For example, some window managers allow you to define keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions or set up hot-corners that when activated perform certain tasks like emptying the trash bin or showing all open windows at once on screen.

In conclusion, window managers are essential components of modern graphical user interfaces providing users with powerful features like virtual desktops and multiple monitor support that make using computers easier and more enjoyable than ever before.

Reasons To Use Window Managers

1. Increased Productivity: Window managers allow users to quickly access and switch between applications, software and tasks by eliminating the need for navigating through a list of open windows. This helps increase productivity, as it allows you to bypass having to search through multiple windows on your desktop.
2. Improved Usability: Window managers are designed in a way that makes them easy to use and understand for most people. They also enable people to easily multitask, which can be very beneficial when working on projects or when trying to accomplish several tasks at once.
3. Customization: Many window managers include features that make them highly customizable so users can customize the look and feel of their desktops without requiring any coding knowledge. For example, someone might prefer a tiling layout or choose hotkeys for commonly used actions such as minimizing windows or opening new ones in specific locations on the screen. These kinds of customizations can help streamline user workflow and make their experience more enjoyable overall.
4. Security: Because window managers only let certain applications have direct access to hardware components such as memory cards or USB ports, they provide an additional layer of security against malicious software and hackers who could otherwise gain access to sensitive information stored on your computer system if not protected properly with window manager rules in place.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: One of the major advantages of using window managers is that they tend to be less expensive than full-fledged graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This makes them an economical choice for many companies who don't want or need all the advanced features provided via GUIs but still need something that will get the job done efficiently without breaking the bank.

The Importance of Window Managers

Window managers are an integral part of the user experience on any computer system. They provide an interface for interacting with the operating system, manage windows and launched software, and influence the look and feel of the overall computing environment.

Putting it simply, window managers are what makes a user's experience with their desktop or laptop comfortable. Having a good window manager provides users with a platform to customize their computing environment to fit their needs. It helps them quickly access software they regularly use, organize files into folders, resize applications to fit different screens, or even have different workspaces for different tasks.

Window managers also contain features that help keep the computer running smoothly and efficiently by allocating memory resources between open applications to maximize performance. Additionally, many window managers offer “eye candy” features such as skins customize how the desktop looks when booting up or how windows appear, which adds a more personal touch and allows users to express themselves through their workstation setup.

Moreover, it is because of window managers that software developers can create compatible applications across multiple platforms without having to worry about compatibility issues among different systems. By providing solutions that work on multiple platforms such as Microsoft Windows or Linux-based OSs developers can improve productivity by allowing developers who don’t specialize in one system to build software easily from one platform without fear of compatibility issues occurring later down the line due to differences between various systems' UI/UX patterns.

In conclusion, window managers are essential tools for making sure users have enjoyable experiences while customizing their physical workspace on computers by offering numerous features that meet every individual's needs regardless of the platform they're using; furthermore providing working environments in which creators find comfortability while crafting apps confidently cross-platform compatible due its UI/UX pattern consistency & trustworthiness across devices / operating systems connected over networks.

Features Provided by Window Managers

1. Virtual Desktops: Virtual desktops allow users to separate their activities on the computer and create multiple “workspaces” for different tasks or applications. This makes it easier to switch back and forth between windows quickly, so that you can organize your workflow in a more efficient way.
2. Window Layouts: With most window managers, you can choose from a variety of window layout configurations that will best suit your work needs. These include docking windows side-by-side in various directions, cascading them one on top of another, tiling them together, or moving them around freely in a floating style.
3. Hotkeys: Hotkeys are shortcuts that provide quick access to specific functions within a program or across software running on the same computer screen such as adjusting the viewable area size and switching between open windows without having to click around with a mouse or trackpad.
4. Automatically Arranged Windows: There are times when several applications need to be used at once which usually requires manually resizing all the individual windows to fit into an optimal viewing arrangement but some window managers come with functionality that takes care of this automatically by re-arranging all open windows into an organized layout determined by the user's specified criteria such as keeping similar software grouped together or maximizing vertical real estate usage for better productivity gains.
5. Application Launching: Some window managers also include features like application launchers; these provide easy access to commonly used software without having to search through menus and submenus for what you need every time you have something new you want to run.
6. Themes and Customization: Lastly, many modern window managers allow you to customize your look and feel with special themes or skins that make the environment reflect a personal style. This can range from minimalistic designs to eye-catching desktops complete with unique wallpaper, color scheme manipulations, font size adjustments, and more.

Who Can Benefit From Window Managers?

• Average Home Users: Window managers offer a convenient way for home users to customize the look and feel of their computers. They can use themes, window decorations, and other tools to make their desktops more attractive and functional.
• Power Users: Advanced users often want more customization options than what is offered by standard desktop environments. Window managers give them access to a greater range of features that they can tailor to their needs.
• Professional Designers/Developers: Programmers, web designers, or graphic artists may find window managers useful for creating an optimal workspace. They will be able to fine-tune the size of windows, position docks and taskbars correctly on the screen, set up hotkeys, and generally organize their work area with greater precision.
• Gamers: Many gamers prefer using a window manager over a full desktop environment since they usually require fewer resources while providing plenty of customizable options. With a few tweaks here and there they should be able to enjoy faster response time when running games as well as an overall smoother experience in general.
• System Administrators/IT Professionals: System administrators often need specialized tools in order maintain network configurations or troubleshoot issues on multiple machines at once. With the help of window managers this becomes much easier since it allows them quick access to frequently used applications with only minimal effort involved from their side.
• Server Applications: Window managers are a great fit for running server applications as well. Thanks to its minimalistic approach and resource usage, it should be able to handle the load perfectly without causing any slowdown in performance or consuming too much memory.

How Much Do Window Managers Cost?

Window managers can vary in cost depending on the type and features you’re looking for. Generally speaking, basic window managers are free or open source software and can be downloaded from the internet. These typically offer all the basic window management features needed to manage applications such as resizing, placing, switching between windows, etc.

There are also more advanced commercial window managers available that offer additional features such as multiple monitor support or improved UI design options. Prices range from around $30 up to hundreds of dollars depending on the specific feature set and level of customization that’s desired. Additionally there are some managed services which bundle together a variety of window management products for a monthly fee; these services usually charge based on usage (number of managed windows) rather than a flat price so it’s important to understand your needs before deciding which option is right for you.

Risks To Be Aware of Regarding Window Managers

• Window managers may be vulnerable to exploits: Attackers can use security flaws in the window manager code to gain control of the system.
• Using outdated versions of window managers can also create vulnerabilities: Attackers can take advantage of known bugs or weaknesses found in old versions and break into the system.
• Malware installed on your computer may be able to take over your window manager, giving attackers access to your data and allowing them to execute malicious commands on your machine.
• Improperly configured window managers could potentially open up unwanted ports and services that could make it easier for attackers to gain access to your computer.
• If you are using a shared window manager, its settings might not be optimized for all users on the network, which could lead to corruption or exploitation if someone is able to compromise one user's session.
• Window managers with poor configuration can be a target for attackers, as they may not have the necessary security measures in place to protect you from malicious attacks.

What Software Do Window Managers Integrate With?

Windows managers are designed to allow users to interact with the operating system and other applications installed on their device. There are several different types of software that can integrate with windows managers, depending on the needs of the user. Productivity software such as Microsoft Office, chat/communication apps like Skype, and media players like VLC are all examples of software that can be integrated with windows managers. Additionally, many website browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, can also be integrated in order to bring up websites instantly when a window is opened. Security software such as antivirus applications can also be included in windows managers for enhanced safety while using your device. Finally, games and other entertainment software might also be compatible with a window manager in order to provide an enjoyable experience for its users.

Questions To Ask When Considering Window Managers

1. What features does the window manager support? Are there any special settings or customization options that are available?
2. Is the window manager easy to use? Does it have an intuitive user interface that makes navigating and working with multiple windows a breeze?
3. How well is the window manager supported? Is there community support available if I encounter problems or have questions about how to use it?
4. How customizable is the window manager? Can I create unique workspaces to make multitasking easier, or apply themes to customize my experience further?
5. What kind of performance can I expect from this window manager? Will it be responsive when working with multiple windows and applications open at once?
6. Does the window manager support dual screens/monitors/projectors for greater productivity and convenience?
7. Are there plugins or extensions available for this specific window manager that add additional functionality, such as extra shortcuts, tabs, etc.?
8. How secure is the window manager? Does it have any built-in security measures to prevent malicious software or viruses from infiltrating my system?
9. Is the window manager compatible with my operating system and hardware? In what versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, etc., will it work properly?
10. Is the window manager free or do I have to purchase a license? If I decide to purchase, is there an option for an affordable annual subscription?