Got a new Windows PC/Laptop? Look at these must-have apps first

TL;DR & Summary

Getting a new PC/Laptop is a great feeling but anything new without right & useful setting/apps you won’t get a head start. You’d be shocked to know that on average a Windows user installs over 50 softwares for their Windows computer.

Here are must-have apps in your new Windows PC/Laptop:

1. Google Chrome for browsing the web
2. Microsoft Outlook for email client
3. Slack for messaging
4. MS Office for office productivity
5. Notion to digitally manage your personal & professional life
6. Adobe Reader for PDF files
7. VLC Media Player for video content

Why having the right apps and software on a new PC is important?

Having the right apps and software on a new Windows PC is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it can help you get the most out of your computer’s hardware capabilities.

For example, by installing apps that are optimized for your PC’s graphics card, you can get smoother and more immersive gaming and/or rendering experiences.

In addition to performance benefits, having the right apps and software can also help you stay productive and organized.

With the right apps, you can easily manage your files, stay on top of your to-do list, and communicate with colleagues or friends.

Many productivity apps are also designed to help you work more efficiently, such as by automating repetitive tasks or providing quick access to important information.

Finally, having the right apps and software can also help you stay secure online. Many apps and software packages come with built-in security features that can help protect your personal information and prevent cyber attacks.

For example, antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware and other threats, while password managers can help you create strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.

Having the right apps and software on a new PC is crucial for maximizing performance, staying productive and organized, and staying secure online.

By choosing the right apps and software packages, you can get the most out of your computer and enjoy a seamless computing experience.

Must-have apps and software on Windows PC/Laptops

Considering the various needs of an average user, I have categorized the apps based on the nature of the software. This will ensure you find the right app in the right place.

Let’s begin the list.

Internet and Communication

#1 Web browsers

Web browsers are essential software for any new Windows PC. They help in accessing and browsing the internet.

Here are the top 5 web browsers for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. Google Chrome: It is a popular web browser that offers a simple and user-friendly interface. It offers fast browsing speed, multiple extensions, and automatic updates.
2. Mozilla Firefox: It is a reliable web browser that offers strong privacy features, fast browsing speed, and customizable add-ons.
3. Microsoft Edge: It is a built-in web browser for Windows that offers a user-friendly interface, fast browsing speed, and tight integration with Microsoft services.
4. Opera: It is a web browser that offers fast browsing speed, built-in VPN, and ad-blocker.
5. Brave: It is a privacy-focused web browser that offers fast browsing speed, ad-blocker, and built-in tracking protection.

#2 Email clients

Email clients are software programs that allow users to send and receive emails from their email accounts.

Here are the top 5 email clients for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. Microsoft Outlook: It is a popular email client that offers advanced features like calendar integration, task management, and contact management.
2. Mozilla Thunderbird: It is a reliable email client that offers strong privacy features, fast email search, and customizable add-ons.
3. Gmail: It is a web-based email client that offers a user-friendly interface, powerful spam filters, and integration with other Google services.
4. Mailbird: It is an email client that offers a user-friendly interface, customization options, and integration with various apps.
5. eM Client: It is an email client that offers a user-friendly interface, built-in calendar, and task management.

#3 Messaging apps

Messaging apps are essential software for any new PC/laptop. They allow users to communicate with their friends, family, and colleagues.

Here are the top 5 messaging apps for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. WhatsApp: It is a popular messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, group chats, and voice/video calls.
2. Microsoft Teams: It is a messaging app that offers team collaboration features, video conferencing, and file sharing.
3. Slack: It is a messaging app that offers team collaboration features, customizable notifications, and integrations with various apps.
4. Telegram: It is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, group chats, and file sharing.
5. Signal: It is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, group chats, and voice/video calls.

Productivity

#1 Office suite

Office suite software is essential for a new Windows PC/laptop to create, edit and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Here are the top 5 software recommendations:

1. Microsoft Office: It is the most popular office suite software that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. The best thing about Microsoft Office is its advanced features, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with other Microsoft tools and services.
2. LibreOffice: It is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. The best thing about LibreOffice is its compatibility with different file formats and its ability to run on various platforms.
3. WPS Office: It is a powerful office suite software that includes Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation. The best thing about WPS Office is its user-friendly interface, cloud integration, and support for multiple languages.
4. Google Workspace: It is a cloud-based office suite that includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. The best thing about Google Workspace is its collaboration features, real-time editing, and cloud storage.
5. Zoho Workplace: It is a cloud-based office suite that includes Writer, Sheets, Show, and more. The best thing about Zoho Workplace is its comprehensive features, intuitive interface, and collaboration tools.

#2 Note-taking app

Note-taking apps are essential to keep track of ideas, to-do lists, and other important information.

Here are the top 5 software recommendations:

1. Evernote: It is a popular note-taking app that allows you to capture, organize, and share notes. The best thing about Evernote is its powerful search capabilities, cross-platform compatibility, and integration with other tools and services.
2. OneNote: It is a note-taking app that comes with Microsoft Office. The best thing about OneNote is its organization capabilities, note syncing across devices, and seamless integration with other Microsoft tools.
3. Simplenote: It is a free and lightweight note-taking app that allows you to create, organize, and sync notes across devices. The best thing about Simplenote is its simplicity, clean interface, and support for markdown.
4. Google Keep: It is a note-taking app that allows you to capture, organize, and share notes. The best thing about Google Keep is its integration with other Google services, collaboration features, and reminders.
5. Notion: It is an all-in-one workspace that includes note-taking, project management, and database features. The best thing about Notion is its flexibility, customization, and the ability to create templates for different types of notes.

#3 PDF reader

PDF reader software is essential to view, edit, and annotate PDF documents. Here are the top 5 software recommendations:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: It is a free PDF reader that allows you to view, print, and annotate PDFs. The best thing about Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is its powerful features, such as digital signature, form filling, and OCR.
2. Foxit Reader: It is a lightweight and fast PDF reader that allows you to view, edit, and annotate PDFs. The best thing about Foxit Reader is its user-friendly interface, customizable toolbar, and cloud support.
3. Sumatra PDF: It is a free and open-source PDF reader that allows you to view, print, and search PDFs. The best thing about Sumatra PDF is its fast and lightweight performance, and its ability to open multiple documents in tabs.
4. Nitro PDF Reader: It is a free PDF reader that allows you to view, edit, and create PDFs. The best thing about Nitro PDF Reader is its advanced features, such as conversion, form filling, and collaboration tools.
5. PDF-XChange Editor: It is a feature-rich PDF reader that allows you to view, edit, and annotate PDF files. With this software, you can add text, images, and shapes to your PDFs, highlight text, and even fill out forms electronically. The best thing about PDF-XChange Editor is its speed and efficiency, allowing you to work with large PDF files without any lag or delays.

Media and Entertainment

#1 Media player

Media player software is essential for playing various media files such as videos, music, and movies.

Here are the top 5 media player software recommendations for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. VLC Media Player: It is a free and open-source media player that supports multiple formats and is known for its user-friendly interface. Supports multiple formats and offers a user-friendly interface.
2. PotPlayer: This is another free media player that offers support for a wide range of formats and also includes a lot of advanced features such as 3D video playback. Offers advanced features such as 3D video playback.
3. Windows Media Player: This media player is pre-installed on Windows PCs and provides basic functionality for playing various media files. Pre-installed on Windows PCs and provides basic functionality for playing various media files.
4. KMPlayer: It is a free and lightweight media player that supports various formats and also includes a built-in subtitle editor. Lightweight media player with a built-in subtitle editor.
5. GOM Player: This media player supports a wide range of formats and offers a unique feature that allows users to search and add subtitles from within the player. Supports a wide range of formats and includes a unique feature for adding subtitles.

#2 Photo editor

A photo editor software is essential for editing and enhancing photos. Photo editing isn’t confined to photographer anymore. Everybody needs it & use it in daily lives.

Here are the top 5 photo editor software recommendations for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. Adobe Photoshop: It is a professional-grade photo editor that offers a wide range of features and tools for editing and enhancing photos.
2. GIMP: This is a free and open-source photo editor that provides a lot of advanced features and tools similar to Adobe Photoshop.
3. Paint.NET: It is a free and user-friendly photo editor that offers a lot of basic features such as image resizing, cropping, and color adjustments.
4. Affinity Photo: This is a professional-grade photo editor that offers a lot of advanced features and tools similar to Adobe Photoshop.
5. Luminar AI: This photo editor uses artificial intelligence to automatically enhance and edit photos, making it a great option for beginners.

#3 Music streaming app

A music streaming app is essential for listening to music on a new Windows PC/laptop.

Here are the top 5 music streaming app recommendations:

1. Spotify: This is one of the most popular music streaming apps that offers a wide range of features such as curated playlists and personalized recommendations.
2. Apple Music: This is another popular music streaming app that offers access to a large library of songs and also includes exclusive content.
3. Amazon Music Unlimited: This music streaming app is integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem and offers access to a large library of songs.

Security & Maintenance

#1 Antivirus software

Antivirus software is essential to protect your PC/laptop from viruses, malware, and other malicious threats. It constantly scans your system and blocks any harmful activities. Here are the top 5 antivirus software recommendations for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. Norton 360: Norton 360 provides comprehensive antivirus protection and comes with a range of features such as parental controls, password manager, and cloud backup.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides real-time protection against all types of malware and viruses. It has a simple user interface and offers a range of additional features.
3. Kaspersky Anti-Virus: Kaspersky Anti-Virus provides excellent protection against viruses and other online threats. It also comes with features such as email scanning and online banking protection.
4. Avast Free Antivirus: Avast Free Antivirus is a lightweight and easy-to-use antivirus software that provides real-time protection against malware and viruses.
5. McAfee Total Protection: McAfee Total Protection provides excellent malware protection and comes with a range of features such as password manager and parental controls.

#2 Backup and recovery software

Backup and recovery software is essential to keep your data safe and secure. It enables you to create a backup of your files and recover them in case of a system crash or any other issues. Here are the top 5 backup and recovery software recommendations for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. Acronis True Image: Acronis True Image is an advanced backup and recovery software that offers a range of features such as cloud backup, disk cloning, and ransomware protection.
2. EaseUS Todo Backup: EaseUS Todo Backup is a reliable and easy-to-use backup and recovery software that comes with a range of features such as disk cloning, system backup, and data migration.
3. Paragon Backup & Recovery: Paragon Backup & Recovery is a powerful backup and recovery software that offers a range of features such as disk imaging, partition management, and cloud backup.
4. AOMEI Backupper: AOMEI Backupper is a comprehensive backup and recovery software that offers features such as disk cloning, system backup, and file sync.
5. Macrium Reflect: Macrium Reflect is a reliable backup and recovery software that provides features such as disk imaging, backup scheduling, and incremental backups.

#3 System maintenance tool

System maintenance tools are essential to keep your Windows PC/laptop running smoothly. It enables you to clean up junk files, optimize system performance, and fix common issues.

Here are the top 5 system maintenance tool recommendations for a new Windows PC/laptop:

1. CCleaner: CCleaner is a popular system maintenance tool that cleans up junk files, fixes system errors, and optimizes system performance.
2. Advanced SystemCare: Advanced SystemCare is a comprehensive system maintenance tool that offers features such as registry cleaning, system optimization, and malware protection.
3. Iolo System Mechanic: Iolo System Mechanic is a powerful system maintenance tool that offers features such as disk cleanup, system optimization, and malware protection.
4. AVG TuneUp: AVG TuneUp is a reliable system maintenance tool that offers features such as disk cleanup, system optimization, and software updates.

Other Useful Apps

#1 File compression tool

File compression tools are essential for every computer user. They can help reduce the size of files, making them easier to transfer, store, and share.

Here are the top 5 file compression tools for a new Windows PC:

1. WinRAR: This is one of the most popular file compression tools available. It is easy to use and supports a wide range of file formats. The best thing about WinRAR is its speed and efficiency.
2. 7-Zip: This is a free and open-source file compression tool that can handle a variety of file formats. It has a high compression ratio and supports encryption. The best thing about 7-Zip is its ability to compress large files.
3. PeaZip: This is a user-friendly file compression tool that supports a wide range of file formats. It has a modern interface and supports 7-Zip, RAR, and ZIP formats. The best thing about PeaZip is its simplicity and ease of use.

#2 Virtual private network

A virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. Here are the top 5 VPNs for a new Windows PC:

1. NordVPN: This is one of the most popular VPNs available. It has a vast network of servers and provides strong encryption. The best thing about NordVPN is its speed and reliability.
2. ExpressVPN: This is a premium VPN that offers fast speeds and strong encryption. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about ExpressVPN is its simplicity and ease of use.
3. CyberGhost: This is an affordable VPN that offers good speeds and strong encryption. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about CyberGhost is its price and affordability.
4. Hotspot Shield: This is a fast and reliable VPN that provides strong encryption. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about Hotspot Shield is its speed and performance.
5. Surfshark: This is an affordable VPN that offers good speeds and strong encryption. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about Surfshark is its price and affordability.

#3 Password manager

A password manager is a tool that helps you manage your passwords securely. Here are the top 5 password managers for a new Windows PC:

1. LastPass: This is one of the most popular password managers available. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about LastPass is its ease of use and versatility.
2. Dashlane: This is a premium password manager that provides strong encryption and good security features. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about Dashlane is its security features and ease of use.
3. 1Password: This is a popular password manager that provides strong encryption and good security features. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of platforms. The best thing about 1Password is its security features and ease of use.
4. Keeper: This is an affordable password manager that provides strong encryption and good security features.

Best practices for using Windows OS

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems globally. Whether it’s for personal or professional use, it’s essential to know how to get the most out of the OS.

Here are ten best practices for using Windows (especially on a new PC/Laptop):

1. Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
2. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
3. Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against potential threats.
4. Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
5. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions or accessing sensitive information.
6. Create a backup of important files and data regularly to prevent data loss in case of system failures.
7. Utilize the built-in security features in Windows, such as Windows Defender and Firewall.
8. Disable unnecessary services and programs that may slow down your system or pose a security risk.
9. Remove any bloatware or unnecessary software that came pre-installed on your system.
10. Regularly clean up your system by deleting temporary files, cache, and unnecessary data to free up storage space and improve performance.

Frequently asked questions