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Fix a window that will not stay open

We'll confirm the symptom, rule out a disengaged sash, then isolate the cause—failed balance on double-hung or worn crank on casement—and fix it or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
15–45 min
What you'll need
  • Putty knife or pry bar (for removing stop bead on double-hung)
  • Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
  • Replacement balance or operator (if tests show a fault)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the window drops when released, determine the type, then fix the balance (double-hung) or crank (casement).

  • Lift or crank the window open and release it. If it drops or drifts closed, the balance or crank has failed.
  • Good: The window drops—proceed to Double-hung path or Casement path based on type.
  • Bad: The window sticks when opening or closing—different problem; see Fix a window that sticks.

Double-hung path

Goal: Re-engage a disengaged sash or replace a failed balance on a double-hung window.

  • Check if the sash is disengaged from the balance. If the sash was tilted in for cleaning and not re-engaged, it can drop. Look at the jamb where the sash meets the frame—the balance shoe should be in the sash slot.
  • If disengaged: tilt the sash in or remove the stop bead, align the balance shoe with the slot, and push the sash back into the jamb until it engages. Test—the sash should hold.
  • If engaged but still drops: the balance spring has failed. Remove the stop bead, disconnect the sash from the balance, remove the old balance, and install a replacement (match part number or take to a hardware store). Re-engage the sash.
  • If the balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners, you cannot access it—call a window professional.
  • Good: The sash holds when released—done.
  • Bad: Balance inaccessible or replacement did not work—call a window pro.

Casement path

Goal: Tighten or replace the crank operator on a casement or awning window.

  • Check the operator. Tighten the screws that hold it to the frame. If the crank slips or the window will not hold, the operator gears are worn.
  • Replace the operator: remove the old one (usually four screws), match at a hardware store or order by window brand and size, install the new one. Test.
  • Good: The window holds at any position when you stop cranking—done.
  • Bad: Replacement did not work—call a window professional.

When to get help

Call a carpenter or window professional if:

  • The balance is sealed inside vinyl jamb liners and you cannot access it.
  • The frame or jamb is damaged.
  • You have replaced the balance or operator and it still drops.
  • The window is large or heavy.

Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame. For related fixes, see Fix a window that sticks, Fix a door that will not stay open, or Fix a door that sticks.

Verification

  • The window stays open at full and partial positions when released.
  • Double-hung: The sash holds when you lift it and release.
  • Casement/awning: The window holds when you stop cranking.
  • No slipping, drifting, or dropping.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the window drops when released; rule out sticking.
  2. Re-engage sash (double-hung) Check if the sash is disengaged from the balance; re-engage if needed.
  3. Replace balance (double-hung) Replace the balance spring if the sash is engaged but still drops.
  4. Crank — tighten or replace (casement) Tighten operator screws or replace the crank mechanism.
  5. Call a pro Balance inaccessible, frame damaged, or repeated failures—call a carpenter or window pro.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Window type (double-hung, casement, awning)
  • Whether the sash is disengaged or the balance is broken
  • Whether the crank slips or the operator is worn
  • Steps already tried

Does the window drop when you release it?

Lift or crank the window open and release it. If it drops or drifts closed, the balance or crank has failed. If it sticks when opening, that is a different problem.

Open and release the window. Yes: It drops or drifts closed—proceed to determine window type. No: If it sticks when opening or closing, that is a different problem—see Fix a window that sticks.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is it a double-hung or casement/awning window?

Double-hung: sashes slide up and down. Casement/awning: crank-operated, swing or tilt out.

Check the window type. Double-hung: Sashes slide vertically—proceed to check the balance. Casement/awning: Crank-operated—proceed to check the crank.

Double-hung Casement/awning

You can change your answer later.

Is the sash disengaged from the balance?

If the sash was tilted in for cleaning and not re-engaged, it can drop. The balance shoe or pivot bar should be in the sash slot.

Look at the jamb where the sash meets the frame. If the sash pulls away easily, it may be disengaged. Disengaged: Re-engage the sash—align the balance shoe with the slot and push the sash back into the jamb. Engaged: The balance spring may be broken—replace it.

Yes No (engaged but still drops)

You can change your answer later.

Re-engage the sash and test

Tilt the sash in or remove the stop bead. Align the balance shoe with the slot in the sash. Push the sash back into the jamb until it engages. Test—the sash should hold. Good: Window stays open—done. Bad: Still drops—replace the balance.

Done

Replace the balance and test

Remove the stop bead. Disconnect the sash from the old balance. Remove the balance and get a replacement (match part number or take to hardware store). Install and re-engage the sash. If the balance is sealed in vinyl jamb liners, call a window pro. Good: Window holds—done. Bad: Balance inaccessible or still drops—call a pro.

Done

Does the crank slip or the operator feel loose?

Worn operator gears cause the window to slip or not hold. Loose mounting screws can also cause slippage.

Check the operator. Tighten mounting screws. If the crank slips or the window will not hold, replace the operator. Good: Tightening fixed it—done. Bad: Replace operator or call a pro if replacement did not work.

Yes No (other issue)

You can change your answer later.

Tighten or replace the operator

Tighten the operator mounting screws. If the crank still slips, replace the operator—remove the old one, match at hardware store, install new. Test. Good: Window holds—done. Bad: Still slips—call a window pro.

Done

No action needed or different problem

If the window opens and closes smoothly and stays where you put it, you are done. If the window sticks when opening or closing, that is a different problem—see Fix a window that sticks.

Done

Call a carpenter or window pro

Call a carpenter or window professional if: the balance is sealed in vinyl jamb liners; the frame or jamb is damaged; you have replaced the balance or operator and it still drops; or the window is large or heavy. Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a window not stay open?
Double-hung windows use balance springs in the jamb to counter the weight of the sash. When the spring breaks or the sash disengages, the window drops. Casement and awning windows use a crank operator—when the gears wear or strip, the window will not hold open.
Can I fix a window that will not stay open myself?
Yes. For double-hung windows, you can often re-engage a disengaged sash or replace a balance spring. For casement windows, you can tighten the operator or replace the crank mechanism. If the balance is sealed inside the jamb liner, you may need a window pro.
When should I call a pro for a window that will not stay open?
Call a carpenter or window professional if the balance is inaccessible (sealed in vinyl jamb liners), the frame or jamb is damaged, you have replaced the balance or crank and it still drops, or the window is large or heavy. Do not force a stuck sash—it can damage the balance or frame.

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