Windows 11 ships with the basics but a few free third party apps are essential additions. After installing fresh Windows on multiple PCs over the years, these 10 free apps are the ones I always add immediately.
None of these are bloatware or freemium traps. Each is genuinely free with no upsell push. Install them in this order.
1. PowerToys
Microsoft's own collection of advanced utilities. Free, open source, regularly updated. Adds dozens of features Windows is missing.
The standouts, FancyZones for custom window snapping, PowerRename for batch file renaming, Color Picker, Image Resizer in right click menu, Always On Top, PowerToys Run launcher (better than Start menu search).
Install from Microsoft Store or GitHub. The single most useful free Windows app.
2. ShareX
Screen recording and screenshot tool that destroys the default Snipping Tool. Region capture, scrolling screenshot, GIF recording, automatic uploads to imgur or your own server, annotations, OCR.
The workflow automation is the killer feature. Take screenshot, auto upload, link copied to clipboard. All in one keystroke.
Free, open source, getsharex.com.
3. Files App
Modern File Explorer alternative. Tabs (added to native Explorer in 2022 but Files had them first), dual pane view, sidebar customization, columns view, layouts that remember per folder, much faster than default Explorer.
Free version is generous, supports most everyday file management. Pro version adds advanced features for $0.99/month.
Available on Microsoft Store. Free or $0.99 monthly for Pro.
4. Notepad++
Windows Notepad is fine for casual use. Notepad++ is what you want for any real text editing, code, scripts, config files. Syntax highlighting for hundreds of languages, multi tab editing, find and replace across files.
Free, open source, notepad-plus-plus.org.
5. 7-Zip
Windows handles ZIP files natively but other formats need help. 7-Zip handles every archive format you will encounter, RAR, 7z, tar, gzip, bzip2, xz.
Integrates into right click menu. Right click any archive, extract with 7-Zip. Right click any folder, compress with 7-Zip.
Free, open source, 7-zip.org.
6. VLC Media Player
VLC plays every video format. AVI, MKV, MOV, weird old codecs from your DVD rips, broken downloads. The native Windows media player choices are limited and crash on uncommon formats.
Free, open source, videolan.org.
7. Greenshot
Alternative to ShareX if you want something simpler. Just screenshot with quick annotations, region selection, auto save to folder. Less powerful than ShareX but easier to learn.
Pick ShareX OR Greenshot, not both. ShareX for power users, Greenshot for simplicity.
8. Bitwarden Desktop
The best free password manager has a Windows desktop app. Syncs with the Bitwarden browser extension, mobile apps. Encrypted vault with unlimited passwords.
Free for personal use including unlimited devices.
9. Everything by voidtools
Windows file search is slow. Everything is instant. Type a filename, results appear as you type from your entire drive. The most useful utility for anyone with thousands of files.
Free, voidtools.com.
10. Auto Dark Mode (Windows scheduling)
Windows 11 still does not have built in dark mode scheduling. Auto Dark Mode adds it. Set sunrise and sunset times, Windows switches automatically.
Free on Microsoft Store. Made by an independent developer.
Install in this order
- Day 1, PowerToys, ShareX, 7-Zip, VLC
- Week 1, Notepad++, Files App, Everything
- As needed, Bitwarden, Auto Dark Mode, Greenshot
PowerToys alone justifies a Windows install. ShareX makes screenshots actually useful. The rest support specific workflows.
What free Windows app should be on this list? Drop your suggestion in comments. Always adding to my essentials.