The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they’re all FREE

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Because I work for Windows Central, I often reinstall Windows from the beginning – much more frequently than most people.

I install Windows 11 quite often, whether it’s for playing games on my primary computer or getting new review equipment ready.

After years of using computers, I’ve narrowed down the apps I absolutely need to just seven. These are the first apps I install on any new Windows 11 computer, for both work and personal use.

PowerToys

I believe all the tools in PowerToys are good enough to be built directly into Windows 11. However, if they were, development would likely be slower, and we wouldn’t get as much help from the user community.

I rely on PowerToys – a free, open-source set of tools – every day when using Windows 11. Features like FancyZones for organizing windows, the Light Switch, and Image Resizer have become essential parts of how I work.

I rely heavily on PowerToys Run and especially its Command Palette feature. I prefer using the keyboard for everything – launching applications, searching information, and even performing simple calculations. Minimizing my mouse usage significantly boosts my productivity.

Google Chrome

I don’t use Microsoft Edge. I’ve been using Google Chrome for a long time and I’m used to it. Everything I need is already set up in Chrome, and because I also use it on my Android phone, it stays synced across all my devices.

Honestly, I’ve bounced around with different browsers – I even gave Edge a good shot, along with a bunch of others. But I always find myself coming back to Chrome. It just *feels* right. I’ve been using it for almost all my work for over ten years now, so it’s become second nature.

I also use a Chromebook fairly often, and as I get older, I really value convenience. ChromeOS is easy for me to use, so that’s why I prefer it.

Steam

I’m a gamer, so I need Steam. That’s about all there is to say about it, right?

I’ve been playing more games through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lately, but I still have a lot of games on Steam, so I automatically install anything new that comes out there.

One of the best things about Steam for me is being able to start a game on my computer and then finish it comfortably on my Steam Deck. I can leave my PC running and move to the couch or another room – it’s great to have that flexibility and change of scenery while I play.

Heroic Games Launcher

I also use the Heroic Games Launcher for PC gaming. It’s a free, open-source program that originally aimed to be a different way to manage games, similar to the Epic Games Launcher.

I originally found this program while using Linux, where there isn’t an official Epic Games Launcher. However, it actually works better than the official launcher, so I decided to use it on Windows as well!

You can personalize it with your favorite colors, and now you can even use it to back up your game collections from GOG and Amazon Games.

GIMP

I usually edit photos with the Microsoft Photos app, and I’ve been really impressed with its new AI tools.

Sometimes I need a more powerful image editor, whether for work or personal projects. Like I’ve done for years, I always come back to GIMP for those tasks.

I usually avoid paying for Adobe products because I don’t use them frequently enough to justify the cost. When I did subscribe, I only utilized a small fraction of what I was paying for. GIMP is a free, open-source alternative that has everything I need.

WSL

I primarily use Windows 11, but I also like working with Linux. Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL, gives me the best of both worlds. It’s become incredibly easy to set up, so it’s always one of the first things I install on a fresh Windows setup.

As a researcher, I’ve been really impressed with how well Windows 11 works with Linux. I don’t code myself, but I’m always exploring new technologies, and the combination of WSL with tools like Docker Desktop and VS Code is incredibly smooth and productive. It’s a fantastic setup for anyone looking to experiment with both operating systems.

Spotify

Working from home alone is usually peaceful, except when my kids are out of school. Surprisingly, I actually find complete silence more distracting than some background noise – I might just be unusual that way.

There’s almost always some sound playing, and it’s usually from Spotify. I listen to music or podcasts there, and I use the desktop app on my Windows computer.

I don’t love the desktop app, but it works well enough. The best part is being able to send audio to my Google Nest speaker in another room without always needing to use voice commands – it’s a great solution.

How I quickly install these apps (and more)

By 2025, downloading and installing apps individually from websites will seem outdated.

I’ve noticed there are much simpler ways to install multiple programs at once. Tools like Ninite make it incredibly easy, and surprisingly, Microsoft is *finally* adding this feature to its own Store. It’s about time!

I prefer using winget, which is the Windows Package Manager. It comes built-in with Windows 11, and since I use Linux often, I appreciate being able to manage software from the command line.

You don’t have to memorize any commands, but if you’re just starting with winget, I suggest checking out winstall.app. It’s a user-friendly website that lets you browse apps available through winget, choose what you need, and easily creates a simple command you can copy and paste.

These are the first seven apps I install on Windows 11 every time. I rely on each one, and especially PowerToys is essential for me to use the operating system.

I’m really curious to hear about the apps you all rely on! I realize my own list might be pretty basic, so I’d love for you to share your favorites in the comments. Let me know what apps you can’t live without – I’m always looking for new recommendations!

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2025-11-11 15:41