Compiz Alternatives for Windows

Compiz is not available for Windows but there are some alternatives that runs on Windows with similar functionality. The best Windows alternative is VistaSwitcher, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Compiz and nine of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Compiz are 360desktop, CubeDesktop NXT, Nimi Visuals and Winflip.

Compiz alternatives are mainly Window Managers but may also be Desktop Environments or File Managers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Compiz.

Compiz alternatives page was last updated

Compiz

160

Free • Open Source
Window Manager

Compiz is a compositing manager adding fancy effects to your windows, from drop shadows to awesome desktop effects like the...

More about Compiz

VistaSwitcher
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Shell Extension
Windows
25 VistaSwitcher alternatives
VistaSwitcher is an elegant and powerful task management utility for Windows OS. Once installed, it replaces the default Windows Alt-Tab dialog with a nice box that shows a list of all running tasks, with their names and preview snapshots, and enables the user to take actions on...
- - VistaSwitcher is the most popular Windows alternative to Compiz.
Suggest and vote on features
VistaSwitcher Features
1. Support for Multiple MonitorsVistaSwitcher supports the use of multiple displays.
Window Switching
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 1.1.5, released in May 2012, can be still downloaded from the official website.
360desktop
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Shell Extension
Windows
22 360desktop alternatives
360desktop is free software that extends Windows as a 360 degree workspace, plus an online environment for creating interative 360 degree wallpaper, with a gallery and a widget platform, for sharing your favorite 360's with everybody.
360desktop has no features, suggest some!
Discontinued
CubeDesktop NXT
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Window Manager
Desktop Customization Tool
Windows
12 CubeDesktop NXT alternatives
CubeDesktop NXT provides you up to 16 workspaces, each with its own wallpaper and set of icons, allowing you to quickly and easily switch between them using a live and interactive 3D environment.
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CubeDesktop NXT Features
Multiple desktops
Nimi Visuals
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Shell Extension
Windows
27 Nimi Visuals alternatives
Adds eye-candy effects to windows (and start menu) like deformations (e.g: jelly windows - that makes moved window wiggle like being made from jelly; or fold - which hides windows by folding up horizontally, and unfolds when showing), physics (e.g.
Suggest and vote on features
Nimi Visuals Features
1. PortableNimi Visuals can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Configurable
Discontinued
It says that it has automatically stopped production.

Comments about Nimi Visuals as a Alternative to Compiz
pros, cons and recent comments
adraven
It has a lot of animations for windows.
Positive comment•
1
Winflip
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Windows
16 Winflip alternatives
WinFlip emulates Windows Vistas "Flip 3D" effect for Windows XP. Using the hotkey of your choice, you can find the window youre looking for in a fast, clean 3D interface.
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Winflip Features
Configurable
Alt-Tab Thingy
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Windows
21 Alt-Tab Thingy alternatives
If you are not familiar with the Alt-Tab task switcher in Windows, its a keyboard short-cut (hot-key) to enable fast switching between applications/windows. This feature has been in Windows since Windows 3.0 and is largely unchanged since Windows 95!
Alt-Tab Thingy has no features, suggest some!
Discontinued
The official website is no longer available. Last version, 4.0.4, released in September 2009, can be still downloaded from the mirrors provided.
WindowFX
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Windows
11 WindowFX alternatives
Revolutionize your operating system with WindowFX. Utilize an unprecedented number of special effects for your windows and maximize your computing experience.
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WindowFX Features
Graphical User Interface
SMBAct
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Window Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
69 SMBAct alternatives
SMBAct is the all-in-one cross-platform solution that allows you to keep your windows and applications well-organized and significantly simplify the process of interaction with them.
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SMBAct Features
1. Support for Multiple MonitorsSMBAct supports the use of multiple displays.
2. LightweightSMBAct consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Window Switching
Desktop Application
Shock 4Way 3D
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Windows
11 Shock 4Way 3D alternatives
General purpose of this program is to use 4 simulating screens simultaneously. To switch into each screen, select one of 4 screens or use shortcut key.
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Shock 4Way 3D Features
Multiple desktops