Top essential Windows applications to install on every new PC

Windows computers are an important instrument for work and entertainment. Furthermore, even if they accompany some key applications preinstalled, where a PC shines is after you add third-party software and applications.

It’s enthralling to use another PC for the first time, but as much as we love Windows 11, we realize the experience is perfect out of the case.

Fortunately, the ecosystem of applications on Windows is essentially never-ending, so there are a lot of ways of improving that experience. The following are the applications you should look at if you maintain that your brand-new PC should be even more helpful to you.

Productivity Applications

1. Todoist

We all have things we need to do — at work and in our other lives. The worst place you could store those things, as we would like to think, is in your mind. It’s simply distressing: you’ll recall, random moments, that there’s something you should do, and that memory will bring in panic. Writing down all you want to do allows you to make a plan and (significantly) implies you don’t need to overreact.

Todoist also coordinates with Zapier, which means you can automatically make tasks in Todoist whenever something occurs in one of your most loved applications. Look at some ideas for automating Todoist with Zapier, or get everything started with one of these templates.

2. Reclaim.ai

If you have a challenging time sticking to habits, similar to your morning medication or that brisk afternoon walk, an AI planning partner is an incredible method for assisting you get back on track without scheduling headaches.

For this, Reclaim.ai, gets the job done. An extraordinary choice looks great, works shockingly better, and offers the right balance between power and complexity.

However, there are a lot of different choices. Attempt an artificial intelligence booking collaborator for half a month, and check whether it assists you with investing your energy all the more productively. You may be surprised by how rapidly you notice a difference in your efficiency.

3. Office Suites

An office suite is a collection of software applications for making and editing reports, spreadsheets, introductions, databases, and more. Some well-known office suites include:

Microsoft Office: The most broadly used office suite, with applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

LibreOffice: A free and open-source office suite practical with Microsoft Office report plans.

Google Workspace: A cloud-based office suite with applications like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Keep.

Office suites are best for making capable reports, presentations, and spreadsheets. They offer best features and can be used for various tasks, like creating reports, making financial models, and making presentations.

4. Note-Taking Applications

A note-taking application is a software application intended for catching and organizing notes, ideas, and data. Some famous note-taking applications include:

Evernote: A famous note-taking application with features for catching text, pictures, sound, and video.

OneNote: A note-taking application from Microsoft that is essential for the Microsoft Office suite. OneNote offers a digital notebook experience with adaptable material for capturing ideas.

Notion: A notable work area that can be used for note-taking, managing, and task management.

Note-taking applications are a remarkable technique for catching ideas, planning information, and staying helpful. They can be used for various purposes, such as taking notes in class, brainstorming ideas for a task, or making an arrangement for the daily routine.

Best Internet Browsers

1. Opera — The #1 choice for security and protection with a built-in VPN administration, but the proxy doesn’t indicate which nation you’re connecting with.

2. The Onion Router (TOR) — Encode and reroutes your traffic through various nodes, but the high-level protection altogether slows down your speeds.

3. Mozilla Firefox — Quick and secure with adjustable protection settings, but it requires investment to tinker with numerous tricky choices.

4. Ungoogled Chromium — Offers daily security updates but requires you to manually install them.

5. Epic Privacy Browser — Instantly deletes your information when you close the program but makes it hard to get its open-source coding documents.

6. Brave — Incorporates ads, tracker, and malware blocker into its point of interaction, but it’s still extremely new available.

7. Iridium — Allow no information monitoring except for doesn’t work with Android and iOS.

8. Apple Safari — Uses sandboxing to protect every tab from malware, but gathers specific pieces of your information and uses it for maintenance.

9. Vivaldi — Come with a highly user-friendly connection with a choice to customize nearly everything, except you want to enroll with your details to use it.

10. Google Chrome — Consistently improves browsing security, but gathers and offers your information with advertisers.

Best Antivirus Protection for Windows

1. TotalAV Antivirus

If you need a balanced antivirus program that can protect you on numerous fronts, TotalAV has the component list you’re probably searching for. It covers all of the core functionality, which will shield you from a portion of the nastier malware out there, similar to Trojans and worms. It will also build your security and, surprisingly, your PC’s performance. Although TotalAV’s second-year cost is a little steep, the inaugural period is reasonable, particularly when you consider all that you’re getting.

2. Bitdefender Antivirus

We’re always impressed with Bitdefender, which could be one justification for why it reliably best our list of the best antivirus software available. It’s quick, it’s viable, and there’s a fully functional free version. And when we put out the cash for an entire year’s membership, we were rewarded with a lot of even more amazing features, from an “autopilot” function to Bitdefender’s VPN. Perhaps Bitdefender’s iOS applications could use a little work, but we were unable to see much as a lot to complain about regarding its Windows application.

3. AVG Antivirus

AVG is one more example of a company that offers a free version of its antivirus programming for Windows, and that version contains effective tools and powerful devices for running both speedy and in-depth scans. However, its Web Security variant is reasonably valued at just $59.88 each year, and its Ultimate package, which comes with a VPN, tuneup software, and coverage for up to 10 devices, is at currently priced at the same. That makes AVG perhaps one of the best deals out there for Windows antivirus software.

4. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source internet browser created by the Mozilla Foundation and its subsidiary, the Mozilla Organization. It uses the Gecko rendering motor to show pages, which executes current and expected web standards.

Here are some of the main features of Mozilla Firefox:

• Protection: Firefox is known for its emphasis on security. It offers various features to help clients with protecting their security online, like blocking tracking cookies and encryption connections.

• Security: Firefox is also very secure. It is consistently updated with security patches to protect clients from malware and other web-based dangers.

• Adaptability: Firefox is highly adaptable. Clients can install add-on items to add new features and functionality to the program.

• Performance: Firefox is a quick and efficient browser. A decent choice for clients needs a program that can deal with even the most demanding sites.

Security and Antivirus Software for New PCs

1. Windows Defender

Overview: Built-in antivirus answer for Windows 10 and 11.

Features: Real-time protection, standard updates, firewall, and network protection.

Pros and Cons: Effective for basic protection, minimal system impact, but may lack advanced features found in third-party solutions.

2. Malwarebytes

Overview: A well-known anti-malware software.

Features: Recognizes and removes malware, ransomware, spyware, and other high level threats.

Pros and Cons: Excellent at detecting zero-day exploits, can run close by other antivirus software, but the free version only offer on-demand scanning.

3. Bitdefender

Overview: Comprehensive security suite.

Features: Constant security, multi-layer ransomware protection, anti-phishing, anti-fraud tools.

Pros and Cons: High detection rates, low effect on system performance, but the full version requires a membership.

4. Norton 360

Overview: All-in-one security solution.

Features: Real-time threat protection, VPN, password manager, cloud backup, and parental controls.

Pros and Cons: Comprehensive protection with many features, great client service, but can be more costly compared with different choices.

5. Kaspersky Internet Security

Overview: Powerful security software with a strong reputation.

Features: Anti-virus, against ransomware, firewall, secure connection (VPN), and privacy tools.

Pros and Cons: High detection rates, easy to understand interface, but a few users might have privacy concerns.

6. Avast Free Antivirus

Overview: Famous free antivirus choice.

Features: Real-time protection, malware examining, Wi-Fi security output, and browser protection.

Pros and Cons: Free with numerous useful features, standard updates, but has promotions and may gather client information.

7. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Overview: Lightweight and quick antivirus software.

Features: Real-time protection, against phishing, device control, and minimal impact on system performance.

Pros and Cons: Strong protection with low system impact, but the interface may seem less intuitive contrasted with others.

8. AVG Antivirus

Overview: Trusted free antivirus program.

Features: Real-time updates, malware protection, and performance optimization tools.

Pros and Cons: Free and simple to use, regular updates, but has promotions and limited features contrasted with premium versions.

File Management Applications

Default File Management Tool

Windows Explorer is a document utility program included in windows traveler with the name file explorer. a file management system which is the default management tool. It allows the client to see, access, manage, or erase documents on your system using a basic window. Functions and features of windows explore are as per the following:

• It can access and manage files of various software namely, excel, word, and so on

• Helps to browse files on your hard drive and also, external storage like USB.

• It assists to manage files in a hierarchy in folders.

• Besides, it also assists to drag and move documents among folders.

The default file management tool in mac devices is Finder. Although Windows Explorer and Finder have many features, they are insufficient for business purposes.

Examples of File Management Tool

A few examples are as follows:

• eFileCabinet

• Microsoft OneDrive

• Dropbox

• Apple iCloud

• Google Drive

Best Communication Applications

Microsoft Teams

• Outline: Comprehensive collaboration platform.

• Features: Chat, video conferencing, document sharing, coordinated with Microsoft Office applications.

• Advantages and disadvantages: Consistent combination with Office 365, powerful list of capabilities for business use, but can be complex for new clients.

Zoom

• Overview: Famous video conferencing application.

• Features: Great video calls, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms.

• Advantages and disadvantages: Simple to use, solid video quality, free plan available, but security concerns have been brought up previously.

Slack

• Overview: Team communication and collaboration tool.

• Features: Coordinated channels, direct messaging, document sharing, integrations with various outsider applications.

• Pros and Cons: Intuitive interface, strong integrations, but can become overpowering with many channels.

Skype

• Overview: Long-lasting communication application by Microsoft.

• Features: Video calls, voice calls, texting, screen sharing, global calling.

• Pros and Cons: Generally used, free for Skype-to-Skype calls, but has faced competition from additional advanced tools like Zoom and Groups.

Discord

• Overview: Initially designed for gamers, presently well known for general communication.

• Features: Voice, video, and text chat, community servers, screen sharing.

• Pros and Cons: Free with many features, great for community building, but a few high-level features require a subscription (Discord Nitro).

WhatsApp Desktop

• Overview: Desktop version of the popular mobile application.

• • Features: Messaging, voice and video calls, report sharing, fully encrypted.

• Pros and Cons: Easy to use if you’re already a WhatsApp client, but requires your phone to be associated.

Telegram Desktop

• Overview: Secure informing applications with an emphasis on speed and privacy.

• Features: Texting, voice calls, file sharing, secret chats with end-to-end encryption.

• Pros and Cons: Quick and secure, supports large file moves, but not mostly used for video conferencing.

Google Meet

• Outline: Video conferencing service created by Google.

• Features: Video and audio calls, screen sharing, integration with Google Workspace.

• Advantages and disadvantages: Simple to use, coordinates well with Google services, but the free version has limited features contrasted with some competitors.

Viber

• Overview: Cross-platform voice-over IP and texting software.

• Features: Free voice and video calls, informing, stickers, and media sharing.

• Pros and Cons: Free and simple to use, strong security features, but less well known in some regions compared with WhatsApp or Skype.

Signal

• Overview: Privacy-focused messaging application.

• Features: End-to-end encryption for messages and calls, disappearing messages, and group chats.

• Advantages and disadvantages: High protection and security, suggested by security advocates, but fewer features contrasted with standard applications.

Media Players and Editors

1. PowerDVD – Best Overall

PowerDVD is the best video player for Windows 10/11 because it allows you to download, coordinate, transfer, offer, and play videos, music, photographs, and more. It supports every document design and can play DVDs and Blu-beams. This video player can also screencast to your extra-large television, giving you a cinematic experience with improved sound and video.

2. Zoom Player

Zoom Player has a completely adaptable UI, adjustable hotkeys, and loads of choices to customize video and sound playback. This video player for Windows 10/11 has media organizational features, can play DVDs, and is perfect for advanced clients.

3. SMPlayer – Best for Playing YouTube Recordings

SMPlayer is a free video player for Windows 10/11 and Linux with an interface you can tweak with included skins and icon themes. If you need to quit playback for an extended period, this media player (for Windows 10/11) will remember where you left off and save your playback settings. Not only can you search and download subtitles, but you can also play videos with 2 captions on the screen at once, in various languages.

4. Vidmore Player

This media player (for Windows 10/11) offers command-over playback with the typical title, section, volume, and subtitle changes. It also gives more advanced controls, for example, changing or handicapping a soundtrack, changing the sound channel to the Sound system, switching the Sound system, Left, or Right, and changing the hue, brightness, saturation, immersion, and Gamma of your video.

5. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source video player for Windows 10/11, Mac, and Linux/GNU. It can play DVDs, CDs, 360-degree videos, and videos from any media document or gadget, including VCDs, webcams, and streaming protocols. This video player (for Windows 10/11) plays almost all codecs with no codec packs required.

VLC Media Player is free without any promotions, spyware, or client tracking and it can play DVDs and an extensive variety of file formats. It is filled with features, but there is a steep learning curve. Also, you can’t use labels on this media player for (Windows 10/11), making organization difficult.

Backup and Cloud storage

Google Drive (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Web)

Google Drive pros:

• Built-in to Android devices, including automatic photo backup

• Can keep files in the cloud and access them on any device to save hard drive space

• Powers storage of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other Google Workspace records

Backup and Cloud storage

Google Drive cons:

• Compelled to use it expecting you use Google Work area

Google has been enthusiastic about the distributed storage scene since the mid-’00s, at the time battling with destined-to-be-obsolete Amazon Drive. Additionally, accepting that you use Google Docs or other Work area applications, you need to keep them in Google Drive.

Google makes it simple to update hard circle space on your device. You can choose to “stream” or “mirror” your records. Streaming means you should be online to see them. Reflecting means your reports live on both your PC and the cloud, so you can get to them at whatever point, even disconnected, and they sync when you’re on the web.

iCloud (Macintosh, Windows, iOS, Web)

iCloud pros:

• Consistently incorporates with all Apple devices

• Zero maintenance it simply works

iCloud cons:

• Photographs take up the bulk of your storage space

• Not available cross-platform (e.g., Windows PC, Android phone, and so forth.)

Other than its competitive pricing, the main motivation to use iCloud is that it’s so consistent with Apple devices. ICloud backup has benefits for Apple, as well: it makes it ludicrously simple to update your device.

Dropbox

Dropbox pros:

• Low-maintenance application that simply works

• Full cross-platform support

Dropbox cons:

• Eliminated their 2TB shareable family plan in 2024

• Not as competitively priced as different options on this list

Dropbox offers numerous competitive features in its superior plans, including picture watermarking, a built-in manager, and remote information wipe choices for device theft.

While its free storage amount is little, it’s all that could be needed for documents or sharing your annual folder of tax crap with your bookkeeper. However, Dropbox is the main cloud storage administration authoritatively supported by well-known composing application Scrivener. If you’re searching for a basic cloud storage application that is not difficult to use regardless of anything else or need the best support sync answer for Scrivener, Dropbox is the ideal one for you.

System Optimization and Maintenance

There are various system optimization and maintenance applications available, both free and paid. The following are a couple of the most famous options:

CCleaner(Free and Paid): CCleaner is a famous system optimization application that can assist you with cleaning increasing junk files, fixing registry mistakes, and overseeing startup programs.

AVG TuneUp (Free and Paid): AVG TuneUp is an extensive system optimization application that can assist you with cleaning and increasing junk files, defragmenting your hard drive, fixing vault mistakes, overseeing startup programs, and optimizing system settings.

Iolo System Mechanic(Paid): Iolo System Mechanic is another famous application that offers a large number of features, including cleaning up junk folders, defragmenting your hard drive, fixing registry errors, overseeing startup programs, improving system settings, and updating drivers.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer (Paid): Ashampoo WinOptimizer is a system improvement application that offers different features, including removing junk folders, defragmenting your hard drive, fixing registry errors, overseeing startup programs, and enhancing system settings.

Fortect(Free): Fortect is a decent choice for clients who are searching for a free system optimization application. Fortect can assist you with cleaning up junk files, fixing registry errors, and overseeing startup programs. It also incorporates a few extra features, for example, real-time malware protection.

Windows Developer Tools

Here are the most well-known devices:

• Visual Studio: A strong Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that gives an extensive arrangement of devices for building a wide variety of uses, including desktop applications, web applications, mobile applications, and games. Visual Studio offers features for code editing, debugging testing, and organization. There are a few versions of Visual Studio available, including a free Community Version.

Visual Studio Code: A lightweight but strong source code editor that upholds various programming languages and systems. Visual Studio Code is the best choice for developers who are searching for a quick and adaptable code manager.

Windows SDK: A collection of APIs, instruments, and documentation that developers can use to construct Windows applications. The Windows SDK includes tools for making UIs, overseeing information, working with the organization, and more.

.NET System: A managed runtime environment that designers can use to make various applications, including Windows Structures applications, ASP.NET web applications, and WPF applications.

Windows Terminal: The latest, feature-rich terminal application for Windows. Windows Terminal allows designers to run numerous command shells and tabs at the same time.

Microsoft Edge DevTools: The developer tools that are incorporated into the Microsoft Edge internet browser. Microsoft Edge DevTools provides various features for investigating and profiling web applications.

Miscellaneous Utilities

1. f.lux

• Overview: Changes your display’s color temperature based on the time of day.

• Features: Lessens eye strain, and improves sleep by decreasing blue light exposure at night.

• Advantages and disadvantages: Free and successful for lessening eye strain, but may not suit every one of clients’ preferences.

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Outline: Standard software for reviewing, printing, and clarifying PDF documents.

• Features: Supports opening and interacting with a wide range of PDF content, including forms and multimedia.

• Pros and Cons: Important for working with PDFs, but the unlocked version requires a subscription.

3. Spotify

• Outline: Well-known music streaming service.

• Features: Access to a huge number of songs, playlists, digital broadcasts, and customized suggestions.

• Pros and Cons: Broad music library, free and premium forms, but the free version incorporates ads.

4. HandBrake

• Outline: Open-source video transcoder.

• Features: Converts video files into different formats, and upgrades video for various devices.

• Pros and Cons: Free and flexible, supports huge formats but might be complex for beginners.

5. IrfanView

• Outline: Lightweight and quick picture watcher and editor.

• Features: Supports various picture formats, batch processing, and important editing tools.

• Pros and Cons: Free, highly effective for reviewing and editing pictures, but lacks advanced editing features tracked down in more powerful software.

6. Greenshot

• Outline: Screen capture tools improved for efficiency.

• Features: Capture regions, windows, or full screens, annotate, and export screenshots.

• Pros and Cons: Free, simple to use, highly adjustable, but might be basic for the latest image editing.

7. TreeSize Free

• Outline: Disk space management tool.

• Features: Visualize disk space use, recognize large files and folders, tidy up hard drive.

• Pros and Cons: Free, gives clear insight into disk use, but the free version has limited features contrasted with the paid variant.

8. Everything

• Outline: Quick document search tools.

• Features: Immediately finds documents and folders by name, lightweight and productive.

• Pros and Cons: Very quick and free, but search only by file name, not content.

9. AutoHotkey

• Outline: A scripting language for automating tasks.

• Features: Make custom scripts to automate repetitive tasks, remap keys, and make macros.

• Pros and Cons: Strong and free, highly adjustable, but requires some scripting information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do I have to install more applications on another PC?

• Another PC frequently comes with basic software pre-installed, but extra applications can improve usefulness, efficiency, security, and client experience, fitting the system to your particular necessities.

Q2. What are the most important applications to install first?

• The most important applications include a web browser (e.g., Google Chrome), security software (e.g., Windows Protector or Malwarebytes), efficiency devices (e.g., Microsoft Office), and communication applications (e.g., Microsoft Teams or Zoom).

Q3. Do I need antivirus software if Windows Defender is installed?

• Windows Defender gives great protection, but extra antivirus software like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender can offer more complete security, particularly against advanced threats.

Q4. What are the best productivity applications for another PC?

• Microsoft Office or LibreOffice for office tasks, OneNote or Evernote for note-taking, and Adobe Acrobat Reader for working with PDFs.

Q5. Which internet browser is best for me to think about installing?

• Famous options include Google Chrome for its speed and extensive extensions, Mozilla Firefox for its security features, and Microsoft Edge for its consistent integration with Windows.

Q6. How could I ensure my documents are backed up and secure?

• Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to back up important documents and ensure they are open from any place.

Q7. What applications are best for managing media files?

• VLC Media Player for playing different media formats, GIMP for picture editing, and Audacity for sound editing.

Q8. Are there any free alternatives to paid software?

• Indeed, LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, GIMP is a free option to Adobe Photoshop, and 7-Zip is a free alternative to WinRAR.

Q9. What are the best applications for system optimization and upkeep?

• CCleaner for cleaning up unnecessary documents and managing system execution, Defraggler for disk defragmentation, and computer chip Z for itemized system data.

Q10. How might I improve my communication setup on another PC?

• Introduce communication applications like Microsoft Groups for collaboration, Zoom for video conferencing, and Slack for group messaging. WhatsApp Desktop and Telegram Desktop are also perfect for individual communication.

Q11. What are a few helpful miscellaneous utilities?

• f.lux for changing screen brightness based on the time of day, All that for quick file looking, and KeePass for managing passwords safely.

Q12. Is it important to install every one of these applications at once?

• No, you can prioritize based on your nearby necessities and install more applications over the long time as required.