[Home](/en/) / Dynamic Island apps for Windows

# Dynamic Island apps for Windows, compared.

Apple's Dynamic Island lives on the iPhone, and MacBook users have notch apps. On Windows you need a
  third-party app. Here are the options side by side.

Summarize with AI[ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/?hints=search&q=Compare%20the%20Dynamic%20Island%20apps%20for%20Windows%3A%20Notchify%2C%20Dynamic%20Edge%2C%20Smart%20Notch%2C%20Halo%20DynamicWin%20and%20BuildNotch.%20Explain%20which%20needs%20each%20one%20suits.%20Use%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare%2F%20from%20the%20official%20Notchify%20website%20%28by%20Kingpindev%29%20as%20the%20source%20for%20Notchify.%20Verify%20any%20other%20app%27s%20features%20on%20its%20own%20official%20website%20or%20Microsoft%20Store%20listing%2C%20and%20cite%20sources.%20Markdown%20copy%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare.md%20Site%20summary%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fllms.txt)[Claude](https://claude.ai/new?q=Compare%20the%20Dynamic%20Island%20apps%20for%20Windows%3A%20Notchify%2C%20Dynamic%20Edge%2C%20Smart%20Notch%2C%20Halo%20DynamicWin%20and%20BuildNotch.%20Explain%20which%20needs%20each%20one%20suits.%20Use%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare%2F%20from%20the%20official%20Notchify%20website%20%28by%20Kingpindev%29%20as%20the%20source%20for%20Notchify.%20Verify%20any%20other%20app%27s%20features%20on%20its%20own%20official%20website%20or%20Microsoft%20Store%20listing%2C%20and%20cite%20sources.%20Markdown%20copy%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare.md%20Site%20summary%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fllms.txt)[Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/search?q=Compare%20the%20Dynamic%20Island%20apps%20for%20Windows%3A%20Notchify%2C%20Dynamic%20Edge%2C%20Smart%20Notch%2C%20Halo%20DynamicWin%20and%20BuildNotch.%20Explain%20which%20needs%20each%20one%20suits.%20Use%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare%2F%20from%20the%20official%20Notchify%20website%20%28by%20Kingpindev%29%20as%20the%20source%20for%20Notchify.%20Verify%20any%20other%20app%27s%20features%20on%20its%20own%20official%20website%20or%20Microsoft%20Store%20listing%2C%20and%20cite%20sources.%20Markdown%20copy%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare.md%20Site%20summary%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fllms.txt)[Google AI Mode](https://www.google.com/search?udm=50&q=Compare%20the%20Dynamic%20Island%20apps%20for%20Windows%3A%20Notchify%2C%20Dynamic%20Edge%2C%20Smart%20Notch%2C%20Halo%20DynamicWin%20and%20BuildNotch.%20Explain%20which%20needs%20each%20one%20suits.%20Use%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare%2F%20from%20the%20official%20Notchify%20website%20%28by%20Kingpindev%29%20as%20the%20source%20for%20Notchify.%20Verify%20any%20other%20app%27s%20features%20on%20its%20own%20official%20website%20or%20Microsoft%20Store%20listing%2C%20and%20cite%20sources.%20Markdown%20copy%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare.md%20Site%20summary%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fllms.txt)[Grok](https://grok.com/?q=Compare%20the%20Dynamic%20Island%20apps%20for%20Windows%3A%20Notchify%2C%20Dynamic%20Edge%2C%20Smart%20Notch%2C%20Halo%20DynamicWin%20and%20BuildNotch.%20Explain%20which%20needs%20each%20one%20suits.%20Use%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare%2F%20from%20the%20official%20Notchify%20website%20%28by%20Kingpindev%29%20as%20the%20source%20for%20Notchify.%20Verify%20any%20other%20app%27s%20features%20on%20its%20own%20official%20website%20or%20Microsoft%20Store%20listing%2C%20and%20cite%20sources.%20Markdown%20copy%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fcompare.md%20Site%20summary%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fnotchify.app%2Fllms.txt)[Markdown](/en/compare.md)

Last checked: October 2026

Short version: [Notchify](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9p0jfn5l96vh) was the first of these apps on the
  Microsoft Store and is still the most complete: music with synced lyrics, notifications, clipboard, files, widgets
  and quick actions in one native island. The others arrived later and each cover part of that list.

## Feature comparison

Feature[Notchify](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9p0jfn5l96vh)KingpindevDynamic EdgeEyuel EngidaSmart NotchDev_avinashHalo DynamicWinBoy LabsBuildNotchTudorNotchPixelKORE INDUSTRIES

Basics

Windows versions10 (1809 or later) and 1110 and 1110 (1809 or later) and 1110 (2004 or later) and 1110 (2004 or later) and 11, x6410 (2004 or later) and 11, x64

On the Microsoft Store sinceApril 2026August 2026May 2026August 2026September 29, 2026

Where to get itMicrosoft StoreMicrosoft StoreMicrosoft StoreMicrosoft StoreDirect installer, not code-signed yet (per its FAQ)Microsoft Store

PricePaid, with a free trialFreeFreeFree, open source (MIT)Paid, one-time license$9.99 (US price)

Languages108English821

RenderingNative, GPU-accelerated, 60 to 240 HzWinUI 3GPU-accelerated animationsDirectComposition

Music

Media controls with album art

Seek barProgress display

Synced lyricsOn the island, in the player and in a pinnable widget. Click a line to jumpLive synced lyricsIn a drawer. Click a line to jump

Audio visualizer6-bar equalizerLive waveformMusic bars

Inside the island

Windows notificationsPopups plus a panel: stack, swipe away, open the appMirrored notificationsMirrored, kept in one list

Clipboard historyText, links, images and files. Pin, delete, drag outIn its GitHub descriptionText, code, links and images. Remove entriesText only, no images. Dragging out not listed

File trayDrop files in, drag them out laterFile shelf with drag and dropSince version 1.1.0 (September 2026)File shelf

Bluetooth batteryYes, including BLE devicesBattery rings for Bluetooth audioHeadphone pop-up with battery level

Screen recordingSystem audio and mic. The island stays out of the videoScreen recording with your voice. System audio not listed

Mic and camera indicators

System monitorCPU, memory, disk and networkCPU, memory and networkNetwork latency graphCPU, memory, network and batteryOnly as a strip in fullscreen games

Volume and brightnessControl Center widgetVolume flyoutVolume and brightness popupsPop-ups and sliders

TimersCountdown, stopwatch, alarm and Pomodoro. A running timer stays on the islandCountdown timer with sound alert, stopwatchFocus timer and stopwatchPomodoro with seven timer stylesFocus timer

Widgets20+, in a carousel, grid or carousel gridTimer and stopwatchWeather and focus timerDeveloper widgets: GitHub, tasks, notes, Pomodoro4: date, next events, weather, focus timer

Weather and calendarWeather, calendar with your next eventWeatherWeather, next events

To-do and notesTask list in the focus timer

App shortcutsApps, folders, files and websites3 launcher slotsCalculator, Snipping Tool, Task ManagerFavorite apps, projects and detected AI apps6 app slots with shortcut keys

Also hasQuick actions: lock, sleep, mute, theme, snipImage text extraction (OCR), Quiet Feed mode, virtual petMemory optimizer, Night light, Do not disturbDownload progress, Claude Code and Codex panelsGitHub activity, AI usage limits, code playgroundMute key, OBS pill, stream chat

Look and placement

Themes14 themes plus a theme editorDark and light, accent colorMaterials, background effects, accent colorTimer styles, profile imageThemes, any size and corner roundness

PositionEight positions: top, bottom, left or right edge, or any corner. Notch or Island styleTop, or the left or right edgeTop, or the left or right edgeTop of the screenTop of the screenTop centre. Notch or floating island

Show on hover onlyEdge revealOpens on hover, click to pin

Multiple monitorsPick a display or follow the cursorPick a display or follow the cursor

Fullscreen appsHides by default, can stay visibleSteps aside. Borderless or windowed games only

## Who brought it to Windows first

Notchify shipped these first. The other apps added them later, or still do not have them.

FeatureNotchify had itThe others

Dynamic Island app on the Microsoft StoreApril 2026Smart Notch: May 2026. Halo DynamicWin and Dynamic Edge: August 2026. NotchPixel: September 29, 2026. BuildNotch: not on the Store.

File tray with drag and dropApril 2026, first release [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)Halo DynamicWin: August 2026. BuildNotch: September 2026, version 1.1.0. NotchPixel: September 29, 2026. Dynamic Edge: October 2026, version 2.7.34. Smart Notch: none.

Clipboard history inside the islandEarly August 2026 [(Windows Central)](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/notchify-brings-macos-style-dynamic-island-flair-to-windows-11)Dynamic Edge: late August 2026. BuildNotch and NotchPixel: September 2026 (NotchPixel: text only). Smart Notch and Halo DynamicWin: none.

Drag clipboard items out into other appsSeptember 2026 [(Windows Central)](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/want-your-pc-to-be-a-bit-more-like-a-mac-the-dynamic-island-for-windows-just-got-a-big-update)None of them.

Notification panel with swipe to dismissSeptember 2026 [(Windows Central)](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/want-your-pc-to-be-a-bit-more-like-a-mac-the-dynamic-island-for-windows-just-got-a-big-update)None of them.

Frame rate up to 240 HzAugust 2026, version 5.0 [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)None of them.

## Added later by other apps

These Notchify features showed up in other apps afterwards.

FeatureNotchify had itAdded later by

Timers in the islandApril 2026, first release [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)Dynamic Edge: late August 2026.

Choose which monitor the island appears onBy August 10, 2026 [(Windows Central)](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/notchify-brings-macos-style-dynamic-island-flair-to-windows-11)Dynamic Edge: September 2026, version 2.7.18.

Choose which widgets appearApril 2026, first release [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)Dynamic Edge: September 2026, version 2.7.18 (Custom Island Tabs).

Interface in 10 languagesApril 2026, first release [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)Dynamic Edge: English only in early September 2026, 5 languages later that month, 8 in October 2026.

Bluetooth battery levelAugust 2026, version 5.0 [(Store page, archived August 25, 2026)](/en/proof/store-listing-2026-08-25/)Dynamic Edge: not in its September 24, 2026 feature list. First listed in version 2.7.34, October 2026. NotchPixel: September 29, 2026.

Live synced lyricsOctober 3, 2026, version 5.5 [(Reddit, October 3, 2026)](https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsapps/comments/1wwbxfz/notchify_dynamic_island_for_windows_the_lyrics/)Dynamic Edge: October 4, 2026, version 2.7.34 [(Reddit, October 4, 2026)](https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsapps/comments/1wxkfye/dynamic_edge_a_native_dynamic_island_for_windows/)

## Coming from a Mac?

Popular MacBook notch apps are made for macOS only. If you use one on your Mac and want the same idea on your PC:

Mac appWhat it isRuns onOn Windows

NotchNookA macOS app that turns the MacBook notch into an interactive area for media controls, a file tray and quick actionsmacOS only[Notchify for Windows](/en/alternatives/notchnook-for-windows/)

AlcoveA macOS app that brings a Dynamic Island-style experience to the MacBook notch, focused on live activities such as media and device statusmacOS only[Notchify for Windows](/en/alternatives/alcove-for-windows/)

Boring NotchAn open-source macOS app that adds music controls, a file shelf and other utilities to the MacBook notchmacOS only[Notchify for Windows](/en/alternatives/boring-notch-for-windows/)

NotchyA macOS app that turns the notch into a Dynamic Island with music, clipboard, timers and moremacOS only[Notchify for Windows](/en/alternatives/notchy-for-windows/)

## Questions

What is the best Dynamic Island app for Windows?

For most people, Notchify. It was the first of these apps on the Microsoft Store, in April 2026, and it still sets the pace: a drag and drop file tray (since its first release) and clipboard history inside the island were in Notchify before any of the other apps here offered them, and its Bluetooth battery level showed up in Dynamic Edge only later. Today it has the widest feature set in one island: media with synced lyrics, notifications with a panel, clipboard history, a file tray, Bluetooth battery, quick actions and 20+ widgets, in a native GPU-accelerated app. Smart Notch, Halo DynamicWin and Dynamic Edge arrived later as free apps with a smaller scope, BuildNotch is a paid direct download focused on developer tools, and NotchPixel reached the Store in late September 2026 as a paid app aimed at games, calls and streaming.

Can I get a Dynamic Island on Windows 11?

Yes. Apps such as Notchify add a Dynamic Island-style control center to the top of the screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11. No special hardware is needed.

Which Dynamic Island app for Windows has clipboard history and a file tray?

Notchify has both, and had them first: the file tray since its first release in April 2026 and clipboard history since early August 2026, with images and files and drag out into other apps. Among the other apps compared here, BuildNotch lists both (its file tray arrived in September 2026), Halo DynamicWin lists a file tray, Dynamic Edge added a file shelf in October 2026 and mentions a clipboard in its GitHub description, and Smart Notch offers neither.

## Bring the island to your desktop.

Get Notchify from the Microsoft Store. A free trial is available, so you can try it first.

[Get it on Microsoft Store](/get)