It’s not about the cost (or lack thereof) of the best free computer software technology. It’s about putting the dumb hardware in your computer to smart use, tools that can help balance your household budget or cure cancer. It is an intensely personal process to stock your PC. However, some programs are so helpful that we heartily recommend them to everyone. In contrast to this more niche roundup of five free Windows power user tools that we can’t live without, these free PC programs make for a wonderful addition to almost any computer. Occasionally, though, a paid alternative makes sense. As well as our recommendation for the category, we’ve specified the circumstances in which an upgrade is warranted over the free offering.
A better browser
Make sure to grab your web browser of choice before you start slinging software around. When you’re used to something else, using Windows 10’s default Internet Explorer or Edge browser feels like slipping into someone else’s shoes.
Ninite
Computer Software Technology can be loaded up quickly and easily with Ninite. The Ninite website offers dozens of free software options, including many of the programs listed here-and you can click Get Installer to get a single, custom .exe file containing the installer for those programs. Upon running the executable, Ninite will install each of them in turn, and it will automatically decline the offers for bundled bloatware that so many free apps try to sneak in. You won’t have to deal with any hassle, fuss, or muss.
Unchecky
The sanctity of Ninite aside, accidental installation of unwanted bloatware is the biggest danger of free software. Use Unchecky for everything else. It unchecks all the checkboxes when you’re installing a program, and warns you if shady software tries to sneak on.
Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft’s PowerToys suite is a great way to customize your Windows experience. Its primary purpose is to streamline PC hassles, but PowerToys is packed with tons of tools. With it, you can quickly resize images, find your mouse cursor, keep a selected window always on top, remap your keyboard keys, preview files in File Explorer, and much more. In addition, FancyZones, the killer multitasking application from Microsoft, should definitely be on your to-do list.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
For most users, Windows Security offers solid protection, but no single antivirus program offers bulletproof protection, especially against the latest threats. With MalwareBytes Anti-Malware Free, you can find and eliminate those cutting-edge “zero-day” vulnerabilities. When you suspect something nasty has slipped past your primary antivirus software, it’s invaluable. You can’t schedule scans or even use it as a regular antivirus program.
VLC
The problem with Windows 10 is that it can’t play DVDs by default, unlike Windows 7. If you bought a boxed system, you might have a DVD-playing program installed on your PC, but if not, the VLC media player can play your flicks (and music, and podcasts, and…). In some cases, it can even play Blu-ray discs.
