Upgrade Your Windows Experience with These Free Built-In Apps
Windows comes with a plethora of built-in applications, but let’s face it—not all of them are top-notch. Fortunately, there are free, open-source tools out there that can enhance your Windows experience without breaking the bank. These tools not only improve your productivity but also provide a seamless user experience, whether you’re at work or home.
#### 1. Everything
Everything is a game-changer when it comes to file searching on Windows. Unlike the native search tools, Everything provides instant results for all your file searches, making it an indispensable tool for quickly locating files on your PC.
#### 2. PowerToys (especially PowerToys Run)
Microsoft PowerToys is a robust toolkit that offers various enhancements to Windows functionalities. PowerToys Run, in particular, serves as an alternative launcher that respects your preferences for web browsers and search engines, unlike the default Start menu.
#### 3. Open-Shell (but Start11 is more polished)
Open-Shell and Start11 offer customizable Start menu replacements, allowing you to tailor your Windows experience to your liking. Start11, although not open source, provides a polished interface for a nominal fee.
#### 4. EarTrumpet
EarTrumpet simplifies app volume control on Windows, making it effortless to adjust individual application volumes with just a click. This tool is particularly handy during online meetings when you need to manage audio settings quickly.
#### 5. ShareX (or Greenshot for quick screenshots)
ShareX and Greenshot offer advanced screenshot capabilities, including scrolling screenshots and image annotations. ShareX, in particular, is a power-packed tool for capturing and editing screenshots efficiently.
Stay tuned for the next five upgrades in the upcoming sections.