In this article, we will be presenting a comprehensive list of the top Windows applications that you must have on your Windows PC. You can easily find most of these apps on the Microsoft Store. We have carefully curated this list and included apps from a wide range of categories, such as entertainment, productivity, and many others.
Our selection includes the top 10 apps that are sure to enhance your overall user experience. Additionally, if you are interested in open-source software, we also have a list of open-source alternatives to paid software that you can check out.
Top 10 Windows Apps You Must Have
Whether you’ve just purchased a new PC or reinstalled Windows, the first task you’ll likely do is installing apps. Here are some of the essential apps for Windows 11 that everyone should install right away. So, let’s discuss it one by one.
1. Spotify
Here we have something for music lovers. Spotify has won the position of the top music player for Android. Now, it is also available for Windows 11. The Windows version of Spotify has all the features of the Android version, including podcasts.
Spotify is renowned for its music recommendations, and it will provide this feature in the Windows version as well. This app boasts a clean user interface, making it easy to navigate.
Moreover, Spotify allows you to sync all your data across all platforms. Additionally, you can manage the same account from multiple devices. These features make Spotify one of the top Windows 11 apps of the year.
2. Netflix
We don’t have much to say about this, nor do you need more. Netflix is a web platform and also the winner in its category. Initially, the web series and shows by Netflix received a massive response from the audience.
But during the lockdown period, some big-budget movies have been released on Netflix, crowning it the most popular platform. So if you are a ‘Netflix and Chill’ person, this app is for you.
If you visit the Netflix site, you will not find any download option; you have to install the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store. Now, the app offers the same experience as you get on a smartphone app.
Surfing is faster than in the browser, and you can enjoy your shows on the big screen. Moreover, the Netflix app allows you to download videos. This means you don’t need to connect to the internet every time to enjoy your favorite show. This is one of the must-pick choices for your Windows 11 apps.
3. Audible
If you are a book lover, then you must have an audible subscription. A book lover wants to read more and more books. But in today’s running life, people don’t have that much time to read. But now you need not worry as Audible will help you.
Audible is an audiobook service. It converts the content of the book into audio. So, you can listen to your favorite books on the go. Already it has got responses from the users of other platforms. We are happy to inform you that, Audible is now available in Windows.
So, you can consume books while working on your laptop or PC. Also, you can log in with your existing account opened on other platforms. You can’t ignore this in the list of top Windows 11 apps.
4. YouTube
Now we also have the YouTube app on Windows 11. I guess I don’t need to tell you about YouTube. We all know YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for watching videos. Apart from that, it is also one of the biggest search engines, serving as a vast repository of knowledge, entertainment, tutorials, and much more.
It is a video-sharing platform where users can not only watch videos but also share their own videos on it. With billions of users worldwide, YouTube has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a diverse range of content spanning from educational videos and music to vlogs and comedy skits.
However, now the YouTube app has been made available for the Windows operating system, providing users with a seamless experience to access their favorite videos and channels directly from their desktops. With features like personalized recommendations, trending videos, and the ability to subscribe to channels, the YouTube app on Windows 11 enhances the viewing experience, catering to the needs of both creators and viewers alike.
5. Duolingo
Here comes the highest-rated language learning app – Duolingo. It was available only for Android users until 2020. But now, Duolingo has opened the door for Windows, expanding its reach to a wider audience of language enthusiasts and learners.
Duolingo allows you to become a master of a new language from anywhere, whether you’re at home, commuting, or traveling. It supports several languages, including all the widely used ones such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, as well as many others, catering to learners with diverse language interests and goals.
Duolingo starts each course right from scratch, making it suitable for beginners and those with some prior knowledge of the language. It offers a variety of interactive exercises, quizzes, and challenges to help you learn and practice vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills in a fun and engaging way.
6. Dropbox
Some of you are searching for an alternative to OneDrive and Google Drive. Dropbox is the option. It is an alternative service that allows you to store your files, preventing frequent USB exchanges between your laptop or PC and smartphone. Additionally, Dropbox lets you easily share files and collaborate with others, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.
Dropbox lets you access your data from any device through your account. Whether you’re on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can seamlessly access and manage your files on the go.
Both the Basic and Advanced account options are available for you. The Basic plan offers a generous amount of storage for free, while the Advanced plan provides additional features and storage capacity at a competitive price. If you are dealing with a lot of data, or if you require advanced features such as team collaboration tools and priority support, the Advanced plan may be the best choice for you.
7. TED Talks
It is another great app to improve your knowledge. TED keeps you up-to-date with the latest TED talk audio and videos. TED Talks has its official channel on YouTube. But as you know, Windows 11 does not have a pre-installed YouTube app.
Even if you install it, you will not get notifications like on Android. So, this app should be on your Windows 11 device. By using this app, you will get free access to over 1700 TED Talks covering a wide range of topics, from technology and science to art and philosophy.
Also, the videos are categorized according to subjects, making it easier for you to find content that interests you. So, you can consume educational videos even while working on your Windows 11. It is one of the best Windows 11 apps for educational purposes, offering a convenient way to expand your knowledge and stay informed.
8. VLC Media Player
We are starting our list with the top media player for the last five years. VLC is the easy choice for media players on your Windows 11. It is far superior to Microsoft’s own media player. VLC is one of the few media players that supports almost every video format.
Additionally, it is an open-source application for Windows 11 users. Supported video formats include mp4, Mk4, Avi, and many more. Furthermore, it includes features like subtitle addition and audio sync.
Moreover, you can engage in creating a video to use as live wallpaper. No other media player for Windows 11 can offer you such benefits. This is one of the best Windows 11 apps in 2021. You should go for it without much hesitation.
9. WhatsApp
WhatsApp has recently launched its desktop application, which enables Windows users to conveniently integrate the popular messaging service into their operating system. This new release allows individuals to send text messages, videos, images, documents, and other media files directly from their desktops.
Moreover, WhatsApp Messenger for PC also facilitates voice and video calls worldwide, ensuring that users can stay connected with their friends, family, and colleagues no matter where they are.
By utilizing this desktop version of WhatsApp, users can easily manage their messages and media files while they work or multitask on their computers. The application’s intuitive interface ensures a seamless user experience, making it simple for individuals to navigate their conversations and access essential features. Furthermore, WhatsApp for PC synchronizes conversations across devices, enabling smooth transitions between mobile and desktop platforms without any interruptions. You can check out our full guide on how to use WhatsApp on Windows 11.
10. Zoom
Since the pandemic began, video conferencing has become an essential tool in our daily lives. Zoom is one of the excellent video conferencing tools that offers a multitude of features and provides a native app for Windows 11, making it even more accessible and convenient for users.
Under the free tier, Zoom allows you to have video conferencing with up to 100 participants, but the calls are capped at 40 minutes. However, despite this limitation, Zoom’s robust features such as screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and chat options make it a preferred choice for both personal and professional use.
If you wish to have unlimited calls on Zoom, you can opt for its premium plan, which not only removes the time limit but also offers additional benefits such as advanced meeting controls and cloud storage for recordings. This flexibility caters to the diverse needs of users, whether they’re conducting virtual meetings, hosting webinars, or simply catching up with friends and family.
Conclusion
That’s it; this is the list of must-have Windows applications. However, if you missed any of your favorite Windows applications or software, please leave them in the comment section, and we will add them to the list. Your input is valuable in ensuring we cover a wide range of essential tools for Windows users.
In addition, if we discover new must-have Windows apps or software that enhances productivity or simplifies tasks, we’ll continuously update and improve this guide to better serve the Windows community. We hope you found this guide helpful in discovering new tools and applications to optimize your Windows experience.
