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Fences

Fences

Automatically organizes Windows desktop icons into labeled, collapsible shaded groups.

softwareOS & Utilitiesdesktop-organizericon-managementwindows-customization
Our Verdict

Best for

Windows users drowning in desktop icons who want a one-time-purchase organizer.

Skip if

You are on Mac/Linux or prefer free built-in desktop icon arrangement tools.

What is Fences?

Fences, made by Stardock, brings order to cluttered Windows desktops by letting users draw shaded regions called 'fences' around groups of icons, files, and folders. Icons can be auto-sorted by type, name, date, or location, and entire groups can be hidden with a single double-click on the desktop.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source❌ No
api available❌ No
support optionsStardock support site and community forums

Key Features of Fences

Draw shaded 'fence' regions on the desktop to group related icons and folders visually.
Auto-sort new icons into the correct fence using rules based on file type, name, date, or location.
Double-click empty desktop space to instantly hide or reveal all fenced icon groups.
Use Peek (Win+Space) to temporarily bring desktop fences above all open windows.
Mirror the contents of any folder onto the desktop as a live Folder Portal.
Apply Icon Tint or Chameleon fading to reduce visual noise from icon backgrounds.
Support multiple color themes, transparency levels, and tab-style fence layouts.
Deploy locked-down fence configurations in managed/enterprise environments.

Use Cases for Fences

1

Taming a cluttered desktop

Group dozens of loose shortcuts and files into a handful of labeled, collapsible fences.

2

Project-based organization

Keep separate fences per active project, client, or file type for quick visual scanning.

3

Shared or kiosk PCs

Use Content Locking to enforce a fixed desktop layout across managed machines.

4

Quick folder access

Use Folder Portals to mirror a frequently used network or local folder directly on the desktop.

Pros & Cons of Fences

Pros

  • Meaningfully reduces desktop clutter without deleting or moving files
  • One-time purchase option avoids a forced subscription
  • Deep customization of colors, transparency, and sorting rules
  • Long track record and active Stardock support

Cons

  • Windows only; no Mac or Linux version
  • Full feature set (Portals, Content Locking) is easier to find via paid tiers than the trial
  • Interface and terminology (fences, peek, chameleon) takes some getting used to for new users

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fences move or delete my files?

No, it only visually groups and organizes icons already on the desktop; files stay in their original location.

Is there a free version?

There is a free trial, but full ongoing use requires either the one-time perpetual license or a subscription.

Does it work on Windows 11?

Yes, Fences 6 officially supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and ARM-based devices.

Can I try it before buying?

Yes, Stardock offers a free trial download from the official product page.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Paid (One-time)

Perpetual License

$29.99

Fences Subscription

$9.99

Object Desktop Suite

$9.99

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About the Product

Unclaimed Listing
Platforms
Target AudienceWindows power users who accumulate many desktop icons and files

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Tags

desktop-organizericon-managementwindows-customizationproductivitydeclutter

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