Actual Window Manager 8.15.2

Overview

Actual Window Manager is what you need to change how windows appear. After making the settings once, AWM will automatically apply those settings to every window that opens. You can configure several settings like the position and size of specific windows or the transparency effect, and you can minimize windows to system tray or keep them always on top of others. You can also control multiple monitors with this program.

Installation

Anyone can install the program, regardless of previous experience. The installer will guide you through the process and you only have to make a few settings. These include allowing the program to run at startup and support system utilities (like Tablet PC Input Panel) and administrative tools (Regedit, Computer management, etc.). The main installation part won’t take much to complete.

Supported operating systems are Windows 2000, 2003, XP, 2008, Vista, Server (32-bit version only) and 7, 32 and 64-bit editions supported.

Interface

The application can be launched from the corresponding shortcuts. By running it, an icon in the system tray will be added from which you can bring up the settings menu by double-clicking it or viewing its context menu by right-clicking it. The settings window has countless categories and options for each one. The main categories are: Windows Settings, Multiple Monitors, Virtual Desktops, Desktop Divider, Hotkeys, Mouse, Options and Tools. Depending on the category you can configure different options.

In addition to the system tray icon, extra icons at the title bar are added for easier access of commands.

Pros

You can change windows settings by right-clicking at the title bar of a window. In the preferences menu you can save the current settings of a window so that you can re-apply them easily at a later time, without having to change them all again. Position and size of the window are two of the available settings. The transparency of every window can be adjusted as well.

If you would like to save space from the taskbar, you can minimize open windows to tray. On the other hand, it is applicable to keep windows always on top so that they remain on top of other windows. Rolling is another one of Actual Window Manager’s functions, which hides the whole window and keeps only the title bar.

If you have multiple monitors connected you can control all of them and add a unique taskbar in each one, create mirrors on the desktop, manage screensavers and backgrounds and move windows to different monitors with the press of a button. You can create virtual desktops and move open windows to them, as if you have more than one physical monitors connected.

Of course Hotkey support couldn’t be missing. Most functions can be triggered by hotkeys, which you can set manually.

Cons

It is very complex for the average user, and certainly takes time to get familiar with and explore all of its features.

Alternatives

Ultramon (paid) and DisplayFusion (Free and Pro versions available) are two extraordinary software that mainly allow you to control multiple monitors, but have functions that let you customize open windows too. In terms of window management, Actual Window Manager comes first, but the two other programs have more enhanced functionality when it comes to managing multiple monitors.

Conclusion

With Actual Window Manager you can change completely how windows appear and work, but if you want to see its full capabilities you have to spend some time testing it out first.