Our verdict: GlazeWM is the easiest way to get i3-style tiling on Windows: one installer, a sensible default config and keyboard shortcuts for everything. It suits people who live on the keyboard. If you mostly use the mouse, it will feel like it is fighting you.
About GlazeWM
GlazeWM is an open-source tiling window manager inspired by i3wm. It places every new window into a tiled layout, so windows never overlap unless you float them, and you move, resize and switch between them with keyboard shortcuts. Workspaces work like virtual desktops that you jump to with one key.
All settings live in a single YAML file at %userprofile%\.glzr\glazewm\config.yaml, which is created with defaults on the first start. You can set rules for specific apps, gaps, focus behavior and startup commands. The installer can optionally add Zebar, the developer's status bar that shows workspaces and system info.
What it does well
- Automatic tiling. Places windows side by side without overlap and re-arranges them as you open and close apps.
- Workspaces. Switch between numbered workspaces and move windows to them with keyboard shortcuts.
- YAML configuration. Keybindings, gaps, window rules and startup commands are set in one readable file.
- Window rules. Float, ignore or send specific apps to a workspace based on their title, class or process.
- Multi-monitor support. Each monitor has its own workspaces, and focus and windows can move between screens.
Who it is for
Good fit
Keyboard-focused users, developers and people coming from i3 or sway on Linux.
Look elsewhere
Mouse-first users and people who like freely overlapping windows.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Good default keybindings out of the box
- Simple, readable YAML config
- Optional Zebar status bar
Cons
- Steep learning curve without a tiling background
- Some apps with custom title bars tile badly and need rules
- No graphical settings screen; config is edited by hand
How to install GlazeWM
The button downloads the x64 installer from GitHub; standalone MSI packages for x64 and ARM64 are on the releases page. The installer has a checkbox to also install Zebar. On first launch GlazeWM offers to generate a default config. The default shortcuts use Alt, because Windows reserves many Win key combinations.
Questions about GlazeWM
Is GlazeWM free?
Yes. GlazeWM is free and open source under the GNU GPL v3.
Where is the GlazeWM config file?
By default it is at %userprofile%\.glzr\glazewm\config.yaml. You can point GlazeWM to another file with the --config argument or the GLAZEWM_CONFIG_PATH variable.
Can I use the Windows key in GlazeWM shortcuts?
You can, but the developers recommend Alt, because Windows reserves many Win key combinations such as Win+L.
