HazeOver for Windows: Meet FocusDim
HazeOver is a popular Mac app that dims your inactive windows so you can focus on what matters. But it's Mac-only. FocusDim brings that same window-dimming to Windows. Try it free for 30 days.
On a Mac? FocusDim runs on macOS too, and our HazeOver alternative for Mac page compares the two side by side.
HazeOver (Mac)
$4.99 on Mac App StoreHazeOver highlights your front window by fading out all background windows. It's one of the most popular focus tools on macOS, with adjustable dimming intensity and multi-display support.
Platform: macOS only - no Windows version available.
FocusDim (Windows)
Free for 30 daysFocusDim does what HazeOver does, but on Windows, with extras. Three highlight modes (active window, app windows, or all windows), automatic drag escape, custom dim colors, and a global hotkey toggle.
Platform: Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | HazeOver | FocusDim |
|---|---|---|
| Dim inactive windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adjustable dim intensity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Global hotkey toggle | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-monitor support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smooth fade animations | ✓ | ✓ |
| System tray integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Active window highlight border | ✗ | ✓ |
| Works on Windows | ✗ | ✓ |
| Highlight all windows (dim desktop only) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Auto-fade while dragging windows | ✗ (manual fn key) | ✓ |
| Custom dim colors | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free 30-day trial | ✗ | ✓ |
Why Choose FocusDim?
- Three highlight modes that HazeOver doesn't have (App Windows and All Windows are FocusDim exclusives)
- Automatic drag escape. HazeOver needs a manual fn key press. FocusDim detects the drag for you
- Custom dim colors (black, purple, blue, gray, or any hex code)
- Native Windows integration, built for Windows 10/11
- Lightweight, runs in your system tray with minimal resources
- Part of the PeakFlow suite with 3 other productivity tools
How FocusDim Works
FocusDim creates a transparent overlay that covers your entire screen (or screens, if you have multiple monitors). It detects which window is in focus and cuts a hole in the overlay so that window shows at full brightness. Everything else gets dimmed.
You can adjust the dim intensity from 10% to 90% through the system tray menu - find the sweet spot where background windows are visible enough to glance at, but dim enough to keep you focused on your current task.
The overlay is click-through, so you can still click on dimmed windows to switch to them. FocusDim updates the active window cutout on each switch. Toggle the effect on and off with Ctrl+Shift+D.
Window Dimming for ADHD: Reduce Visual Overstimulation
If you have ADHD, you know that open windows, flashing notifications, and visual clutter can be distracting and stimulating in a way that makes sustained focus hard. FocusDim dims everything except your active window, cutting the visual noise that triggers context-switching.
Pair FocusDim with Liquid Focus - a Pomodoro timer with webcam focus detection that catches when you drift. FocusDim removes the visual triggers, Liquid Focus catches the internal drift. Together they form the ADHD focus stack. Read our full guide: ADHD Productivity on Windows.
Comparing options? See every HazeOver alternative for Mac and Windows, including the free Windows dimmers.
Download FocusDim for Windows
The HazeOver experience on Windows. Free for 30 days, lightweight, no account needed.
Download FocusDim.exeWindows 10/11 • Free for 30 days