GlazeWM — Tiling Window Manager for Windows Inspired by i3

Introduction

GlazeWM is a tiling window manager for Windows 10 and 11 that draws heavy inspiration from i3wm on Linux. It manages window placement automatically using tiling layouts, provides numbered workspaces, and is controlled entirely via keyboard shortcuts. Its YAML configuration with hot-reload makes it accessible to users new to tiling WMs while still offering the power that experienced users expect.

What GlazeWM Does

• Automatically tiles windows into configurable layouts (BSP, columns, rows, or floating)
• Provides numbered and named workspaces with per-monitor assignment and quick switching
• Applies gaps and padding between tiled windows for visual clarity
• Includes Zebar, a companion status bar showing workspaces, system info, and custom widgets
• Supports window rules to float, ignore, or assign specific applications to workspaces

Architecture Overview

GlazeWM runs as a single process that intercepts Windows window management events via the Win32 API. It maintains a tree of containers representing monitors, workspaces, and windows. When the tree changes (window open/close/move), GlazeWM recalculates positions and resizes windows accordingly. Configuration is read from a YAML file and hot-reloaded on save. IPC is available via a WebSocket server for scripting and bar integration.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install via WinGet or Scoop; first launch generates a default config at ~/.glzr/glazewm/config.yaml
• Define keybindings in the config to control focus, movement, workspace switching, and layouts
• Set inner and outer gaps, border styles, and floating rules per workspace or globally
• Configure Zebar widgets in a separate config for workspace indicators, clock, CPU, and network stats
• Use the IPC WebSocket API to build custom integrations or control GlazeWM from scripts

Key Features

• i3-compatible keybinding syntax familiar to Linux tiling WM users
• Hot-reload configuration — edit YAML and changes apply instantly without restart
• Built-in Zebar status bar with workspace indicators, system monitors, and custom HTML widgets
• Multi-monitor support with independent workspace assignments and cross-monitor window movement
• Minimal resource usage with native Win32 implementation (no Electron or heavy runtimes)

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Komorebi — More programmable via JSON and IPC; GlazeWM is simpler with i3-like YAML config and built-in bar
• FancyZones (PowerToys) — Manual zone snapping; GlazeWM auto-tiles dynamically with keyboard control
• i3wm — The Linux inspiration; GlazeWM brings the same workflow to Windows natively
• bug.n — Legacy AutoHotkey-based tiler; GlazeWM is modern, maintained, and faster
• Workspacer — Older C# Windows tiler (unmaintained); GlazeWM is actively developed with regular releases

FAQ

Q: Does GlazeWM work alongside the Windows taskbar? A: Yes. GlazeWM coexists with the Windows taskbar and Explorer shell. You can optionally hide the taskbar and use Zebar as a replacement.

Q: Can I use GlazeWM on Windows 10? A: Yes, it supports both Windows 10 and 11. On Windows 11, it also integrates with the rounded window corners and snap layout hints.

Q: How do I make certain windows always float? A: Add a window rule in config.yaml matching the process name or window title with the command 'set floating'. Common candidates are file dialogs, settings panels, and media players.

Q: What is Zebar? A: Zebar is GlazeWM's companion status bar that displays workspace numbers, window titles, system metrics, and custom widgets. It renders HTML/CSS and communicates with GlazeWM via IPC.

Sources

• https://github.com/glzr-io/glazewm
• https://glazewm.app/