The best free PC software isn't just about cost (or lack thereof), it's about a new opportunity—collections of code that make the most of your computer's hardware, tools that can do anything from balancing your household budget to helping cure cancer. 💻✨

Equipping your PC is a very personal task. But there are some programs so useful that we wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone. free programs for PC apps—a mix of must-haves and delightful add-ons—deserve a spot on almost any computer. However, sometimes a paid alternative makes sense. We've outlined the circumstances where an upgrade from the free offering might be warranted, along with our recommendation for each category. 🔄

And if you're choosing these programs as part of your new PC setup, don't forget to check out our guide on how to set up your new computer the right way. Let's get started! 🚀

A better browser

 Microsoft

Before you start installing software, make sure you've got the web browser of your choice. Using the default Edge browser in Windows 10 and 11 when you're used to another one is like wearing shoes that aren't yours. (Blech!) 😫

That said, we'd say Edge is really good if you're not a Chrome fan; it's worth checking out. Firefox is excellent for those who value privacy. But hey, all browsers are free! Try before you decide—we've published in-depth reviews of the compelling features you'll only find in Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi (aka the enthusiast browser). 🔍

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No.

Ninite

Ninite makes booting up a new computer a piece of cake. Simply head to the Ninite site, select which free software you want to install on your PC—it offers dozens of options, including many of the programs mentioned here—and click on Get Installer to receive a custom .exe file containing the installers for those programs. Run the executable, and Ninite will install them all one after the other, and Automatically rejects offers to include bloatware that so many free apps try to sneak in. Hassle-free. 🎉

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. For most users, there isn't a worthy alternative, and even if there were, it wouldn't justify the cost. However, there is a paid add-on called Ninite Updater that costs $10 per year and makes it easy to keep all your desktop programs up to date.

Unchecky

Accidentally installing unwanted bloatware is one of the biggest dangers of free software, except for the sanctity of Ninite. For everything else, use Unchecky. Unchecky automatically unchecks all the boxes when you try to install a program and warns you if any suspicious software tries to sneak something harmful onto your machine. 🚧

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. Again, Unchecky is in a league of its own, and while you might find similar capabilities in an antivirus program, there's no reason to look elsewhere.

Microsoft PowerToys

Jared Newman / Foundry

If you want to fine-tune your Windows experience, be sure to check out Microsoft's amazing PowerToys suite. Ostensibly aimed at enthusiasts, PowerToys is loaded with tools designed to simplify all sorts of PC issues. It offers utilities for batch resizing images, quickly finding the mouse cursor, always keeping a selected window on top, remapping keyboard keys, showing file previews in File Explorer, and much more. And you should definitely be using FancyZones, Microsoft's amazing multitasking app. 🔧

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No, there is no premium alternative to Microsoft's incredible collection of tools.

Launchy

A simple launcher app, Launchy, lets you access software much faster than navigating through Windows, even if you use the Windows key and search for an app by name. But Launchy can do much, much more: open any file or folder in seconds, shut down your PC, or even kill processes and perform math calculations with the right add-ons. Install Launchy and forget about the Start menu. 💨

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. Launchy is another Windows utility in a class of its own; however, the developers do accept donations, and we highly recommend you give them a few dollars for this excellent program.

7-Zip

Windows can create and extract ZIP files natively, but if you find yourself looking at another compressed file, you'll need a dedicated program to handle it. Many of these are paid. 7-Zip It's open source and completely free, ready to handle all your archiving needs from the Windows context menu. 🗜️ You can even encrypt 7-Zip files with a password to send them securely.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. 7-Zip is great, and paid alternatives like WinZip don't offer enough to justify the price. For most of us, 7-Zip is simply great—and Microsoft has integrated support for RAR and 7-Zip files directly into Windows 11.

VLC

Windows 10 and 11 have a tricky problem: Unlike Windows 7, they can't play DVDs out of the box. Your PC may have DVD playback software installed if you bought a boxed system, but if not, the simply wonderful VLC media player can play your movies (and music, and podcasts, and more) for free. 🎥 It can even play (some) Blu-ray discs with a little tweaking.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. VLC is simply fantastic, and you won't find a paid option that can justify its value compared to this free workhorse. However, you can send a donation to the VideoLAN organization as a thank you for their hard work.

Paint.net

Don't let Paint.net's free status fool you: This image editor may not have all the features of Photoshop, but it has everything most people need (including layer-based editing) and costs hundreds of dollars less. 🖌️ We have Paint.net tips to help you get started with this amazing, free software.

If you're a graphics professional and can't afford Photoshop but need more than Paint.net offers, try GIMP. It has a steep learning curve, but its capabilities are impressive once you get the hang of it. However, those aren't your only options. Check out our roundup of the best free Photoshop alternatives for more free programs, from quick adjustments to detailed image editing.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. Free image editors are generally great, and GIMP is better than ever. But Adobe's Photoshop remains the undisputed titan for image editing, while the hobbyist-level Photoshop Elements has advanced features you won't find in free programs.

Audacity

If you need to record or mix audio without spending a lot of money on professional software, Audacity is the best option. This powerful open-source audio editor offers excellent production capabilities—and an astonishing array of buttons and options. Get it, then read the Audacity manual to familiarize yourself with the basics. 🎵

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Perhaps. For most users, Audacity is a powerful tool, but if you're moving up to the semi-professional level and need a deeper level of audio editing, then Adobe Audition CC for $$23 per month might be worth it. Keep in mind, however, that Adobe Audition is a professional tool and not a starter option.

Revo Uninstaller

When you remove software using the default Windows uninstall utility, it can leave a lot of leftovers in odd places, taking up valuable storage space. Revo Uninstaller removes all. It's great. 🧹

(Pro Tip: If you encounter a program that says it can't be removed because it's in use by your system, the free IOBit Unlocker can unblock it, as can Microsoft PowerTools.)

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. Revo Uninstaller only handles the basics. If you need features like removing remnants of previously uninstalled programs or performing bulk uninstalls, then spending $20 on Revo Uninstaller Pro or a yearly subscription to $20 with Iobit Uninstaller Pro is worth it.

SpaceSniffer

Managing your computer's storage space is an experience that requires your full attention. Windows tells you how much free space is on your drive, and that's it; it's up to you to dive into a million different directories and delete what's left when you're running low. SpaceSniffer (try not to laugh) from Uderzo Software solves this by scanning an entire drive and presenting your files and folders in a visual grid, making it easy to find "lost" programs that are taking up large amounts of space on your hard drive. It's one of the five Windows power tools we can't live without. 📊

WinDirStat is another free program that behaves similarly to SpaceSniffer. If you're looking to free up space for the latest install of a massive game, you'll want to have one of these installed on your PC.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Nope!

Recuva

But what if you want to bring a deleted file back to life? Recuva is a clean and simple deduplication program from Piriform, the creators of CCleaner.

Be warned: Recuva won't be able to recover all deleted files, and the odds are even lower if you deleted a program with a secure removal tool like Eraser (another top-notch free program). However, Recuva has saved my bacon more than once. 🛠️

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Maybe. Recuva helps you recover files, but if you want advanced features like virtual hard drive support and automatic updates, then the $20 for Recuva Pro might be worth it.

Sumatra PDF

Adobe Reader may be the most sought-after PDF reader, but it's clunky, constantly updated, and frequently targeted by malware vendors. If you only need basic functionality, go with Sumatra PDF instead. Sumatra lacks the fancy extras found in many full-featured PDF readers, but when it comes to simply reading PDFs, Sumatra PDF is lightning fast and completely accurate. Oh, and because it's less ubiquitous than Adobe's offering, hackers tend to avoid Sumatra PDF. 🥳

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. There are paid PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat or Wondershare's PDFelement. But they offer features that few people need, such as the ability to edit, add watermarks, and annotate PDFs. If you need these advanced features, check out our guide to the best PDF editors.

Spotify or iTunes

Sometimes, listening to good music is the only way to get through endless emails or an overwhelming spreadsheet. The exact music client you'll want will depend on whether you've already purchased a service, of course. For music novices, I recommend two programs: iTunes and Spotify.

The iTunes Windows client is notoriously bad, but it gets the job done—and that job includes giving you access to a vast universe of premium music downloads and keeping your iPhone's music library synced with your PC. Spotify, on the other hand, is an all-you-can-eat streaming service with millions of songs available, all free if you don't mind a few ads. 🎶

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. You don't need to be an audiophile to recognize the sound difference in the higher versions quality that Spotify and Apple Music premium subscribers get, plus no ads and the ability to listen to your music wherever you want. 📈

A password manager

The endless stream of high-profile hacking attacks in recent years has underscored the importance: You need strong passwords, and you need a different one for every site you visit. Instead of juggling dozens of alphanumeric codes in your head, download a password manager. 🔑

There are several options available, but our favorite free one is Bitwarden, a free password manager with few restrictions (unlike the free offerings of premium favorites like LastPass and Dashlane). Our guide to the best password managers and the best free password managers can help you navigate all the available options.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. Password managers are important tools, but you need them on all your devices to be effective, and that means paying for the service. Dashlane is the best password manager out there, hands down. Lastpass used to be popular, but it's suffered too many security breaches to recommend. 🔒

A productivity suite

PCs are great for helping you get things done—but few come with a productivity suite installed. Fix that now! Even if you don't plan on using a productivity suite regularly, it's smart to have basic editing capabilities available on your computer.

Legions of people swear by Microsoft's legendary Office; I do too. But you don't have to spend a lot of money on Office if you don't need its myriad features. There are free—and good—alternatives, with LibreOffice (pictured) being the most prominent open-source option. The online-only Google Docs is also excellent. This guide to the best free Microsoft Office alternatives explains your various options. 📑

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Maybe. You can do a lot with LibreOffice or OpenOffice, or even Google Docs. But there's a lot to be said for Microsoft's subscription service, Office 365, which includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage and monthly Skype minutes. It costs £14.69 per year or £14.99 per month for a personal account.

AutoHotKey

Macros are great in Microsoft Word and Excel, aren't they? AutoHotKey lets you create custom keyboard shortcuts for any program or action on your PC. It's not exactly beginner-friendly, as setting up AutoHotKey requires some basic typing, which most people will be able to pick up quickly. It's pure magic once you get the hang of it. 🎩

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

No. Even if you could pay for a pro version, why would you? But if you like keyboard shortcuts, Vimium is another great free option for adding keyboard controls to your browser.

Proton VPN

Browsing websites and sending private data over open Wi-Fi networks is like. to cry out for! Hackers can't capture your details. Virtual private networks secure your connection. If you need to log into your work website or email at Starbucks, use the free version of Proton, a VPN we love, to keep your data safe. It's fast, easy to use, and has a clear privacy policy, unlike many VPNs. 🔒

The only real limitation of this service is that you can only connect with one device at a time. Other than that, it's practically a premium VPN.

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. This is another case where “Absolutely!” would be appropriate. The free version of Proton is great, and we think it’s a reliable product, but the one-device limitation is disappointing in a world where you’ll be checking your phone while working on your laptop. There are plenty of no-strings-attached paid VPNs to choose from. Check out our roundup of the Best VPNs to find the one that’s right for you. Our current top pick is ExpressVPN.

Free games!

All work and no play makes Homer…something, something! Valve’s impressive PC games marketplace, Steam, makes it easy to let go of the stress of the workday and release a little… well, you know. You’ll find tons of free games available on Steam, and games are often given away for free for a limited time. If you want a steady stream of free games, rival Epic Games Store also offers a free game or two every week. 🎮

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Probably. Free games can only take you so far before you're left wanting more. Steam, GOG, EA's Origin, the Epic Games Store, and Blizzard can satisfy your gaming needs once free games aren't enough. 🚀

Bonus: Back up your PC!

This isn't an official recommendation because the best way to back up your PC for free is to use a mix of native Windows utilities and free third-party solutions. But backing up your data is so vital—especially in this rising era of ransomware—that needs to be highlighted here. 🛡️

Is it worth upgrading to a paid version?

Yes. The best strategy for backing up your PC isn't just dumping your files onto a USB hard drive. You also need online backup, and there are many services to choose from. Check out our guide to the best online backup services for more details. 💾

Now that you've loaded your PC with the best free software available, it's time to put Windows to work.