On your desktop or laptop computer, small features can make a big difference in how we use our computers every day. Mac users love “hot corners,” where moving the mouse to a screen corner triggers quick actions like showing the desktop or opening the menu. Now, Windows users can enjoy this too, thanks to HotCornersWin. This free, open-source tool brings that macOS magic to Windows desktops.
HotCornersWin runs quietly in the background, sitting in your taskbar’s notification area. It lets you set actions for each corner of your screen. Whether you’re on Windows 10 or 11, it fits right in. The app is lightweight, using just about 1.5 MB of space after installation. It’s perfect for multitaskers, gamers, or anyone switching between apps often. With support for multiple monitors, it handles modern setups effortlessly.
Introducing HotCornersWin
HotCornersWin isn’t just a copycat; it’s built with Windows in mind. It supports a wide range of actions out of the box. For example, you can open the Start menu, switch virtual desktops, or lock your PC by hovering in a corner. There are over a dozen predefined options, like launching the Action Center or Widgets Board on Windows 11.
One cool part is the custom action editor. You can run any program, open a website, or access special folders using simple commands. It’s like the Windows Run dialog but triggered by your mouse. The app also ignores drags, so you won’t accidentally trigger it while moving windows.
For customization, you can set delays – how long the mouse needs to stay in the corner before acting. This prevents mishaps. The sensitive area size is adjustable too, making it work for different screen sizes. In multi-monitor setups, choose to apply corners to the main screen, all screens combined, or each one separately. It even detects full-screen apps like games and pauses itself to avoid interruptions.
Themes are another highlight. Switch between light and dark modes manually or let it follow your system’s settings. Though dark mode has some minor glitches until .NET 10 arrives, it’s still usable.
Getting Started
Getting started with HotCornersWin is straightforward. Head to the GitHub releases page (link at the bottom) and download the latest MSI installer. Run it, and the app adds itself to your startup folder. If you prefer no installation, grab the portable ZIP file. Extract it, run the EXE, and settings save in a “data” folder.
You need .NET 9 Desktop Runtime installed first – it’s free from Microsoft’s site. The app works on Windows 7 and up, but it’s best on 10 or 11, and only for 64-bit systems.
Once running, double-click the tray icon for settings. Pick actions for top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right corners. Set delays from zero to a few seconds. Tweak the polling interval if you want snappier response, but keep it default to save CPU.
Productivity Boost
This tool bridges the gap between macOS and Windows, making your PC more intuitive. It saves time on repetitive tasks, like opening menus or switching desks. For remote workers or students, it’s a free upgrade to efficiency.
Compared to built-in Windows features, HotCornersWin adds flexibility without bloat. It’s ideal if you’ve switched from Mac or Linux and miss hot corners.
Conclusion
HotCornersWin enhances daily computing with simple, customizable triggers, by adding macOS-style hot corners to Windows. Whether for work or play, this lightweight app delivers big on convenience. It can transform your screen corners into productivity powerhouses.
You can download HotCornersWin from https://github.com/flexits/HotCornersWin.