bug.n

What bug.n is

bug.n is a free tiling window manager add-on for the Microsoft Windows Explorer shell, written in AutoHotkey. It arranges windows with Tile, Monocle, and Floating layouts, which users can customize for each virtual desktop view. Views can display selected windows, and windows can be tagged to one or more views. The status bar can show details such as the active window, layout, date and time, system resource use, battery, and volume. It supports multiple monitors. Configuration variables and hotkeys are changed in a Config.ini file. There is no installation process: users unpack the ZIP and run the executable or AutoHotkey script. Documentation lists Windows 2000 or higher as a requirement, and AutoHotkey 1.1.10 or higher when running from source. The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 3; its repository says v9 is the stable version and that active development and maintenance have ended. Release notes warn of a window-list leak that may slow the program after extended continuous use, with restarting offered as a workaround.

Who it suits

bug.n suits Windows users who want tiled layouts, virtual desktop views, and configurable hotkeys. It may also fit users comfortable running an executable or AutoHotkey script without a conventional installer.

Limits

The free plan is the only listed plan. Release notes describe a window list leak that may slow bug.n after continuous long-term use; restarting is suggested as a workaround.

Getting started

1. Download and unpack the ZIP from the project website.
2. Run the executable, or run the AutoHotkey script.
3. For source use, meet the listed AutoHotkey 1.1.10 or higher requirement.
4. Edit Config.ini to customize configuration variables and hotkeys.

Verdict

bug.n offers configurable window layouts and views at no cost, with support for multiple monitors. Its discontinued maintenance and the documented slowdown issue are important considerations.