System Requirements
Check if your Mac is compatible with TopWindow and learn about the hardware requirements for optimal performance.
Quick Compatibility Check
macOS Version
macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later required
Processor
Intel or Apple Silicon Mac
Storage
50 MB available space
How to Check Your Mac's Compatibility
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.
- Look at the version line, for example macOS 15 Sequoia — your Mac must run macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later.
- Check the Chip line to see your processor (for example, Apple M4 or an Intel chip). TopWindow works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
If your macOS version is listed as Not Supported below, update to the latest version of macOS your Mac supports — TopWindow won't start on macOS 12 Monterey or earlier.
Minimum Requirements
Recommended for Best Performance
macOS Version Compatibility
TopWindow requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. Pinned-window live previews are built on Apple's ScreenCaptureKit framework, and TopWindow targets the macOS versions where that framework is fully stable and reliable. If your Mac is running an older version of macOS, update to the latest version your Mac supports.
macOS 15 Sequoia
Latest version - fully supported
macOS 14 Sonoma
Fully supported
macOS 13 Ventura
Minimum required version
macOS 12 Monterey
Not supported - please upgrade
macOS 11 Big Sur
Not supported - please upgrade
macOS 10.15 Catalina
Not supported - please upgrade
Mac Model Compatibility
MacBook Air
MacBook Pro
iMac
Mac mini
Mac Studio
Mac Pro
Performance Notes
Apple Silicon Macs (M1–M5)
- • Exceptional performance and energy efficiency
- • Instant window pinning with minimal system impact
- • Optimized for Apple's unified memory architecture
- • Best overall experience with TopWindow
Intel Macs
- • Full compatibility with all TopWindow features
- • Slightly higher memory usage compared to Apple Silicon
- • Works well on models from 2017 onwards
- • May require more system resources for optimal performance
Required Permissions
TopWindow requires the following system permissions to function properly:
Accessibility Access
Required to detect and activate windows. Granted in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
Screen Recording
Required to display a live copy of pinned windows on top. Granted in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording. All capture stays on your Mac.
Quick check: after granting Screen Recording, pin any window and confirm its live preview appears above other apps. If no preview shows up, toggle Screen Recording off and on in System Settings, then relaunch TopWindow.
Privacy Note: TopWindow only uses these permissions for its core functionality and does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data.
Need Help Checking Compatibility?
Not sure if your Mac meets the requirements? Our support team can help you determine compatibility and optimize TopWindow for your system.