Essential Windows 11 programs

Windows 11 includes many applications within it that allow those who install it to be able to use the computer in all its most important functions without necessarily installing new programs from the Internet or from the integrated Microsoft Store.

If, however, we wanted to enhance it to the maximum, in this article we will see what they are programs to install immediately on every version of Windows 11excellent for making up for the few gaps from a software point of view and always getting the most out of your PC.

READ ALSO: First options to change in Windows 10

1) Use alternative web browser

We have seen that in Windows 11 the default browser is Microsoft Edgeheir to Internet Explorer but much lighter, faster and more modern.

Se Edge is a great alternative to Google Chrome it is worth installing another backup browser on Windows 11, for example pointing to Mozilla Firefox o Opera.

For further information we can read the guide to best browsers to download for PC.

2) Scan system for viruses

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware it is a program to always have available, excellent for scanning your PC when you suspect you have some virus problems.

Antivirus is already present in Windows 11 Windows Defender which provides very good protection against threats and makes it unnecessary to install another antivirus, but with Malwarebytes in the free version you can get that in-depth manual control that gives you more peace of mind.

3) Image viewer and converter

Irfanview allows you to replace the Windows 11 photo viewer with more options and features, also integrating an excellent editor and an excellent converter for any type of image.

Using Irfanview we can browse photos and images on PC using the mouse or even the space bar on your keyboardwith a simplicity not available in the viewer integrated within the operating system.

4) View audio and video files

VLC Media Player it is essential on Windows 11 not only to open all types of downloaded videos and films, but also to play optical discs (if we have connected a external burner).

VLC must always be present on the PC as it also natively supports some video formats (such as videos with HEVC code) which are not available on Windows due to rights issues.

5) Read PDF documents

Come PDF reader we can use the timeless Adobe Acrobat or even any of the lightweight alternatives to Acrobat like Sumatra PDF.

On Windows 11, however, we can also avoid installing new programs for PDFs, given that Microsoft Edge browser supports reading PDF files natively (all PDF files will open within the Microsoft browser).

6) Listen to music locally

AIMPthe true heir of Winamp, is in my opinion the best program for listening to music on the computer.

In Windows 11 there is a music app called Media player (which we can certainly try for testing or as an emergency reader), but AIMP has that Minimal and simple character, with a compact interface, which makes it preferable.

7) Edit documents

Downloading LibreOffice we will have the possibility to edit all the documents that normally require Office on the PC.

With LibreOffice we can in fact create and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as if we were using Microsoft Office, with full support for all types of files generated by Office suites of any version (including DOCX, XLSX e PPTX).

8) Clean operating system

CCleaner to clean your PC from obsolete files It is a program that is perhaps less indispensable today in Windows 10 (which has various integrated tools in the Storage Settings to free up disk space), but still recommended to use.

9) Take notes

Notepad++ it is the best program to have an organized and feature-rich notepad.

Even if the Notepad di Windows 11 has grown so much in recent years (with many improvements recently included), the Notepad++ app still remains superior, indispensable especially for those who program and write code.

10) Quickly exchange files

A web app that we recommend you install immediately on Windows is Pairdropa convenient website that we can quickly convert into a PC app by reading our guide on how to install websites as applications on PC with Edge.

After opening the website we will be given a temporary name; if we open the site on another PC or on another device connected to the same Wi-Fi or LAN network we will see its name appear on the site; by pressing on it you will be able to choose which file to send, using only the Wi-Fi connection for the transferwithout having to configure anything else.

To learn more we can read the article ai Fast ways to transfer files between Windows and Mac computers.

Conclusions

By installing these apps on our PC with Windows 11 we will obtain a truly complete system from all points of view.

Finally, don’t forget the best applications for Windows from the Microsoft storefrom which we can obtain the Facebook, Instagram and various other apps, which are well integrated into the system and allow you to replace almost any type of traditional program.

For further information we can also read our guides best free apps to customize Windows 11 come on how to uninstall apps in Windows 11 and 10 (also system).

If instead we wanted to add the Gmail app to the system we can read the guide above how to use Gmail as an app in Windows 11.