The Actual Window Manager Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Actual Window Manager in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Actual Window Manager
The Insider’s Guide
Windows toolset for multi-monitor setups and virtual desktops
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among window managers and launchers, read from Actual Window Manager’s own pages.
Made by Actual Tools · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Actual Window Manager’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Actual Window Manager’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 1 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade
Actual Window Manager is a Windows add-on that bundles more than 50 desktop management tools. It adds a taskbar to each monitor, virtual desktops, extra title-bar buttons, per-window rules, tiling zones and hotkeys. It is aimed at people who run several monitors and want to control where each window sits and how it behaves.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Actual Window Manager, taken from its own pages and our grades.
A broad suite with many settings to learn.
- 1
Best for multi-monitor taskbars and virtual desktops on Windows
Actual Window Manager is a broad Windows suite for multi-monitor setups: a taskbar on every monitor, virtual desktops and per-window rules.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $59.95 one-time, per license.
- 3
You can try it first
60-day free trial
- 4
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 5
Taskbar on every monitor
Adds a full taskbar to each display, plus separate wallpapers and screen savers for each monitor.
- 6
Virtual desktops
Unlimited additional desktops, with Classic and Independent modes for multiple monitors.
- 7
Per-window rules
Sets startup mode, position and priority for individual windows, and can make a window ignore deactivation.
- 8
A 2.0 GPA, above 1 of 48
That is against the other window managers and launchers we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace Actual Window Manager you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Actual Window Manager at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $59.95 one-time, per license
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- 60-day free trial
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- Actual Tools
- Category
- Window Managers & Launchers
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for multi-monitor taskbars and virtual desktops on Windows
Actual Window Manager is a broad Windows suite for multi-monitor setups: a taskbar on every monitor, virtual desktops and per-window rules. It is $59.95, the top of the category's one-time range, and it sells its own pieces separately.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | C | $59.95 one-time is the top of the category's $4.99 to $59.95 one-time range, and the middle is $19. |
| Free plan and trial | C | A 60-day free trial, and the listing doesn't say a card is needed. No free tier. |
| Features | B | Taskbar on every monitor, virtual desktops, per-window rules, extra title buttons, Desktop Divider and mirroring. No gap shown in the core job. |
| Ease of use | C | No rating on record. A broad suite with many settings to learn. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Windows only; ARM64 is not supported. Windows only; ARM64 is not supported, and there is no Mac, Linux, phone or web version. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Actual Window Manager is for
- Fits if you run several monitors on Windows
- Works for people who want a taskbar on each screen
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want a free tool, as there is no free tier past the 60-day trial
- Pricey if you only need one piece, since the vendor also sells those as separate products
- Watch out: the licence includes only one year of free updates
- Not for you if you use a Mac, Linux or Windows on ARM64
Good to know
Good for
- Multi-monitor desks that need a taskbar and wallpapers per display
- Gamers who want to keep a game from minimizing or lock the mouse to one screen
- Buyers who prefer a one-time license over a subscription
Worth knowing
- Windows only; the vendor says ARM64 is not supported.
- The license includes 1 year of free updates; the order page lists the subscription as free for that year only.
- The suite is broad, and the vendor also sells its pieces, such as Actual Multiple Monitors, as separate products.
- There is no free tier; use beyond the 60-day trial needs a license.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$59.95 one-time
To start
Actual Window Manager is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $59.95 one-time, per license.
Single license
$59.95
one-time, per copy
Includes a 1-year free updates subscription and a 30-day money-back guarantee; volume discounts start at 2 copies (10% off).
Trying it first
60-day free trial
Read from actualtools.com on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Windows toolset for multi-monitor setups and virtual desktops. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, window management, display control.
Taskbar on every monitor, virtual desktops, per-window rules, extra title buttons, Desktop Divider and mirroring.
- Taskbar on every monitor
- Adds a full taskbar to each display, plus separate wallpapers and screen savers for each monitor.
- Virtual desktops
- Unlimited additional desktops, with Classic and Independent modes for multiple monitors.
- Per-window rules
- Sets startup mode, position and priority for individual windows, and can make a window ignore deactivation.
- Extra title buttons
- Adds buttons such as minimize to tray, move to the next monitor, always on top and resize.
- Desktop Divider
- Splits a monitor or the whole desktop into tiles that maximized windows fill, with custom layouts that can be switched on the fly.
- Desktop mirroring
- Shows a window, a monitor or a custom part of the desktop in a separate window on another monitor.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Actual Window Manager is made by Actual Tools.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
1/48
Other window managers and launchers it is graded above
Actual Window Manager's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on features (B, above 35 of 48) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 49 window managers and launchers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Actual Window Manager’s own letter is outlined.
- CValue for moneyAbove 1 of 48
- CFree plan and trialAbove 2 of 48
- BFeaturesAbove 35 of 48
- CEase of useAbove 8 of 48
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 48
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace Actual Window Manager you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 42 of the 48 other window managers and launchers grade higher. It costs $59.95, paid once.
What you could not
- Control over other apps' windows.
- Control of displays through the operating system.
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. Actual Window Manager’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Dexpot, VirtuaWin, AquaSnap, MaxTo and WindowTop
The 5 tools Actual Window Manager is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.2GPA
Dexpot
Free plan
Virtual desktops for Windows with previews and per-window rules.
- Dexpot has a free plan. Actual Window Manager does not, though it has a free trial.
- Actual Window Manager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Actual Window Manager also covers display control.
- 2.6GPA
VirtuaWin
Free
Free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows.
- VirtuaWin has a free plan. Actual Window Manager does not, though it has a free trial.
- Actual Window Manager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
AquaSnap
Free plan · from $29
Windows tool that docks, snaps and tiles windows by dragging.
- AquaSnap has a free plan. Actual Window Manager does not, though it has a free trial.
- Actual Window Manager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Actual Window Manager also covers display control.
- 2.4GPA
MaxTo
Free trial · from €19/yr
Custom screen zones with hotkey and drag snapping for Windows and Mac.
- Only MaxTo lists a macOS app.
- Actual Window Manager also covers display control.
- 2.4GPA
WindowTop
Free plan · from $19 one-time
Windows utility for always-on-top, opacity and picture-in-picture.
- WindowTop has a free plan. Actual Window Manager does not, though it has a free trial.
- Actual Window Manager also covers display control.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
10
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Actual Window Manager free?
No, Actual Window Manager is a paid product, but you can try it first.
How much does Actual Window Manager cost?
Actual Window Manager lists one plan. Single license: $59.95 one-time, per copy.
What platforms does Actual Window Manager work on?
Actual Window Manager is available on Windows.
Does Actual Window Manager have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Actual Window Manager is listed for Windows.
Does Actual Window Manager have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Actual Window Manager is listed for Windows.
Is Actual Window Manager open source?
Actual Window Manager is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
Who makes Actual Window Manager?
Actual Window Manager is made by Actual Tools.
What are the alternatives to Actual Window Manager?
The closest alternatives to Actual Window Manager in our directory are Dexpot, VirtuaWin, AquaSnap, MaxTo and WindowTop.
How does Actual Window Manager compare with other window managers and launchers?
Actual Window Manager's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 5.
Could I make my own version of Actual Window Manager?
To replace Actual Window Manager you would be making control over other apps' windows.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Actual Window Manager’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Actual Tools's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Actual Tools. Prices change, so check actualtools.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Actual Window Manager, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/actual-window-manager
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Actual Window Manager: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/actual-window-manager
Know someone choosing between window managers and launchers?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/actual-window-manager/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded window managers and launchers after Actual Window Manager, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Window Managers & Launchers Insider's GuideEvery one of the 49 window managers and launchers we grade, compared
- Flow Launcher Insider's GuideFree, open-source app launcher and file search for Windows3.0 GPA
- Launchy Insider's GuideOpen-source keystroke launcher with plugins and skins3.0 GPA
- Cerebro Insider's GuideFree open-source Electron launcher for Windows, Mac and Linux2.8 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Actual Window Manager’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Actual Window Manager is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Actual Tools. Prices and plans change: check actualtools.com before you buy.