Simple Mac Exposé Mimic for Windows

good
key review info
application features
  • Run at Windows logon
  • (7 more, see all...)

Mac’s Exposé has always been a coveted feature by Windows users, not only because it achieves its purpose better than its counterpart in Windows, but also because it looks better and it is easier to use.

Win7sé is a simple alternative for the Task Switcher in Windows. It tries to add a little pizzazz to Microsoft’s operating system by offering a different way to skip between open windows.

The application is free of charge and does not require installation. It works by creating hot corners, which are assigned to execute specific task switching actions when the mouse hits them.

As soon as deployed, it sets its icon in the system tray and automatically activates the hot corners. You can control its functionality by simply clicking on the tray icon.

Win7sé is so simple that it does not have a proper interface. All you’ll see is the configuration panel that shows the actions set up for the corners.

By default, it can show all opened windows (All Windows), if available, display the list of gadgets in the sidebar (Dashboard), show the elements on the desktop (Desktop) or it allows you to change the focus of the last opened windows by simply moving your mouse to the right corner (Fast Switch).

However, although you can assign a total of four actions, Win7sé offers a total of six actions. The additional two let you initiate the screen saver or send the monitor into sleep mode. If you do not require the default four, these two come in handy especially when you step away from the computer and know that it’s going to be for a longer period.

The default set-up of the application fits the needs of most users. Unlike the Task Switcher in Windows, the counterpart in Win7sé shows a much larger grid of windows, which, in some cases, can also act as a preview.

For a better view at the application windows, Win7sé automatically dims down the rest of the desktop, thus highlighting the elements. The interesting part is that the dimming occurs even when you want to preview the desktop, with the focus dropping on the icons, creating a 3D-like effect.

Smart Switch function is a cool way to skip through multiple windows. Simply move your mouse to the desktop corner that is assigned the action and the focus moves from one window to another; this does not work with minimized windows, though.

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Review image
Review image

Apart from equipping the corners with new functionality, Win7sé also offers a minimal configuration of its own. It is just a set of three options you have to deal with, but they do improve the way the application serves its purpose.

As such, you can disable background dimming and aero peek. As far as the latter is concerned, the developer’s recommendation goes for disabling it, making previewing from the taskbar, or of the desktop, impossible. You will, however, be able to view taskbar thumbnails.

During our tests, we have noticed that the gadget bar is not highlighted properly at all times. On the upside, Win7sé worked well with the other functions, sleep mode and the screensavers being triggered immediately when taking the mouse to the assigned corner.

Although the developer presents Win7sé as a simpler imitation for Windows, of the Exposé function on Mac systems, the application is very far behind.

But despite this, it does have its advantages as it offers an easy way to move between various applications on the desktop without touching the keyboard or clicking the mouse. On the same note, the application is portable and requires no installation.


The Good

It is intuitive and extremely easy to set up. It functions out of the box, as the initial configuration is suitable for most users.

There are six actions available and you can assign any of them to any desktop corner you deem more suitable to your needs.

The Bad

Despite being this simple, not all the functions work properly; but a greater disadvantage is the lack of more options and functions. We have also noticed a few blank spots in the drop-down menu for the corner actions.

The Truth

Win7sé is far from mimicking Mac’s Exposé. It offers just a few alternatives for switching between windows and although at first sight it looks like a nifty replacement for Task Switcher, over time its simplicity might turn against it and make users look for a better application of the same kind.

user interface 3
features 3
ease of use 3
pricing / value 3


final rating 3
Editor's review
good