The best way to secure a window air conditioner is to support the unit’s weight and keep the window from lifting or sliding open. Those are two different jobs: a support bracket helps carry the AC, while a window lock or security bar helps hold the sash in place. Check your window style, measurements, and the air conditioner’s installation instructions before choosing hardware. The options below cover both needs, plus one window AC if you’re still shopping for the appliance itself.
| Product | Best for | Key fit details | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEKIS No-Drill Window AC Bracket | Supporting an AC from outside the window | 17–41-inch window opening; 3–10-inch wall thickness | Support bracket, not a sash lock |
| Shop Square Window Locks, 10 Pack | Blocking a sliding sash from moving | Tracks up to 3/16 inch with insert or 3/8 inch without | Does not carry the AC’s weight |
| Shop Square Adjustable Window Locks, 10 Pack | Locking a sliding window track | Tracks up to 7/32 inch | Check track width before ordering |
| JEACENT AC Security Window Lock Bar | Restricting how far a window can open | Extends from 10 to 17.5 inches; track at least 1 inch wide | Held in the track with supplied adhesive strips |
| ROVSUN 8000 BTU Window AC with Heat | Shopping for a window AC appliance | Window width 26–36 inches; window height 16 inches | An AC unit, not a security accessory |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Way To Secure A Window Air Conditioner reviews
WEKIS No-Drill Bracket for Supporting a Window AC
This WEKIS bracket is designed to support the weight of a window air conditioner from outside the window. Its double-arm design is rated to hold up to 300 pounds, and the aluminum alloy construction has an epoxy resin coating intended to resist rust and corrosion. That makes it the most directly relevant pick here if your main concern is reducing the load on the sill.
The bracket adjusts for window openings from 17 to 41 inches and wall thicknesses from 3 to 10 inches. It is described as a no-drill installation, with adjustable support legs, rubber pads, a sealing strip, and a level and wrench included. These details may suit renters or people who want to avoid drilling, but “no-drill” does not mean every window is compatible. The listing excludes sliding, outward-opening, and casement windows.
Use a support bracket as one part of a secure installation, not as a replacement for the window’s own locks or the AC maker’s mounting instructions. This bracket is intended to help support the appliance; it is not described as a device that prevents the window from being raised or the unit from being removed.
Pros:
- Rated to support up to 300 pounds with a double-arm design
- Fits a stated range of opening widths and wall thicknesses
- No drilling or tools are required for the bracket installation, according to the listing
- Includes rubber pads and a sealing strip
Cons:
- Not suitable for sliding, outward-opening, or casement windows
- Provides support but does not replace a sash lock or security bar
Verdict: Choose this bracket if your window matches its fit range and you need added support beneath a window AC; pair it with a separate window lock if you also need to keep the sash secured.
Shop Square 10-Pack Locks for Sliding Window Tracks
These adjustable aluminum stoppers are made to clamp into sliding window and door tracks. For a window AC installation, a track lock can help limit how far the sash can move above the unit. The locks use thumb screws, so you can tighten them by hand rather than relying on a powered tool.
The pack includes 10 locks with vinyl lining intended to protect the frame and improve grip. The listed fit is up to 3/16 inch with the detachable rubber insert, or up to 3/8 inch without it. Measure the track where the lock will sit, since a mismatch can prevent it from fitting or gripping as intended.
These locks can help keep a sliding sash in position, but they are not a substitute for a bracket that supports the AC’s weight. Compared with the JEACENT bar, they offer multiple compact locking points rather than one extending bar. The right choice depends on your track dimensions and how you want to restrict sash movement.
Pros:
- Includes 10 adjustable locks
- Designed for vertical and horizontal sliding windows and doors
- Thumb-screw setup does not require tools
- Vinyl lining helps protect the frame from scratches
Cons:
- Track width must fall within the stated fit limits
- Does not support the air conditioner itself
Verdict: This set is a practical option for restricting a compatible sliding sash, especially if you want several locks, but use a separate AC support bracket where needed.
Shop Square Adjustable Locks for Narrower Tracks
This 10-pack serves the same basic purpose as the other Shop Square set: each aluminum stopper tightens in a sliding track to help keep a window from moving. The listing specifically states that these locks fit tracks up to 7/32 inch wide, so they may work for a track that is too wide for the first set’s insert-in-place configuration but still within this model’s limit.
The locks use thumb screws and are intended for both horizontal and vertical sliding windows. They can be used to keep a window partly open or to restrict movement around an AC setup, depending on the window layout. Measure the track carefully before buying; the small size difference between products makes checking your own window more useful than choosing by appearance alone.
Like the other track locks, these are sash restraints, not load-bearing supports. If your concern is the weight of the AC or pressure on the sill, consider a properly fitted support bracket as well. This option is best compared directly with the other Shop Square pack by matching the stated maximum track width to your window.
Pros:
- Includes 10 aluminum track locks
- Fits sliding tracks up to 7/32 inch wide, as stated in the listing
- Hand-tightened thumb screws make installation straightforward
- Works with horizontal and vertical sliding windows
Cons:
- Track dimensions need to be checked before purchase
- Does not carry or support the AC’s weight
Verdict: Pick this set if its 7/32-inch track limit matches your window; it is a window-positioning aid, not a replacement for structural AC support.
JEACENT Steel Bar to Limit Window Opening
The JEACENT lock bar is an adjustable steel restraint designed for window tracks when an AC is installed. It extends from 10 to 17.5 inches and is intended to stop the window from opening farther. Its all-steel construction makes it a more rigid alternative to a set of small track stoppers.
The bar is held in the window track with supplied adhesive strips, and the listing says no tools are needed. Check that your track is at least 1 inch wide and that the bar’s adjustable length suits the opening you need to secure. Its narrow adjustment range may not work for every window arrangement.
This product is aimed at keeping the sash from moving, not supporting the weight of the AC. Compared with the Shop Square locks, it offers a single bar rather than multiple thumb-screw stoppers. It may suit someone who prefers a more continuous restraint, provided the track and opening dimensions are compatible.
Pros:
- Steel construction
- Adjusts from 10 to 17.5 inches
- Designed to restrict window opening around an AC installation
- Installs without tools using the supplied adhesive strips
Cons:
- Requires a window track at least 1 inch wide
- Does not support the air conditioner’s weight
Verdict: Consider this bar if your track is wide enough and its length fits your opening; add a separate support bracket if the AC needs extra support beneath it.
ROVSUN Window AC with Heat for Appliance Shoppers
This ROVSUN is an 8,000-BTU window air conditioner with heating, fan, and dehumidifier functions. It is included here for readers who are shopping for the AC unit itself, rather than an accessory to secure one. It does not replace a bracket, sash lock, or security bar.
The listed window fit is 26 to 36 inches wide and 16 inches high. It runs on 115 volts and includes installation parts, a remote, and Wi-Fi and voice-control features. The listing describes cooling for rooms up to 350 square feet, as well as 4,000 BTU of heating. Confirm the dimensions of your window and the installation requirements before choosing this unit.
Because this is the only appliance in the group, it is not a direct alternative to the support and locking hardware. If you buy it, follow its installation instructions and select compatible support and window restraints separately. The listed feature set may appeal to someone looking for heating and cooling in one window unit, but the fit range is more specific than the adjustable hardware options above.
Pros:
- Combines cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan functions
- Listed for rooms up to 350 square feet
- Includes remote, Wi-Fi, and voice-control features
- Installation parts are included
Cons:
- It is an AC appliance, not a security or support accessory
- Requires a window within the stated width and height range
Verdict: Consider this unit if you need a window AC with heating and your window matches its dimensions, but plan on separate hardware to support and secure the installation.
How to Choose Window AC Security Hardware
Separate weight support from window security
A bracket and a sash lock solve different problems. A support bracket helps carry the air conditioner and can reduce the load on the sill. A track lock or security bar helps keep the window from sliding or lifting. If you need both kinds of protection, choose hardware for each job rather than expecting one accessory to do everything.
Confirm your window style
The products here are designed for particular window setups. Track locks and the JEACENT bar are intended for sliding tracks, while the WEKIS bracket listing says it does not suit sliding, outward-opening, or casement windows. Identify how your window opens before ordering, and check the AC manufacturer’s installation directions for the window types it supports.
Measure the track, opening, and wall thickness
Small measurement differences matter. The Shop Square lock options list different maximum track widths, and the JEACENT bar requires a track at least 1 inch wide. The WEKIS bracket lists an opening range of 17 to 41 inches and wall thicknesses from 3 to 10 inches. Measure the specific surfaces where each product will sit instead of relying on general window dimensions.
Check the AC’s weight and installation instructions
Before selecting a support bracket, check your air conditioner’s weight and follow its installation manual. The WEKIS bracket is listed with a support capacity of up to 300 pounds, but that figure alone does not confirm compatibility with every sill, wall, or window. If the installation feels unstable or the window frame is damaged, seek qualified help rather than relying on a lock to compensate.
Consider how the hardware attaches
Some products use hand-tightened thumb screws, while the JEACENT bar is held in place with supplied adhesive strips. The WEKIS bracket is described as no-drill and includes rubber pads and a sealing strip. Consider whether the attachment method suits your window material, rental restrictions, and intended use. Follow the product instructions, and do not assume that no-drill hardware is automatically suitable for every frame.
Plan for a secure, weather-aware installation
Once the AC is installed, check that the window is held in place and that the unit is stable according to its manual. Look for gaps around the opening and use the appropriate sealing materials for your setup. Recheck the hardware if it loosens or shifts. A window restraint can limit sash movement, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against theft or as a substitute for safe installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to secure a window air conditioner?
Use the installation method specified by the AC maker, add a compatible support bracket when needed, and use a separate lock or bar to keep the window sash from moving. The exact hardware depends on your window style, measurements, and the unit.
Does a window AC support bracket lock the window?
Not necessarily. A support bracket is designed to help carry the air conditioner’s weight. A track lock or security bar is intended to restrict window movement. Check each product’s stated purpose rather than assuming one provides both functions.
Can I use a sliding window lock with a window AC?
Some track locks are listed for sliding windows and AC setups, but fit depends on the track width and window layout. Measure the track and confirm the lock’s limits before buying. A track lock does not support the AC’s weight.
Are no-drill window AC brackets suitable for every window?
No. The WEKIS bracket is listed for specific opening widths and wall thicknesses and excludes sliding, outward-opening, and casement windows. Check the bracket’s fit requirements along with your AC instructions before installation.
Do I need both a bracket and a window lock?
You may, because they address separate concerns. A bracket can help support the unit, while a lock or bar can help prevent the sash from opening. Base your choice on the AC’s instructions, the condition of your window, and the hardware’s compatibility.
How do I know whether a window lock will fit?
Measure the track where the lock will be installed, then compare that measurement with the product’s stated limit. For the bar-style option, check both the track width and the length needed to span the opening.
Final Recommendation
For added support beneath a compatible window AC, the WEKIS bracket is the most directly relevant choice in this group. To restrict sash movement, compare the Shop Square locks and JEACENT bar against your track measurements. A secure setup may require separate support and locking hardware, so check your window and appliance instructions before installation.
