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glassbar

Free#20 of 34 in Taskbar Customization Software

glassbar: A free, open-source taskbar alternative with search, monitoring, and glass controls. Ranked #20 of 34 in Taskbar Customization Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source floating dock and desktop HUD.

6.6/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
6.6 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Open-source floating dock and desktop HUD
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Platform
Windows
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Floating dock supports pinned and running applications
- Fuzzy, acronym, and typo-tolerant app and file search
- HUD combines system information with media controls
Where it doesn't
- Supports only a single primary monitor
- Targets Windows 10 1809 or newer and Windows 11
- The project describes itself as an early release

Our verdict on glassbar

glassbar is an open-source Windows desktop shell for individual users who want a floating dock, launcher overlay, and configurable desktop HUD. It can coexist with or replace the default Windows taskbar, while supporting pinned and running application icons. Users can launch, focus, minimize, pin, unpin, and reorder docked applications. The project targets Windows 10 version 1809 or newer and Windows 11, and it is distributed as either an installer or a portable executable.

The product’s main strength is the breadth of its desktop controls in one shell. Spotlight search supports acronym, fuzzy, and typo-tolerant matching, with indexing for Start Menu apps, Microsoft Store apps, and files in common folders. The HUD provides clock, weather, CPU, RAM, and network information. Media controls cover now-playing content and audio-device switching, while the file stash supports native drag-out behavior. Accent color, glass tint, and glass opacity settings add control over the visual treatment.

glassbar is free and open source, making it a practical fit for Windows users who want to replace or supplement the standard taskbar without a paid tier. Its portable option may suit users who prefer a standalone executable, while the installer provides another distribution route. The main boundary is display support: the project supports only a single primary monitor. Users working across multiple monitors should choose a taskbar customization tool with verified multi-monitor support instead. For single-monitor Windows desktops, glassbar is a focused choice when a floating dock, integrated search, system HUD, and translucent styling matter more than a mature multi-display setup.

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glassbar pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

glassbar fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Platform	Windows
Taskbar positioning	Not verified
Transparency controls	Yes
App grouping controls	Not verified
Multi-monitor support	No
Taskbar sizing	Not verified
Portable version	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Community
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

glassbar is listed in our Taskbar Customization Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update