ScrnFix vs FancyZones

FancyZones (a PowerToys module) lets you define custom grid zones and snap windows into them. ScrnFix saves entire workspaces (apps + positions + monitors) and restores them with a hotkey. These are different products — here's how to pick.

What each actually does

	FancyZones	ScrnFix
Unit of work	A zone on a monitor	A whole workspace (apps + layout)
Core interaction	Shift+drag window into zone	Save preset once, hotkey to restore
Remembers where apps go	✗ (you drag every time)	✓
Launches missing apps	✗	✓ Launch + Restore
Named presets / workspaces	✗	✓ Unlimited
Hotkey per preset	✗	✓ Global shortcuts
Boot-time auto-restore	✗	✓
Tray menu / system integration	✗	✓
Price	Free	Free beta / $11 Lifetime

Use FancyZones if…

• You're happy opening apps manually and just want a custom grid to drop windows into.
• Your monitor layout rarely changes.
• You already use PowerToys for other utilities (Always on Top, Color Picker, PowerRename) and want everything in one place.

Use ScrnFix if…

• Opening + arranging your apps takes more than 30 seconds every morning.
• You switch between distinct workspaces (work, gaming, streaming) and want a fast context switch.
• You want apps to launch automatically, not just positioned when they happen to be open.
• You want a tray app with a visible workspace name, not a hidden preset file.

Use both, honestly

FancyZones and ScrnFix don't conflict — FancyZones gives you the grid, ScrnFix saves the workspace. Plenty of power users have zones defined in FancyZones and presets in ScrnFix. Use the grid for on-the-fly snapping, use the presets for context switching.