Upgrade Your Windows Experience with These Free Built-in App Alternatives
Windows comes preloaded with numerous applications, but let’s face it, not all of them are top-notch. Fortunately, there are exceptional tools available for free that can enhance your Windows experience without costing you a dime. These applications are open source, lightweight, and designed to boost your productivity or streamline your PC usage effortlessly.
#### 1. Everything
Everything is the ultimate file-search tool for Windows. Unlike the standard built-in search features, Everything locates files instantly, making it an indispensable tool for finding anything on your PC quickly.
!Everything Windows file search tool
#### 2. PowerToys (especially PowerToys Run)
PowerToys is a suite of powerful tools that can enhance your Windows experience. PowerToys Run, in particular, serves as an alternative launcher that respects your browser and search engine preferences, providing a seamless user experience.
#### 3. Open-Shell (but Start11 is more polished)
Open-Shell offers a free replacement for the standard Windows Start menu. For a more refined experience, consider Start11, which provides advanced customization options for your Start menu.
#### 4. EarTrumpet
EarTrumpet simplifies volume control for individual applications, offering a convenient system tray icon for quick access to application volume sliders.
!EarTrumpet app volume controller
#### 5. ShareX (or Greenshot for quick screenshots)
ShareX is a feature-rich tool for capturing screenshots and recording videos with advanced annotation capabilities. Alternatively, Greenshot provides a quick and efficient solution for capturing screenshots.
#### 6. Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is a lightweight PDF viewer that prioritizes speed and simplicity, making it ideal for viewing PDF documents without unnecessary features.
#### 7. NanaZip (or 7-Zip)
NanaZip offers a modern interface based on the 7-Zip codebase, providing a user-friendly file archiving solution with automatic updates for improved security.
#### 8. Notepad++
Notepad++ is a versatile text editor with advanced features such as tabbed interface and syntax highlighting, making it a valuable tool for various text editing tasks.
#### 9. Paint.NET
Paint.NET is a powerful image editing tool that surpasses the standard Paint application, offering a wide range of features for editing images and screenshots effortlessly.
#### 10. VLC media player (and MusicBee)
VLC media player is a versatile media player that supports various audio and video formats, providing a simple yet effective playback experience. For managing local music libraries, MusicBee offers a comprehensive solution.
Upgrade your Windows experience with these free alternatives to built-in applications, and unlock a new level of productivity and efficiency in your daily tasks. Whether you’re searching for files, editing images, or managing your media, these tools have you covered. Elevate your computing experience without breaking the bank by embracing these exceptional free upgrades today.