• U
  • CopyQ icon
  • Clavier+ icon
  • KeyCombiner icon
  • Enpass icon
  • +31

My Must-Haves for Windows

playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister36 appsUpdated
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Stuff that I have on every Windows computer. These complement Windows and some of them should be included with Windows. Many of these are both Free and Open Source, too. Most are free or freemium.

Header Image by nanoagency https://iconscout.com/illustrations/interface-research

Must have utilities

  1. The MAGIC behind this lightning fast search engine is reading the MFT (like a phonebook) of the disks.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
  2. CopyQ icon
     Like

    Multi-platform clipboard tool monitoring and saving text, images, and custom formats, with tabs, search, shortcuts, scripting, and customization for efficiency.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    CopyQ screenshot 1
    Shows a list of previously copied text or images.
    Tabs with text, HTML and image items
    +5
    Simple built-in editor
  3. Clavier+ icon
     Like

    Clavier+ allows you to create global keyboard shortcuts for launching applications, opening folders, writing text and opening websites.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Clavier+ screenshot 1
    Clavier+ screenshot 1
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    FOSS simple keyboard mapper for windows

  4. KeyCombiner helps you learn exactly the keyboard shortcuts you need. Create your own shortcut collections by importing from a large public database of shortcuts (VSCode, Vim, IntelliJ, Gmail, Notion, Excel, etc.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Instant Lookup in the current App (If available):
Just Press Win/cmd+Alt+C
    A personal collection table with its shortcuts mapped onto a virtual keyboard.
    Advanced statistics tracking your learning progress.
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    pops up a window with searchable shortcuts relevant to the current window

  5. Enpass icon
     Like

    Enpass offers you freedom from remembering too many passwords and other important credentials. It secures them in one place by your master password and makes them accessible anywhere and everywhere - on your smartphones, tablets, or desktops.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Google Chrome
    • Microsoft Edge
    Enpass screenshot 1
    Enpass screenshot 1
    Enpass screenshot 2
    +3
    Enpass screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    multi-OS synced password vault, can back up on cloud

  6. Filelight icon
     Like

    Displays disk usage visually with interactive segmented rings, scans local and remote disks, allows direct file management, and integrates with KDE file managers.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • KDE Plasma
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    Filelight screenshot 1
    Filelight screenshot 1
    Filelight screenshot 2
    +2
    Filelight screenshot 3
  7. Cryptsync icon
     Like

    CryptSync is a small utility that synchronizes two folders while encrypting the contents in one folder. That means one of the two folders has all files unencrypted (the files you work with) and the other folder has all the files encrypted.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Cryptsync screenshot 1
    Cryptsync screenshot 1
    Cryptsync screenshot 2
    +1
    Cryptsync screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    syncs between encrypted (for cloud storage) and original, working unencrypted original folders.

  8. WinRAR icon
     Like

    Compress and encrypt files with versatile software, supporting multiple formats for secure data transfer and offering efficient storage options.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • ReactOS
    • MS-DOS
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • visionOS
    WinRAR screenshot 1
    WinRAR screenshot 1
    WinRAR screenshot 2
    +4
    WinRAR screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    It's the best archiver for the past 25 years

  9. TreeSize icon
     Like

    Analyze disk space usage with in-depth insights and interactive visualizations across local and network drives, including mobile devices.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    The main window is split into the file system tree on the left and the details view on the right.
    Details view offers valuable information about the disk usage like the folder size, the disk space wasted due to the file system structure, the last access date, the NTFS compression rate and the owner.
    The tree map is an hierarchical chart visualizing the size of all subfolders.
    +5
    Treesize Professional can scan Mobile Devices via MTP
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    easily analyze folder structure

  10. ShareX icon
     Like

    Free and open-source tool for screen capture and recording; enables file uploads, annotation, dark mode, 4K support, and customizable themes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    • Steam
    Main window
    ShareX screenshot 1
    ShareX screenshot 2
    +29
    ShareX screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Fantastic screeshot taker and editor with lots of functionality built in

  11. Portable BSD-licensed image editor for Windows offering multi-layer support, batch processing, extensive filters, macro recording, and broad file compatibility.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    PhotoDemon screenshot 1
    PhotoDemon screenshot 1
  12. Luna icon
     Like

    A lightweight automatic theme changer for Windows 10.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Luna screenshot 1
    Luna screenshot 1
    Luna screenshot 2
    +2
    Luna screenshot 3
  13. USBTreeView is a Windows graphical user interface application that enables you to browse all USB controllers and connected USB devices on your computer.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    USB Device Tree Viewer (UsbTreeView) screenshot 1
    USB Device Tree Viewer (UsbTreeView) screenshot 1
    USB Device Tree Viewer (UsbTreeView) screenshot 2
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    standalone executable capable for analyzing the USB ports

  14. Optimize your Windows PC with powerful tools to fix, speed up, and maintain systems, offering one-click registry cleaning, privacy protection, and disk cleanup.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Glary Utilities screenshot 1
    Glary Utilities screenshot 1
    Glary Utilities screenshot 2
    +3
    Glary Utilities screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    computer maintenance tool package

  15. GPG4Win icon
     Like

    Gpg4win enables users to securely transport emails and files with the help of encryption and digital signatures. Encryption protects the contents against an unwanted party reading it. Digital signatures make sure that it was not modified and comes from a specific sender.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Microsoft Office Outlook
    • S/MIME
    • GnuPG
    GPG4Win screenshot 1
  16. Nushell icon
     Like

    This project has reached a minimum-viable product level of quality. While contributors dogfood it as their daily driver, it may be unstable for some commands. Future releases will work fill out missing features and improve stability.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Nu pipelines use structured data so you can safely select, filter, and sort the same way every time.
    Out-of-the-box support for JSON, YAML, SQLite, Excel, and more.
    Detailed error messages.
  17. ConEmu icon
     Like

    Windows console emulator with tabs, which presents multiple consoles and simple GUI applications as one customizable GUI window with various features.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    ConEmu screenshot 1
    ConEmu screenshot 1
    Alpha transparency in ConEmu
    +2
    Windows 7 Jump list
  18. WinGet icon
     Like

    Open-source CLI tool enables installing, upgrading, and managing Windows software via command line, supports configuration files, automation, and curated repository.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    WinGet screenshot 1

Planning and storing information

  1. Obsidian icon
     Like

    Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • AppImage
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1
    Obsidian screenshot 1
    Obsidian screenshot 2
    +6
    Obsidian screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    I am currently in transition from Notion to Obsidian, as the former is limited to online-use only and the latter is way faster

  2. Todoist icon
     Like

    Manages tasks across all platforms with advanced language recognition. It integrates with 60+ tools, and offers templates for various projects.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
    • Apple Watch
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Microsoft Outlook
    • Android Wear
    • Safari
    • Gmail
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Todoist screenshot 1
    Todoist screenshot 1
    Todoist screenshot 2
    +4
    Todoist screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Great task manager, works on every platform and really easy to use and sort

Windows 10 settings backup

  1. After devoting so much time arranging tiles on the Start menu, it would be annoying if something were to happen to it , a registry corruption , a new application installation or a bad update can rearrange or delete the tiles on the Start menu.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Icon
    Backup
    restore
    +2
    layout reset
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Finally, a way to save the Start Menu Layout for when migrating or re-installing windows

Customizing the user experience

  1. FancyWM icon
     Like

    FancyWM is a dynamic tiling window manager for Microsoft Windows.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    FancyWM screenshot 1
    FancyWM screenshot 1
  2. Fences icon
     Like

    Desktop organizer for Windows 10/11, arranging files in customizable shaded areas. Features include quick access, snapshot layouts, and enterprise tools.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Steam
    Fences screenshot 1
    Maintain a distraction-free desktop.
    'Roll up' fences to their title bar to save space.
    +8
    Customize fence color, opacity, and more.
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    keeps your desktop organized on any screen with Fences and folder portals

  3. Label folders with customizable color or image-coded icons to identify status, priority, or content type, enabling rapid visual organization and quick folder access.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Folder Marker screenshot 1
    Folder Marker screenshot 1
    Folder Marker screenshot 2
    +1
    Folder Marker screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    easily customize folder icons from the context menu. add your own libraries too !

  4. Winaero Tweaker is a universal tweaker software which supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Winaero Tweaker screenshot 1
    Winaero Tweaker screenshot 1
    Winaero Tweaker screenshot 2
    +2
    Winaero Tweaker screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Tweaks many annoyances out and suggests things that you didn't know are possible.

  5. Customize right-click menus in Windows Explorer with built-in file operations, custom commands, symbolic links, folder sync, and advanced context controls.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • File Explorer
    Main Screen Tips for beginners
    Example of Menu and Submenu (for a Folder)
    Tools
    +22
    Menu
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    extends your context menu with a customizable set of built in and personal commands

  6. Advanced volume mixer for Windows 10 and 11 providing per-app control, device switching, audio visualization, hotkeys, automatic updates, and modern interface.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    EarTrumpet screenshot 1
    EarTrumpet screenshot 1
    EarTrumpet screenshot 2
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    simple task bar volume controller, better than the one included with Windows10

  7. QuickLook icon
     Like

    The Quick Look feature from Mac OS X, which allows users to preview file contents quickly by pressing the Space key, is missed. Windows doesn't have this feature. While alternatives like WinQuickLook and Seer exist, the decision was made to create a new version because the...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Preview of a shapefile (.shp) using the shapefile viewer plugin https://github.com/birderyu/QuickLook.Plugin.ShapefileViewer
    Preview of a PDF file
    Preview of a .docx file using the office plugin at https://github.com/QL-Win/QuickLook.Plugin.OfficeViewer
    +16
    Preview of an excel .xlsx file using the office plugin at https://github.com/QL-Win/QuickLook.Plugin.OfficeViewer
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    simple and easy file previewer extensible by plugins

  8. A feature-rich, simple-to-use app seamlessly integrated with a clean, minimal and modern user interface.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    ImageGlass screenshot 1
    ImageGlass screenshot 1
    ImageGlass screenshot 2
    +1
    ImageGlass screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Great and lightweight image viewer

  9. This tool filters and passes the command line arguments of Microsoft Edge processes into your default browser instead of hooking into the microsoft-edge: handler, this should provide resiliency against future changes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    MSEdgeRedirect screenshot 1
    MSEdgeRedirect screenshot 1
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Removes Edge results fom search

Media Players

  1. Cross-platform, free media player supports multimedia files, DVDs, streaming, offers hardware acceleration, 4K, lossless audio, and more.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Windows Mobile
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
    • Apple Watch
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Apple TV
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Kindle Fire
    • Haiku
    • Android TV
    • OpenAPK
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Xbox
    VLC Media Player screenshot 1
    VLC Media Player screenshot 1
    VLC Media Player screenshot 2
    +4
    VLC Media Player screenshot 3
  2. MusicBee icon
     Like

    Manages and organizes music libraries, playlists, and folders, supports podcasts and web radio, advanced tagging, CD ripping, device sync, and multiple audio formats.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Promo 1: Main Features
    Promo 2: Main Features
    Now Playing view
    +8
    -Library View.
-Waveform Seekbar / Progress bar
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    Probably the best free combination of Radio, Podcasts, Artist and track info, and infinite layout capabilities

  3. Kodi icon
     Like

    Open-source media player supporting Linux to iOS, highly customizable with plug-ins, supports 4K and diverse formats, privacy-centric and ad-free.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Fire TV
    • Apple TV
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Xbox
    • F-Droid
    Kodi screenshot 1
    Kodi screenshot 1
    Kodi screenshot 2
    +8
    Kodi screenshot 3
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    The best Media Center out there by far

The rest

These are useful on any personal computer

  1. Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Linux Mobile
    • Flathub
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Gecko
    • F-Droid
    More protection from the start
    Firefox Desktop (Light Theme)
    Firefox Desktop (Dark Theme)
    +8
    Firefox iOS (Light Theme)
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    The best browser that doesn't follow you everywhere. lots of plugins

  2. Open-source, ad-free torrent client offering a polished user interface, integrated multi-site search, RSS support, remote web control, and cross-platform availability.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Cloudron
    qBittorrent screenshot 1
    qBittorrent screenshot 1
    qBittorrent screenshot 2
    +2
    qBittorrent screenshot 3
  3. An efficient PDF viewer and editor with advanced features like direct content editing, OCR by ABBYY, form filling, annotation, and offline access.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    • Wine
    Version 10 (2024)
    Viewing PDFs
    Commenting and Annotations
    +3
    Editing PDF files
    playmobilmeisterplaymobilmeister’s note

    The best PDF editor not owned by Adobe

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