Must-Have Apps and Utilities for Windows 11

Must-Have Apps and Utilities for Windows 11

Windows 11 has brought a fresh and modern interface, but to get the most out of it, you’ll need a solid set of apps and utilities. Here’s a roundup of the top must-haves:

PeaZip

PeaZip is an open-source file archiver that supports a wide range of formats including ZIP, RAR, and 7Z. It's perfect for compressing and extracting files efficiently.

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a powerful text and source code editor that offers a plethora of features including syntax highlighting, macro recording, and multi-document support. It’s a great tool for coders and writers alike.

XnConvert

XnConvert is a comprehensive batch image converter and resizer. It supports many formats and offers a range of features like rotation, filters, and watermarks.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a knowledge base app with a unique twist. It uses a markdown format and provides graph view of your notes, making it easier to visualize and connect your thoughts.

PotPlayer

PotPlayer is a versatile media player with support for a variety of file formats. It offers a sleek design, built-in codecs, and a range of customization options.

Mp3Tag

Mp3Tag is a powerful tool for editing metadata of audio files. It supports batch processing and a variety of tag formats, making it easy to organize your music library.

MusicBee

MusicBee is a feature-rich music player and organizer. It offers advanced playback options, support for plugins, and a highly customizable interface.

Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that’s perfect for recording and editing sounds. It supports multi-track editing, a range of effects, and various file formats.

Peace for Equalizer APO

Peace is a GUI for the powerful audio equalizer Equalizer APO. It allows you to create and switch between different audio profiles easily.

HandBrake

HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder that supports a wide range of codecs. It’s great for converting videos to different formats or optimizing them for various devices.

Shutter Encoder

Shutter Encoder is another powerful video converter that supports a range of formats and offers advanced features like frame rate conversion and subtitle support.

Wallpaper Engine

Wallpaper Engine allows you to use live wallpapers on your Windows desktop. It supports various types of wallpaper, including 3D and 2D animations, websites, and even applications.

WinSCP

WinSCP is a free SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and SCP client for Windows. It offers secure file transfer between a local and remote computer and supports scripting and task automation.

Flow Launcher

Flow Launcher is an open-source productivity tool that lets you quickly search for applications, files, and more. It supports various plugins and can be customized to fit your workflow.

Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment for safely running applications in isolation. It’s ideal for testing software without affecting your main system.

FBackup/Backup4All

FBackup and Backup4All are powerful tools for backing up your files. They offer various backup modes, scheduling, and cloud support.

Default Program Editor

Default Program Editor allows you to easily manage file associations, context menu entries, and auto play handlers for your files.

WinSetView

WinSetView is a handy tool for customizing folder views and settings in Windows. It lets you apply a consistent view across all your directories.

Non-Sucking Service Manager (NSSM)

NSSM is a tool that allows you to install, remove, and manage Windows services easily. It’s especially useful for running programs as services without the usual hassle.

winutil by Chris Titus Tech

winutil is a script by Chris Titus Tech that simplifies the optimization and customization of Windows. It offers a range of tweaks to enhance performance and usability.

ShutUp10++

ShutUp10++ is a privacy tool that provides extensive control over Windows 10's telemetry and privacy settings. It’s a must-have for users concerned about their data.

Syncthing

Syncthing is an open-source file synchronization tool that allows you to sync files between devices securely and efficiently. It’s a great alternative to cloud services for keeping your data in sync.

Q&A:

Q: Which app is best for compressing files on Windows 11? A: PeaZip is an excellent choice for compressing and extracting files efficiently.

Q: What tool can I use to edit audio files? A: Audacity is a powerful, open-source audio editor perfect for recording and editing sounds.

Q: Is there a good video transcoder for Windows 11? A: HandBrake is a top-notch open-source video transcoder that supports a wide range of codecs.