Many users tend to install third-party software because it does the job better than the built-in ones. There is a long list of applications that offer more features than their Microsoft counterparts, but today we’re going to focus only on the essential ones. So, join us while we show you the best utilities for Windows 11 that you should install right after you upgrade:
ESET NOD32 – Best Antivirus with AI technology Opera – Best for social integration NordVPN – Best VPN for Windows 11 (speed-focused) Microsoft 365 – Best productivity suite for Windows Grammarly – Best spell checker Mikogo – Best for screen sharing GOM Player – Best for movie subtitles WinZip – The most feature-rich archiving tool Adobe Lightroom – Best for basic photo editing Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for video editing Restoro – Best PC repair tool overall Mailbird – Best email client for social media integration Aomei Backupper – Best backup tool for workstations and servers File Viewer Plus – Best file manager for multiple file types Paltalk – Best video chat app
These must-have free Windows 11 apps will also make a great choice if you are looking for the best free software for Windows 11.
Are Windows 11’s default apps any good?
This depends heavily on your needs and preferences. For example, the new Photos app in Windows 11 brings several improvements but still lacks many advanced features that some users need. Paint might be a better example since it’s a basic photo editor that everybody is familiar with. Still, it offers the most basic functionality, making it useless for serious tasks. The default apps are perfect for primary users, but more experienced ones will probably benefit from the advanced abilities that specialized software offers. Are third-party applications safe to use? Yes, third-party applications are, in the vast majority of cases, perfectly safe to use, as long as you’re downloading them from a reliable source. To ensure that the software you’re planning to install is legitimate, always download it from the developer’s website and not third-party sources. For extra security, you should scan the setup files with any of the best Windows 11 security software and ensure that the apps are free from malware. Now let’s explore some of the best software tools for windows 11.
What is the best Windows 11 software to use?
Best Windows 11 security software
1. ESET NOD32 – Best Antivirus with AI technology
Although your operating system has pretty solid protection, many prefer using specialized antivirus software for Windows 11. If you want to be protected against all types of viruses, ransomware, and malware, ESET NOD32 Antivirus is the best software for Windows 11 in the niche. The software uses Advanced Machine Learning technology, allowing you to detect any suspicious and unknown threats. To keep you safe from local threats, ESET NOD32 will scan and block flash drives to minimize the chance of malware infection. An exploit blocker, advanced memory scanner, WMI, and UEFI scanner can detect deeply hidden threats. Besides keeping your computer safe, this antivirus is light on your resources, and you probably won’t even notice it running in the background. This is achieved by performing virus scans when your system is idle and not in use, thus minimizing its impact on your performance. Gaming Mode is also there, and you won’t get any notifications that will interfere while playing your favorite titles or using the full-screen apps. Furthermore, for complete control over Internet access, a built-in firewall and secure banking will keep all your transactions safe. The software offers parental control, allowing you to block harmful websites. Additional features include a webcam, smart devices, and theft protection. Lastly, NOD32 Antivirus offers excellent protection while being light on your resources, so it’s one of the must-have applications. Let’s review some of its best features:
Complete control over Internet access Built-in firewall Secure banking and online transactions Exploit blocker and advanced memory scanner Advanced machine learning technology
2. Bitdefender – Best antivirus with a free trial
Antimalware is essential software for Windows 11, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is one of the best among Windows users. It runs silently in the background, offering complete real-time protection without too many resources. The antivirus uses multi-layered protection to shield your PC against dangerous threats such as ransomware. Not only does it block threats, but it also has data protection features that secure your files against intrusive third parties. It is proven to detect and protect against known threats and can detect network and system vulnerabilities. Additionally, Bitdefender allows users to browse the web without worry because it automatically blocks access to and from any suspicious website. Also, it gives you an anti-fraud warning whenever an unrecognized or potentially malicious website may require payments or valuable information from you. This antivirus combines features to protect your PC, leaving no vulnerabilities behind. It requires a subscription, and it offers a 30-day free trial. Other key features of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus include:
Anti-tracker Web attack prevention Online banking security Social media protection Integrated VPN
Best browsers for Windows 11
1. Opera – Best for social integration
Microsoft Edge is a solid browser but lacks certain features, which is why many users are switching to different solutions. One of the most popular options in Opera, it comes highly recommended and is our best browser software for windows 11. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s a Chromium browser and works perfectly with all your Chrome extensions. However, it has a share of unique features, most notably the built-in ad blocker, so you won’t ever have to deal with ads. If you’re concerned about your online privacy, you should know that there’s a built-in VPN to make your browsing sessions anonymous. To make multitasking more manageable, the browser has a Workspaces feature that allows you to organize your tabs easily. Thanks to the advanced search feature, you can effortlessly search for open websites by their name or content and switch to them in a matter of seconds. Opera is perfect for social media since it has Twitter and Instagram integration, but it also allows you to use popular instant messenger services while browsing the web. As for entertainment, there’s a built-in music player to access several popular music streaming services anytime. Opera is a great web browser for Windows 11, and if you decide to start using it, be sure to check our guide on changing the default browser. Take a look at Opera’s most important features:
Built-in free VPN Twitter and Instagram integration Organize your tabs with Workspaces Built-in music player Pop-up video player capability
2. UR Browser – Most customizable browser
Best VPN software for Windows 11
1. Private Internet Access – Best for multiple devices
Security and privacy are critical elements in the internet world; hence, using the best VPN service or software for windows 11 is a must. It is relatively new, but it will surprise you with a rich feature set and remarkable loading speed. Its interface is fresh and modern, and the built-in VPN will ensure you become anonymous online with just a click. However, you will need to create a free account for that feature. There’s also an ad-blocker on board that will help you ward off distractions and improve browsing speed. Although we liked the existing interface, UR Browser is highly customizable. For example, you can set a wallpaper for the home screen. Then, add a lot of favorite websites, news feeds, weather, and widgets to have all your relevant information on the start screen. You will also enjoy the download manager as they boast of accelerating the download speed. There is even a built-in antivirus scanner and HTTPS redirection to keep your system safe. UR Browser sure packs some great features for a free browser, so make sure you try it. Check out its best features below:
Built-in anti-tracking, anti-profiling, and anti-fingerprinting features Highly customizable interface Free VPN High-speed download manager Antivirus scanning
When protecting your online privacy, there’s no better tool than Private Internet Access, and it works seamlessly on Windows 11 as it did on the older OS editions. With its 100% no-log policy, you can ensure your traffic data won’t ever fall into the wrong hands. Its best feature is, however, the massive network with high-end servers from 75 countries and more than 15 million users worldwide can be a testament to the efficiency of this tool. Whether you’re playing online games, browsing the web, or streaming content that’s restricted in your region, PIA can make that connection completely secure. Another essential feature is the high-speed connection and unlimited bandwidth that helps you enjoy even the most demanding online multiplayer games and streaming websites. And with one subscription, you protect up to 10 devices simultaneously, so pretty much all the gadgets used by your family. Lastly, the app interface is amicable and straightforward, but if you ever need to ask questions, the support team is available 24/7 to solve any problem. Let’s see what its best features are:
High-speed servers from 75 countries 100% no-logs policy It covers up to 10 devices simultaneously Easy-to-use interface Built-in accessible killswitch
2. NordVPN – Best for speed
Because you’re looking for speed when you become anonymous online, NordVPN could be an ideal choice since it reports an overall network performance of 6,730+ Mbps. That is great even for gaming, not only your usual video streaming needs or browsing. As for the connection nods, this solution offers over 5100 servers worldwide, so you can have full coverage wherever you go. And if you add the NordPass password manager and the NordLocker file encryption cloud solution, you’ve got yourself the complete privacy and security suite. NordVPN encrypts your connection to log into your accounts, so you will make online payments and bank transfers without worries, even if you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. Finally, like any other reliable VPN solution, NordVPN has a no-log policy regarding your data or traffic to be completely safe online. Let’s see some of its best features:
Over 5,100 servers worldwide Ultra-fast connection speed Advanced connection encryption No bandwidth limitations Protect up to 6 devices with a single license
Best Productivity/office software for Windows 11
1. Microsoft 365 – Best productivity suite for Windows
2. WPS Office – Best Microsoft Office alternative
Sooner or later, you’ll need to work with documents, and few can purchase expensive tools. Luckily, there are many great Microsoft Office alternatives that you can use. Whether a student or teacher working in any business or enterprise environment, you’re using one of the Microsoft 365 products. Although Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are famous stars among users, you’re probably using the Outlook email client and backing up your data using OneDrive. And while you’re at the office or working from home, you communicate through Microsoft Teams and use OneNote to keep up with the insights. Installing Microsoft 365 will add a piece of familiarity to your Windows 11 and ensure your productivity for any project you’re working on. The Office suite has dramatically evolved over the years. So whether you want to create valuable reports and stunning presentations, keep your emails in order and communicate safely, this is the solution you need. Take a look at Microsoft 365’s most important features:
Get Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, and Outlook in an attractive package Seamless integration between all apps from the suite Excellent compatibility with other productivity apps Create professional-looking reports and presentations Smooth integration within businesses and enterprises
WPS Office is an ultra-light and small office suite with a unique interface that lets you quickly open any file you need. Each document, spreadsheet, or presentation is opened as a separate tab, allowing you to work with multiple file types from a single application. It’s worth mentioning that it’s possible to use Microsoft Office files, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility issues. The software also supports PDF editing and conversion, allowing you to convert them to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or JPG formats. Additional features include file repair and picture-to-text, and even 1GB of cloud storage is available to access your documents on different devices. WPS Office is a small and simple office suite that’s worth checking out if you’re a home user. Its best features will convince you to try it:
Compatible with all document formats, including Office PDF editing features Converts PDF documents in Office or JPG formats 1GB cloud storage available Ultra-light and affordable
3. Soda PDF – Best Adobe Acrobat DC alternative
4. Grammarly – Best spell checker
Unparalleled grammar errors detection It makes corrections to all content on any platform Quick detection and suggestions Whole sentences analysis Plagiarism checker
5. QuillBot – Best paraphrasing tool
6. Mikogo – Best for screen sharing
Our best software for Windows 11 list would not be complete without a conferencing and screen-sharing tool. You edit PDF documents just like with a word processor by directly adding, removing, changing, or modifying the text and fonts in the PDF. This tool also has combiner, joiner, and splitter features for your PDF files, but you will still be able to modify the documents in the process. For instance, you can extract the pages you don’t need or add more, change their order, and more. Soda PDF comes in two versions, Standard and Pro. The Pro version has more features that help you transform scanned PDF files into editable and searchable documents and annotate your documents and create custom forms. The PDF transformation can be achieved by using an advanced OCR feature that detects all the characters from an image and converts them into a digital form. Lastly, the app also has a digital signage option and can password-protect your documents, sending them safely. Let’s look at Soda PDF’s best features:
Create editable PDF forms E-sign and OCR features Edit, create, convert, compress, merge and split PDF Convert PDF files into other popular formats Also available in the Cloud
We’re talking about an award-winning grammar checker for Windows that has a desktop version or online for you to access directly in your browser. The best part is that it’s available free of charge. It also comes as a Google Chrome extension to detect grammar and spelling errors and helps you improve the construction of sentences. Grammarly allows you to check for plagiarism, so if you’re writing or verifying a thesis or a book, this is one of the best solutions. But coming back to spelling, experts say this tool catches up to ten times more mistakes than your word processor. Besides the common grammar issues, Grammarly also detects and suggests corrections for preposition errors, irregular verb conjugations, improper usage of nouns, and misused words, making it one of the best spell-checker software for Windows 11. Let’s see some of its best features below: If you need a tool that can get you quickly out of writer’s block or express your thoughts better, QuillBot is a great helping tool. It’s a software tool that can rephrase sentences with just a click and is ideal for academic, personal, or business purposes. The program has built-in vocabulary enhancement features. For instance, the AI-powered thesaurus will help you find synonyms, and we all know that finding the right word is hard sometimes. Its friendly interface integrates directly into Google Docs and Chrome Extension to make the changes right from the corresponding platform. Using the tool is very straightforward. You just copy the text in the window and hit the Quill button to start analyzing it. Finally, the most critical aspect is that Quill will intelligently keep the meaning of your sentences while rephrasing them. Let’s review some of its most important features:
Google Docs and Chrome Extension integration Great synonyms finder 700 characters on a free plan Advanced grammar checker Extremely easy to use
Mikogo may be the first option for your Windows 11 device if you’re working from home and looking for a fast and reliable conferencing software solution. Its primary capability is an excellent screen-sharing function, but you will also find voice conferencing, an interactive whiteboard, a multi-monitor option, and many more. You won’t need any external file-sharing app because this tool offers file transfer with up to 200 MB. That will take care of those big files you can’t send through by email. This app lets you record your screen and VoIP calls and include them in a presentation video. Mikogo is more business-oriented and perfect for personal use, so you should try it. Key features that you are about to enjoy:
Send files of up to 200 MB each Set up meetings in advance High-quality VoIP call Advanced Annotation Tool Instant chat messages
Best Media players for Windows 11
1. GOM Player – Best for movie subtitles
Let’s go through some of its best features: But that’s just the start because you will need a subtitle after you get the movie, and looking for it online is a long shot. GOM has been adding subtitles to their library for over ten years, so you will find one for older movies and new ones. So, when you load the video, the player automatically searches and syncs subtitles for the movie, so you don’t need to do a thing about it. Prepare for total emersion because this player also supports 360 degrees VR playback, so next time you travel to a new place, you will be able to see it beforehand on your player. GOM Player is free, but if you want to get rid of the ads and enjoy 4K UHD movies, you will need to pay for the Plus version. And it’s worth it because it’s also one of the best-paid apps for Windows 11.
Outstanding file format support Huge library of subtitles Subtitles are added and synced automatically 360 degrees VR playback 4K UHD movies with the paid version
2. Cyberlink Power DVD – Best for 360 and VR playback
If you tend to enjoy multimedia, you’ll need a universal media player, and the best software for many users on Windows 11 is Cyberlink Power DVD. The software supports over 50 different video formats, including MP4, MKV, HEVC, etc., so you’ll be able to play any file without issues. You can also play Blu-ray discs, DVDs, ISO files, Ultra HD video, and 4K and 8K videos. There’s a TrueTheater feature for picture enhancement to enjoy the best movie quality. Regarding audio support, this player works with a wide array of audio files, but it also supports Dolby Digital Surround, DTS, and Hi-Res Audio. Unlike other similar applications, Cyberlink Power DVD offers 360 videos, VR playback, and spatial audio support. Overall, Cyberlink Power DVD is a mighty media player, and with support for Blu-ray, 4K, and 8K video, it’s one of the most reliable multimedia apps. Let’s see some of its best features:
3. VLC Media Player – Best all-round media player
VLC is probably the most popular free and open-source media player because of its versatility and file-type support. It simply plays everything, comes with all the codec packs you may ever need for your videos, and runs on almost any platform. In personalization, you will find tons of skins to download and add if you don’t want to create your own using the dedicated VLC skin editor. And if this isn’t enough, you can even add extensions as you would on a browser to enhance your experience. This media player has everything, from SAP/SDP announcements to ActiveX plugin, CPU acceleration, and not only. Take a look at its key features below:
It plays any audio and video file format Video and subtitle synchronization Codec packs are built-in Fully customizable features Simple and efficient interface
⇒ Get VLC Media Player SPONSORED
Best archiving/unarchiving tools for Windows 11
1. WinZip – Most feature-rich
File archives are one of the most convenient ways to share multiple files, and you’ll encounter them on your PC eventually. While your operating system can work with ZIP archives, many users use specialized software to compress and extract Windows 11 files. WinZip is one of the best Windows 11 backup software, which works with more than 25 different formats, including Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ, ISO, GZIP, and many others. The application is effortless and straightforward, allowing you to quickly unzip files or create archives. Support for batch processing allows you to extract multiple archives simultaneously, thus making the processes faster. If needed, the software can also repair damaged archives and restore files. To ensure data privacy, you’ll be pleased to hear that the security features include 256-bit AES encryption and a password. You can also use WinZip for backup purposes and even store your files in the Cloud to ensure they aren’t lost in case any issues occur. Speaking of upload, there’s a helpful feature that lets you split your archives, thus making it easier for you to send your data and share it with others. Lastly, the software can work as a simple file manager, and while this feature is relatively limited, it might come in handy if you want to perform quick operations with your files. Overall, WinZip is one of the best compression tools, and if you work with archives frequently, be sure to try it out. A glance at its best features below:
256-bit AES encryption It supports more than 25 different formats Great backup capabilities Can password-protect the contents Easy installation and management
2. WinRAR – Most secure
WinRAR has over 500 million users worldwide, so if you’re using a PC, you have at least heard about it; that’s if you’re not using it right now. As you probably know, the primary applicability of this tool is to compress your data and transfer them quickly. However, WinRAR does much more than that; it applies military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to your archive and protects it with a password so you can share it securely. Moreover, this tool has a built-in virus scanner that prevents unpacking an infected archive to protect your system. If your volume of data is enormous, split the archive into volumes of the desired capacity. It’s that simple! Then, create self-extracting archives so that the recipient doesn’t need to have unarchiving software to extract them. And lastly, WinRAR is swift, and you can test it before purchasing it, so if you need an archiving tool, you should try it. You will benefit from these great features:
Can handle a lot of archive formats, including WinZip Built-in password manager for archives Fast compression Creation of self-extracting archives AES 265-bit encryption
Best Photo and video editing software for Windows 11
1. Adobe Lightroom – Best for basic editing
Let’s face it! Everybody thinks about Photoshop when they need to edit their photos, but you don’t need such a complex tool for minor changes and enhancements. For that, Adobe Lightroom might be much better, and you also don’t need too much skill. This tool handles photo-culling tasks exceptionally and can help you sort your photos after editing. The friendly user interface will allow you to perform any actions intuitively and as fast as possible. It’s also important to know that the app works on multiple platforms, so you can work on any device and automatically sync your media with cloud storage. Note that Adobe Lightroom is a subscription-based program, but it’s also available for seven days of free testing. Here are some of the benefits of using Adobe Lightroom:
Great for basic editing and image sorting Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator integration Batch process images using the Quick Develop panel Simple and friendly UI Basic photo enhancement features
2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for video editing
Adobe Premiere Pro is the best software for video editing, and it comes with complex tools to create professional-quality productions. It is dedicated to moviemakers, so it’s not going to be easy to use if you’re a beginner. However, it’s never too late to learn, and you will find some masterclass tutorials on their website that will help you get to advanced skills pretty fast. The user interface is not too straightforward, and it’s understandable since it’s dedicated to cinematography professionals, but at least you can work intuitively with the timelines for storytelling. Among the unique features of this tool, there is the interactive reframing of the video that helps you optimize the video for Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and other social media. Adobe Premiere Pro’s animation tools include the transitions of series, motion graphics, and more great options to turn your creation into a masterpiece. The software is available for Windows and Mac, the content creators, and video editors’ preferred platforms. Take a look at some of its best features:
Advanced video editing for professionals Motion graphics templates Can handle simultaneous projects Large video effects library VR video editing
3. Clip Studio Paint – Best budget pixel painter
If you are into pixel painting and you’re on a tight budget, Clip Studio Paint can be the perfect choice for Windows 11. It features a varied selection of brush tools and vectors that will allow you to create professional-looking graphics without much effort. A drawing tablet would greatly help because this app works great on them, and it can detect 8192 levels of pen pressure, being ideal for drawing. Clip Studio Paint offers a vast library of new materials that you can check out in the Assets section. The brushes can be customized to your preferences, so you’re in a limitless tool supply depot where you find anything you need. Use this tool to create any design, from products, characters, cartoons, and even animated scenes, so you should try it now for free. Here are some key features of Clip Studio Paint:
Can help you create animations Friendly interface Editable brushes Great value for money Detects up to 8192 levels of pen pressure
4. Movavi Screen Recorder – Best trial screen recorder
Whether you want to create helpful tutorials, record your awesome gaming performance, or just want to make a simple screen caption, Movavi Screen Recorder will capture everything. It’s a simple and effective tool but supports hardware acceleration and even records your webcam footage with exceptional quality. The most important feature is, however, the scheduling tool. You can create tasks to record a portion or all of the screen right when you want, set the duration, and then shut down the PC or put it to sleep. And the recording process is straightforward. You just set up the recording area and settings and hit the Record button. Then, the basic but efficient editor will help you cut any unwanted part and save it on your PC or Google Drive or simply share them on WhatsApp, Telegram, email, and YouTube. And while you save the video, you can do so in Full HD or even 4K resolution, so you don’t lose the slightest detail of your caption. The tool has a free trial version, but your recordings will be saved with a watermark. You must buy the full version to get rid of it. Let’s see a couple of its best features:
Friendly interface with simple controls Save your video recordings in 4K Lots of saving and sharing options Hardware acceleration support Schedule your recording tasks
Best Windows 11 repair software
1. Restoro – Best overall
Restoro is the ultimate restoration tool for your PC, so it should be one of the survival kit apps for your Windows 11. And if you were wondering, the software is perfectly safe and recognized by all the critical security services, including Microsoft, ESET, Bitdefender, and others. Restoro gets you out of a lot of trouble resolving problems like Windows errors, including the dreaded BSoD; it repairs damaged DLLs, recovers your system from various crashes, and more. Even more, one of its key features is malware and virus removal. And after that, it also repairs the files damaged by them. By replacing the corrupted system files and repairing the core, Restoro improves your PC’s stability. However, it’s essential to know that this tool doesn’t repair third-party software or your hardware; it only handles your system. The free version of the tool will perform a complete system scan on your PC, but it won’t repair them. You will need to buy the full version for that. Take a look at Restoro’s best features:
One-click system repair Recovers your PC from crashes Repairs damaged DLL Replaces corrupted system files Great speed and simple usage
2. Fortect – Excellent OS repair technology
Fortect is one of the most trustworthy repair programs that you can rely on when you need optimization for your computer. It can scan your whole system to establish your computer’s condition and further investigate which irregularities are slowing it down. Fortect has advanced OS technology which means it compares your operating system to a brand-new one to see exactly the deficiencies your computer is experiencing. After that, it helps you repair all the damaged and missing OS files, including DLLs and registry keys, with healthy components from its repository. Moreover, you can free up space by deleting junk files and build-up documents that clog your folders, disk, and hard drive. You can perform all these actions with the free trial, but the paid versions will assure limitless usage, email support, and sharing usage with your friends and family. Let’s look at other key features of Fortect:
Windows Restoration Complete diagnostic report Malware and other digital threats detection Registry Key optimization 60-day money-back guarantee
3. CCleaner – Most versatile repair tool
CCleaner is a versatile app that helps you erase junk files, clean potentially unwanted data, and fix your registry. And because it clears all the clutter from your system, your PC will receive a real performance boost, so this is one of those apps you need. More than that, if you opt-in for a Professional or Professional Plus version, you will also benefit from a driver updater tool. However, even with the free version, you will get the PC Health Check tool that analyzes, fixes, and tunes your computer’s performance. With CCleaner, you can choose which apps can use resources and remove tracking files and browsing data to protect your privacy. The paid versions get you a software updater, a browser history cleaner, and many more tools that tune up your computer. Check out its best features below:
Free version available Cleans your PC of junk files with a single click Automatic browser history cleaner Software and driver updater with the paid version Very easy to use
💡 Best Windows 11 tune-up software
From repair to tune-up there is but a small step since both programs aim to identify problematic areas in your system and fix them. This can mean anything from removing clutter and defrag operations to repairing broken registry keys for the sake of optimizing your PC. Take a look at our favorite picks:
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro Ashampoo WinOptimizer Glary Utilities Pro AVG PC TuneUp
You could also explore more on our guide to the best tuneup Windows 11 utilities.
Best email clients for Windows 11
1. Mailbird – Best for social media integration
If you want to have all your email accounts in one place and integrate social media, Mailbird can be the right email client for your Windows 11. Yes, this program has built-in apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Asana, Todoist, and many more. Gone are the days when you were looking for an email in vane. Instead, the interface is well-organized, and the advanced search options will help you find that important message in seconds. Users will enjoy the keyboard shortcuts for all the necessary actions, including archiving, composing, replying, forwarding, and many more. Mailbird also comes with plenty of customization options with the free themes, and it’s also possible to set it to Dark. Let’s review some of its best features:
Unified contacts and inbox Advanced search options for emails and attachments Customizable friendly interface Built-in social media apps Speed Reader included
2. Thunderbird – Best free email client
When you don’t want to invest in an email client, Thunderbird can be the best Windows 11 software choice out there, and for a free product, it’s pretty complex. For starters, it’s the only program that can receive add-ons, just like a browser, to improve its capabilities. Thunderbird uses a multi-process scheme. That means dividing the program operation into multiple processes, making it much faster than other competitors. As for the features, the email client includes a PDF viewer, so you can read the documents there without leaving the interface. Depending on your reading habits, set its interface up and enlarge the icons and text for more convenient usage. Thunderbird works great on Windows 11, and although it doesn’t have all the fancy features of other paid email clients, it performs flawlessly. Take a look at some of its most important features:
PDF viewer Customizable interface Completely free Multiple-process capabilities Free available add-ons
⇒ Get Thunderbird
Best Windows 11 Backup software (+ repair utilities)
1. Aomei Backupper – Best Windows 11 cloning software (workstations + servers)
We can’t stress enough the importance of backing up your data regularly, and AOMEI Backupper is one of the best backup software for Windows 11. Designed for Windows workstations and servers, this tool supports automatization. That means it allows you to schedule all your backups. You don’t need to stop using the machine because the Hot Backup feature performs the backup silently in the background. If you’re an advanced user, you will be happy to hear that AOMEI Backuper supports command-line input for even faster actions. The backup destinations are limitless. This tool can save your data to internal or external drives, NAS or network share, and various cloud storage platforms. Bottom line: We suggest trying this solution if you’re looking for reliable and fast automatic backup software. With Aomei Backupper, you will benefit from these best features:
Command-line support for advanced users System, disk, partition, and file/directory backup File syncing support Automate backups with scheduling and event-triggered scheduling External/local drives, DVDs, NAS, network share, or cloud storage backup
2. Stellar Data Recovery – Best Windows 11 file backup software
Losing sensitive data can be disastrous, but fortunately, you can get them back with a simple tool like Stellar Data Recovery. For good reasons, it is a data recovery solution designed for Windows PCs, the most popular external hard drive recovery software. The tool has advanced data recovery features that will help you restore various files, including documents, video, audio files, and more. But most important, it can recover deleted or corrupted files from almost any internal or external storage like hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. And if your PC suffered a critical crash, Stellar Data Recovery will step in to recover even a lost Windows partition, whether it’s NTFS, FAT, FAT16, FAT32, or ExFAT. Additionally, the solution is distributed in free or premium (paid) versions. The free package offers 1GB of storage and is designed for home or personal use. Lastly, if you need advanced features for professional usage, you should go for the premium package that includes unlimited storage. Take a look at its best features below:
Partition recovery Recovers of deleted or corrupted files It supports almost any internal or external storage devices 1GB storage for the free version and unlimited storage for the paid version Very easy to use
Best file management tools for Windows 11
1. File Viewer Plus – Best for multiple file types
File Viewer Plus is the best universal file viewer software for Windows 11 and can open and display more than 400 different file types, including RAW camera photos. So, it’s a more advanced alternative to the old File Manager and will handle even the most uncommon or unknown file types. Plus, this tool doubles as an editor and converter for all formats; therefore, it should be one of the most useful apps on your PC. Moreover, it also manages your archives’ compression and uncompression; the cherry on top is the built-in media player. But its best feature has to be the one giving the software’s name, and in that respect, File Viewer Plus offers an instant preview of your files directly in the browser. Let’s quickly look at its key features:
File Inspector to view the file contents Native support for over 400 file types Advanced view, edit, and convert functionalities Basic image editing File metadata display
2. Passware – Best decryption solution
Its creators say that Passware is the best decryption solution on the market and the claim seems pretty accurate as this tool can recover and reset passwords from over 80 file types and over 300 document types. And although that alone is very impressive, we can add the fact that it also detects any encrypted files on your PC. You don’t have to take the files individually because Passware can perform bulk password recovery. Therefore, all the recovered passwords are automatically stored in a report, so you can access a comprehensive list ready to be used. But that’s still not all. The software can recover local admin and Live ID passwords, so you’re saved if you forgot any of those. You don’t need to worry about your mobile because Passware extracts and decrypts data from Android and iOS devices. The best features of Passware include:
Password recovery in bulk Automatically detects encrypted files on your machine Burns password-reset CDs Displays account properties Local Admin and Live ID password reset
Best social media/messaging services for Windows 11
1. Paltalk – Best video chat app
If you want to have your own personal chat space with your friends, Paltalk is a great alternative. It’s a video chat app that supports all major formats, including desktop and mobile. Create your own public virtual chat room, and feel free to talk with your peers by voice or text message. Paltalk also works as a social platform, so you can join any public chatrooms on various topics that may interest you. Its interface is straightforward, and the interactions with your chat buddies include giving and receiving stickers and gifts to complete the conversation. There have been over 100 million downloads for this app, so it seems pretty popular and whether you want to catch up with your old friends or meet new ones, give Paltalk a try. Check out its most essential features:
Available for free Friendly and simple interface Voice, video, and text communication Join public chatrooms of your favorite topics Lots of fun features and customization
⇒ Get Paltalk
2. WhatsApp – Most used social messaging app
While this application comes at the tail end of our review, it shouldn’t be misunderstood as being unpopular. It is most famous for being a mobile app and comes preinstalled on most of your mobile devices, but in the last decade, it has become just as much a desktop application. WhatsApp may not have all the cool features of the mobile app, but you have enough to get by, giving you an equally entertaining chat experience. You can view the status, broadcast, chat privately, transfer files, and much more using the desktop application. If you have the Opera browser installed on your Windows 11, you may kill two birds with one stone using the Opera-WhatsApp integration. That way, you will not need to leave your browser tabs to reply to messages and keep up with friends. The messaging app has become more than simple messaging but a way of life and, therefore, is one app you should install on your Windows 11 PC. Check out its most essential features:
Reliable messaging Groups chats Voice calls End-to-end encryption
⇒ Get WhatsApp This list summarizes some of the best Windows 11 software you need to install on your PC as soon as you upgrade or acquire a new computer. While it’s not mandatory to have all of these tools on your computer, we highly recommend at least installing a reliable antivirus and changing the default browser. What are the programs that you’re using daily on your PC? Share your must-have apps with us in the comments section below. You could also explore more on our guide to the best tuneup Windows 11 utilities.
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