People who search for always on top in Excel usually want one of two things: to keep header rows or columns visible while they scroll, or to keep the whole Excel window above other windows. The first is Freeze Panes, which is built in. The second needs a pinning tool.
Keep rows and columns visible: Freeze Panes
Microsoft's support page for Freeze Panes (checked in October 2026) says the command freezes the rows above and the columns to the left of the selected cell. The steps:
- Select the cell just below the rows and just to the right of the columns you want to keep in view. To freeze only the top rows, select the first cell of the row under them.
- Go to View, then Freeze Panes, then Freeze Panes.
For example, to freeze the first two columns, select the third column and then use the same command. The Freeze Panes menu also lists Freeze Top Row and Freeze First Column for the two common cases.
If you do not see the View tab, the page notes that you may be using Excel Starter, which does not support every feature.
Undo it
Go to View, then Freeze Panes, then Unfreeze Panes. Microsoft's page also mentions Split panes, which divides one worksheet into separate scrolling areas instead of locking one, and links to a separate page about it.
Keep the whole Excel window on top
Excel does not have a setting that keeps its window above others, and we found none in Microsoft's documentation. If you want a spreadsheet to stay visible while you work in another app, use a pinning tool:
- PowerToys Always On Top: click the Excel window and press
Win+Ctrl+T. Unpin with the same shortcut. - An AutoHotkey script:
^!t::WinSetAlwaysOnTop -1, "A"toggles the active window. - Pin Windows, which also lets you fade the window so you can read what is behind it. It is being prepared for Microsoft Store and is not available there yet.
Our main guide compares these tools and their limits. If a pin does not hold, see the troubleshooting guide.
Which one do you need?
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| Headers visible while you scroll a long sheet | Freeze Panes |
| The first column visible while you scroll sideways | Freeze First Column |
| Excel above your browser or another app | A pinning tool |
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep the top row visible in Excel?
Go to View, then Freeze Panes, then Freeze Top Row. To undo it, choose Unfreeze Panes from the same menu.
How do I freeze rows and columns at the same time?
Select the cell below the rows and to the right of the columns you want to keep, then choose View, Freeze Panes, Freeze Panes.
Does Excel have an always on top setting for its window?
We found no such setting in Microsoft's documentation. A pinning tool such as PowerToys Always On Top, an AutoHotkey script or Pin Windows can keep the window on top.
What is the difference between freezing and splitting panes?
Freezing locks chosen rows and columns in place while you scroll. Splitting divides the sheet into separate areas that scroll independently.