A new Windows PC can do a lot right out of the box, but installing a few useful programs can make everyday tasks much easier. Whether you use your computer for work, study, entertainment, file management, or browsing the web, there are plenty of free Windows programs worth trying.
The good news is that you do not need to spend money on expensive software to get useful features. From media players and file compression tools to browsers and productivity apps, many free programs offer everything most users need.
Here are 10 free Windows programs to install on your PC.
1. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is one of the most popular free media players for Windows. It supports a huge range of video and audio formats, so you can play many types of media without installing separate codec packs.
The program is lightweight and easy to use. It also includes useful features such as subtitle support, playback controls, audio adjustments, and streaming options.
If you regularly watch movies, TV shows, or downloaded videos on your PC, VLC is a practical program to have installed.
Best for: Watching videos and playing music.
2. 7-Zip
Managing compressed files is a common task on Windows. 7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiving program that can create and extract compressed files.
It supports popular formats such as ZIP, 7z, TAR, and many others. Its Windows integration also makes it simple to right-click a file or folder and access compression options.
7-Zip is particularly useful when downloading software, sharing large collections of files, or extracting archives.
Best for: Compressing and extracting files.
3. Mozilla Firefox
Windows already includes a web browser, but having an alternative can be useful. Mozilla Firefox is a free browser focused on speed, customization, and privacy features.
You can use Firefox for everyday browsing, research, online shopping, watching videos, and accessing web applications. It also supports extensions that can add additional features.
For users who want another browser option besides the default Windows browser, Firefox is worth considering.
Best for: Web browsing and online research.
4. LibreOffice
If you need to create documents, spreadsheets, or presentations without paying for an office suite, LibreOffice is a useful choice.
It includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and databases. LibreOffice can also work with many common Microsoft Office file formats.
Students, home users, and people who need basic office tools can use LibreOffice for many everyday tasks.
Best for: Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
5. Everything
Finding a particular file on a large Windows drive can sometimes take time. Everything is a lightweight file-search utility designed to help you locate files quickly.
Instead of manually browsing through folders, you can search by filename and quickly see matching results. It can be especially helpful if your computer contains thousands of documents, images, videos, or downloads.
The simple interface also makes it easy for beginners to understand.
Best for: Quickly finding files on your PC.
6. ShareX
ShareX is a powerful free tool for taking screenshots and recording parts of your screen. It offers many options beyond a basic screenshot utility.
You can capture a full screen, a specific window, or a selected area. ShareX also includes tools for annotating screenshots and handling captured content.
It can be useful for students, bloggers, developers, support workers, and anyone who frequently needs to capture something from their screen.
Best for: Screenshots and screen capture.
7. Audacity
If you work with audio, Audacity is a popular free and open-source audio editor.