[FancyZones] TWS InteractiveBrokers window is not detected

[torontob]

ℹ Computer information

• PowerToys version: Latest stable
• PowerToy Utility:
• Running PowerToys as Admin: No
• Windows build number: [run "Windows 10"]

📝 Provide detailed reproduction steps (if any)

1. I have 4 monitors (one is a wide screen). I use fancyzones to create zone and some windows can be placed in zones while others can't be. Specifically a program called TWS from IBKR (link: https://www.interactivebrokers.ca/en/index.php?f=16040) can is not recognized by PowerToys as a window at all because I don't see the layouts when moving it around with Shift held or without.
2. IBKR TWS might be coded in Java or something...
3. Download IBKR TWS from link above please and test for yourself.

✔️ Expected result

IBKR TWS should be treated as any other window and be placed in a fancy zone

❌ Actual result

IBKR TWS is not recognized at all by powertoys

📷 Screenshots

There is no way to provide screenshot when moving a window

[torontob]

Can you please tell me if this is a quick fix for you guys or many weeks etc or looks like a never fix?
I have to look into a solution and appreciate a response. Thanks.

[enricogior]

@torontob
at present, the problem with TWS InteractiveBrokers cannot be fixed since FancyZones doesn't receive the notification that the window is currently dragged. The app seems to have too much custom rendering to make it possible, at least is not possible in FancyZones, other window managers that might use a different approach may be able to detect it.
Have you tried other window managers to check if they can zone this application?

[enricogior]

I've added the app to https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/wiki/Application-Compatibility
Closing the issue since we don't have any plan to change the architecture of the window detection logic.

[torontob]

@torontob
at present, the problem with TWS InteractiveBrokers cannot be fixed since FancyZones doesn't receive the notification that the window is currently dragged. The app seems to have too much custom rendering to make it possible, at least is not possible in FancyZones, other window managers that might use a different approach may be able to detect it.
Have you tried other window managers to check if they can zone this application?

Thanks for the clarification.

May I know why you do not like to add this as a feature? i.e. improve (not change) the window detection logic?

[enricogior]

@torontob

May I know why you do not like to add this as a feature? i.e. improve (not change) the window detection logic?

Changing the detection logic would be a overwhelming task that would put any other work on hold probably for a couple of months or even more, something that we can simply not take into consideration.
Basically we don't have the time and the resources to make such a large architectural change in the product, just to support a few apps that are not following the standards.

[torontob]

@torontob

May I know why you do not like to add this as a feature? i.e. improve (not change) the window detection logic?

Changing the detection logic would be a overwhelming task that would put any other work on hold probably for a couple of months or even more, something that we can simply not take into consideration.
Basically we don't have the time and the resources to make such a large architectural change in the product, just to support a few apps that are not following the standards.

Thanks for the clarification. I understand the challenges you explained.

Based on what you looked at, would you say all program coded in Java may be not supported by PowerToys (specifically for window drag detection)?

P.S. I tried couple other windows manager software and had the same issue. I am wondering if you have a term for the way window in IBKR TWS is dragged so I can google search + windows manager software.

[brad8898]

I have found a window manager app in the Windows store that works well with TWS. The app is called "Snap It", and can be found here: http://enginkirmaci.com/projects/snapit. It is written and maintained by a young developer based in Turkey, who seems to have figured out by himself how to make this work.

I would prefer to use FancyZones, but for now, Snap It is a fairly polished piece of software that is doing the job.