Tiling Window Management on Windows: Yes, It's Possible Now

If you've ever used a tiling window manager on Linux or macOS, you know the feeling of trying to go back to Windows: dragging windows around, fighting with snap layouts, and losing your carefully arranged workspace every time you open a new app. It feels like a step backward. But what if you could bring that same keyboard-driven, automatic window organization to Windows 10 and 11? That's exactly what komorebi sets out to do.

Komorebi is an open-source tiling window manager that works as an extension to Microsoft's Desktop Window Manager. It gives you CLI control over application windows, virtual workspaces, and display monitors, so you can script and automate your entire desktop layout. It's not a full desktop environment replacement—it's a focused tool that slots into your existing Windows setup.

What It Does

Komorebi is a tiling window manager for Windows 10 and above. Rather than reinventing the entire desktop experience, it extends the existing Desktop Window Manager (DWM)—the component that already handles window compositing and effects on Windows. This means komorebi works with your current setup rather than replacing it.

The core interaction model is a command-line interface. You control windows, workspaces, and monitors through CLI commands, which opens up a lot of possibilities. Because it's CLI-driven, you can bind those commands to keyboard shortcuts using third-party tools like whkd or AutoHotKey. That's the key design decision: komorebi doesn't impose its own keybinding system. You bring your own shortcuts, your own automation scripts, and your own workflow.

One thing the README stresses is that komorebi aims to make as few modifications to your operating system as possible. By default, it doesn't change system settings or inject itself into your desktop environment. If you want deeper customization, you can do that through your own configuration files, but those changes remain opt-in and off-by-default. This is a refreshing approach for a Windows tool, where aggressive system hooks are common.

Why It's Cool

The most interesting thing about komorebi is that it fills a genuine gap. Windows has never had a first-class tiling window manager, and the third-party options have historically been clunky or abandoned. Komorebi approaches the problem differently:

• CLI-first design. Everything is scriptable. You can write PowerShell or batch scripts that rearrange your entire desktop based on what you're doing—switching to a coding layout, a browsing layout, or a presentation layout with a single command.
• Bring your own shortcuts. The README explicitly mentions integration with whkd and AutoHotKey. If you already have a shortcut setup you like, you don't need to learn a new one. You just wire komorebi's commands into whatever you already use.
• Respects your system. The "as few modifications as possible" philosophy is genuinely thoughtful. Komorebi isn't trying to take over your machine—it's trying to add a missing capability without breaking what's already there.
• Active development and community. There's a Discord server, a documentation site, and a steady stream of releases. The project also has a clear licensing model with a free license for most users and a separate individual commercial use license, which shows the author is thinking about sustainability.
• There's even a Mac version. If you're a developer who switches between Windows and macOS, the fact that komorebi has a separate repo for Mac means you might be able to keep a similar workflow across both platforms.

The screenshot in the README shows a clean, organized desktop with windows neatly tiled into a grid. It's the kind of setup that makes you wonder why Windows doesn't do this natively.

How to Try It

Getting started with komorebi is straightforward, though you'll want to read the documentation for the full picture. Here's the basic flow:

1. Head to the repository at github.com/lgug2z/komorebi.
2. Check the documentation at lgug2z.github.io/komorebi for installation instructions. The README points here for install details, so that's your best starting point.
3. Install a shortcut daemon. Since komorebi is CLI-driven, you'll likely want whkd (also by the same author) or AutoHotKey to bind commands to keys.
4. Start experimenting. Run komorebi, then use the CLI to move windows around, create workspaces, and arrange your monitors. Once you find commands you like, bind them to shortcuts and start building your ideal setup.

One note if you're a student: if your device is enrolled in mobile device management (MDM), your usage still falls under the Komorebi License 2.0.0. The README explains how to get the corporate splash screen removed by emailing the author—it's a manual process but usually takes less than 24 hours.

Also, if you see unexpected MDM detection prompts, the README suggests you may have unintentionally enrolled in "Bring Your Own Device" MDM. You can check with dsregcmd /status and take steps to remove it if that's not something you want.

Final Thoughts

Komorebi is a serious tool for anyone who spends real time in Windows and misses the efficiency of tiling window managers. It's not trying to be a full desktop environment—it's a focused, scriptable extension that respects your existing setup. The CLI-first approach means it's especially appealing if you're comfortable with automation and want your desktop to behave as predictably as your code.

The project is actively maintained, has clear documentation, and a responsive community on Discord. If you've been feeling cramped by Windows' default window management, komorebi is worth a weekend of experimentation. You might just find that Windows can feel a lot more like home.

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