In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up-to-date with the best Windows apps can have a significant impact on your productivity and digital experience. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or have upgraded to Windows 11, having the right tools at your fingertips is crucial to streamline your workflow and enhance your computing capabilities. From essential Windows apps to hidden gems in the Microsoft Store, the right software can transform your PC into a powerhouse of efficiency.
As we dive into 2024, you’ll want to make sure your Windows machine is equipped with the most useful and innovative applications available. This curated list of the top 10 best Windows apps covers a wide range of needs, including media playback, file compression, system customization, and communication tools. Whether you’re looking for free options or considering paid apps, you’ll find a mix of well-known favorites and lesser-known utilities that can take your Windows experience to the next level. Get ready to discover the must-have apps that will boost your productivity and make your digital life easier.
Table of Contents
Microsoft PowerToys
Image Source: Microsoft Learn
PowerToys is a set of utilities designed to enhance your Windows experience and boost productivity. This essential Windows app offers a range of features that can streamline your workflow and customize your system.
PowerToys features
PowerToys includes several useful tools. The Always on Top feature lets you pin windows above others with a simple shortcut (Win+Ctrl+T). Color Picker allows you to select colors from anywhere on your screen, automatically copying them to your clipboard. FancyZones, a powerful window manager, enables you to create complex layouts and quickly position windows within them.
PowerToys customization
You can tailor PowerToys to suit your needs. The Keyboard Manager allows you to remap keys and create custom shortcuts, enhancing your typing efficiency. With the Image Resizer, you can quickly resize multiple images directly from File Explorer. These customization tools make PowerToys one of the best Windows 11 apps for personalizing your system.
PowerToys productivity boost
PowerToys Run, activated with Alt+Space, helps you search and open apps instantly, rivaling the Start Menu search. The File Explorer add-ons enable preview pane and thumbnail rendering for various file types, streamlining your file management. With these productivity-enhancing features, PowerToys stands out as one of the best windows apps available in the Microsoft Store.
PowerToys is a must-have for power users looking to optimize their Windows experience. Its versatile tools and customization options make it an indispensable addition to your Windows toolkit.
Everything
Image Source: voidtools
Everything is a powerful search utility that revolutionizes the way you find files on your Windows system. This essential Windows app offers lightning-fast search capabilities that outperform the built-in Windows search function.
Everything search capabilities
Everything indexes your files and folders almost instantly, allowing you to search through millions of items in seconds. It can index a fresh Windows 10 installation (about 120,000 files) in just one second, and a million files in about a minute. The app uses the NTFS Master File Table to create its index, making it incredibly efficient for NTFS volumes.
Everything vs. Windows search
Compared to the default Windows search, Everything is significantly faster and more versatile. While Windows search struggles with network drives and has limited indexing options, Everything can handle network drives and offers more advanced search features. You can use wildcards, combine multiple search terms, and even search within specific drives or folders.
Everything performance
Everything’s performance is remarkable. It updates its index in real-time, ensuring that your search results are always current. The app uses minimal system resources, making it an ideal choice for users who frequently search for files across large storage volumes. Its intuitive interface and customizable filters further enhance its usability, making it one of the best windows apps for file management.
VLC Media Player
Image Source: VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player stands out as one of the best windows apps, offering a versatile and powerful solution for media playback. Its wide range of supported formats makes it an essential Windows app for any user.
VLC supported formats
VLC can handle almost any audio or video file you throw at it. It supports a vast array of formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MKV, as well as less common types. This versatility eliminates the need for additional codecs, making it a one-stop solution for all your media playback needs.
VLC advanced features
Beyond basic playback, VLC boasts numerous advanced features. It can stream content over networks, convert media files to different formats, and even record your desktop for screencasts. For audiophiles, VLC includes an equalizer to fine-tune your listening experience. It also offers video filters for tasks like rotating, mirroring, or adding logo overlays during playback.
VLC customization options
VLC allows extensive customization to enhance your user experience. You can personalize the interface using skins, add plugins for extended functionality, and even create your own using the VLC Skin Editor. For power users, VLC supports command-line operations, opening up a world of complex tasks and automation possibilities.
Notepad++
Image Source: Community – Notepad ++
Notepad++ is a powerful and versatile text editor that stands out as one of the best Windows apps for coding and text editing. Its advanced features make it an best windows apps for developers and programmers alike.
Notepad++ coding features
Notepad++ supports syntax highlighting for over 78 programming languages, including C++, Java, and Python. This feature enhances code readability and helps developers spot errors quickly. The editor also offers code folding, allowing you to collapse or expand sections of code for easier navigation. Additionally, Notepad++ provides limited autocompletion, which can speed up your coding process.
Notepad++ plugins
One of Notepad++’s greatest strengths is its extensive plugin system. With over 140 compatible plugins available, you can customize and extend the editor’s functionality to suit your specific needs. Some popular plugins include AutoSave for automatic file saving, ComparePlugin for file comparison, and NppFTP for remote file editing. These plugins can significantly enhance your workflow and productivity.
Notepad++ vs. default Notepad
Compared to the default Windows Notepad, Notepad++ offers a more robust set of features. It supports multiple tabs, allowing you to work on several files simultaneously. Notepad++ also provides advanced search and replace functionality, including regular expression support. Moreover, its ability to handle large files and various text encodings makes it a superior choice for developers and power users looking for the best windows apps.
7-Zip
7-Zip is one of the best Windows apps for file compression and archiving. This essential Windows app offers impressive compression ratios and supports a wide range of file formats, making it a versatile tool for managing your digital files.
7-Zip compression ratios
7-Zip’s compression capabilities are remarkable. When compressing to its proprietary 7z format, it typically achieves 30-70% better compression than ZIP format. This high compression ratio makes 7-Zip an excellent choice for reducing file sizes and saving storage space on your Windows device.
7-Zip file format support
Beyond its native 7z format, 7-Zip supports a variety of other compression and non-compression archive formats. You can use it to pack and unpack files in formats like ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, and many others. This versatility makes 7-Zip a comprehensive solution for handling different archive types on your Windows system.
7-Zip security features
7-Zip offers robust security features to protect your sensitive data. It supports AES-256 encryption for both 7z and ZIP formats, ensuring your files remain secure. Additionally, 7-Zip allows you to encrypt file names in 7z archives, providing an extra layer of privacy for your compressed files.
Revo Uninstaller
Image Source: Revo Uninstaller Pro
Revo Uninstaller is one of the best Windows apps for thoroughly removing unwanted programs from your system. This essential Windows app goes beyond the default uninstaller, offering a more comprehensive solution for cleaning up your PC.
Revo Uninstaller thorough removal
Revo Uninstaller uses advanced algorithms to find and remove leftover files, folders, and registry entries that standard uninstallers often miss. It scans your system before and after the built-in uninstaller runs, ensuring a more complete removal of the program. This thorough approach helps free up disk space and maintains system integrity.
Revo Uninstaller vs. default uninstaller
Compared to the default Windows uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller offers superior performance and functionality. While the built-in tool simply runs the program’s uninstaller, Revo takes extra steps to scan for and remove leftover data. It provides multiple uninstallation modes, including Safe, Moderate, and Advanced, allowing you to choose the level of thoroughness based on your needs.
Revo Uninstaller additional tools
Beyond its primary function, Revo Uninstaller includes several useful tools to enhance your Windows experience. These include an Autorun Manager for controlling startup programs, a Junk Files Cleaner for freeing up disk space, and a Windows Tools Manager for easy access to system utilities. These additional features make Revo Uninstaller a versatile and valuable addition to your collection of best Windows appsy.
Discord
Image Source: Discord
Discord has evolved beyond its gaming roots to become one of the best Windows apps for building and managing communities. Originally created for gamers, this essential Windows app now serves over 150 million monthly active users. Its versatility makes it an ideal platform for various groups, from dance classes to digital conventions.
Discord for gamers
For gamers, Discord offers seamless integration with popular streaming platforms. You can connect your YouTube and Twitch accounts, allowing subscribers to join dedicated Discord channels. This feature enhances community engagement and provides a space for fans to interact directly with content creators.
Discord for communities
Discord’s server structure allows for organized discussions on any topic. You can create channels for different aspects of your community, pin important messages, and use threads for focused conversations. The platform also offers robust moderation tools, including AutoMod, which helps keep your server safe by automatically filtering harmful content.
Discord features and integrations
Discord boasts an impressive array of features, including text, voice, and video chat, screen sharing, and mobile and desktop apps. The platform also supports numerous integrations and bots, allowing you to automate tasks and customize your server experience. For those seeking enhanced features, Discord Nitro offers premium perks like higher quality video and audio, larger file uploads, and access to exclusive activities.
Adobe Express
Image Source: Adobe
Adobe Express is one of the best Windows apps for quick and easy content creation. This essential Windows app offers a range of design tools, templates, and AI capabilities to help you create standout content for various platforms.
Adobe Express design tools
Adobe Express provides an all-in-one editor that allows you to create high-impact design elements, engaging videos, images, and PDFs. You can easily resize your designs for different social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with just one click. The app also offers quick actions like removing backgrounds from images and videos, animating characters using audio, and converting files to GIF format.
Adobe Express templates
With access to over 220,000 professionally designed templates on paid plans (and 155,000+ on the free plan), Adobe Express makes it easy to create stunning content quickly. The new Text to Template feature, powered by Adobe Firefly’s generative AI, allows you to generate editable templates using just a text description. This innovative tool helps you create professional-quality social posts, posters, flyers, and digital cards in seconds.
Adobe Express AI capabilities
Adobe Express incorporates groundbreaking AI features designed to be safe for commercial use. The Generative Fill tool, powered by Adobe Firefly, allows you to easily insert, remove, or replace objects and people in images using just a description. Additionally, the app supports text prompts in over 100 languages, enabling users worldwide to create content in their preferred language.
Zoom
Image Source: www.zoom.com
Zoom has become one of the best Windows apps for video conferencing, offering a user-friendly platform with robust features. Its video conferencing capabilities include HD video and audio support, allowing up to 1,000 video participants with 49 visible on screen simultaneously. You can easily start or join meetings, collaborate, and share screens from a single window.
Zoom video conferencing features
Zoom provides essential tools for effective online meetings. You can create waiting rooms, lock meetings, and control participant activities to enhance security. The platform also offers accessibility features like closed captioning and language interpretation to ensure inclusivity.
Zoom security measures
Security is a top priority for Zoom. Communications are encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), with optional end-to-end encryption for added protection. Zoom also provides various authentication methods, including SAML, OAuth, and password-based options, with two-factor authentication available for enhanced security.
Zoom integration with other apps
Zoom’s flexibility extends to its integration capabilities. With over 800 integration options available in the Zoom app marketplace, you can connect Zoom with popular tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace to streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
Stacher
Image Source: stacher.io
Stacher is a powerful video downloader that stands out among the best Windows apps for its versatility and user-friendly interface. This essential Windows app allows you to download videos from over 1000 sites, including YouTube, making it a valuable tool for content creators and media enthusiasts.
Stacher video downloading capabilities
Stacher offers impressive downloading features, including the ability to download videos that require login and import browser cookies. You can also download entire playlists or channel subscriptions with ease. The app integrates with FFmpeg, enabling advanced video processing options.
Stacher supported platforms
As one of the best Windows 11 apps, Stacher is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. This cross-platform support ensures you can use Stacher on your preferred device without limitations.
Stacher user interface
Stacher boasts an intuitive and modern interface. It displays video thumbnails in the download list and includes a built-in simple video player for quick previews. The app also features an auto dark theme that follows your system settings, enhancing your user experience.
Conclusion
The top 10 best Windows apps for 2024 showcase a diverse range of tools to boost productivity, enhance creativity, and streamline daily tasks. From PowerToys’ system customization to Adobe Express’s AI-powered design capabilities, these apps offer something for everyone. The list includes both well-known favorites like VLC Media Player and hidden gems like Stacher, providing users with a comprehensive toolkit to make the most of their Windows experience.
As technology continues to evolve, these apps demonstrate the ongoing innovation in software development. They have a significant impact on how we interact with our computers, making tasks easier and more efficient. Whether you’re a power user looking to optimize your workflow or a casual user seeking to enhance your digital life, these apps offer valuable solutions. By incorporating these tools into your Windows setup, you’re well-equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way in the digital realm. ## FAQs
What is the future replacement for Windows 10?
Windows 10 is scheduled to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. It is advisable to transition to Windows 11 to maintain productivity and security after Windows 10’s support concludes.
Which applications are most frequently used on Windows?
The most commonly used applications on Windows include Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and Microsoft Edge.
What are some of the most essential applications for computers?
Essential computer applications widely used include Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook), internet browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox), and design software (Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD).
Which version of Windows is the most recent?
As of the latest update, Windows 11 is the most recent major release of the Windows NT operating system, having been launched on October 5, 2021.
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