Very recently, we published an article from my mate and fellow author, Marc Thomas, in which he listed the freeware he adds to Windows: The Free Programs I always Add To Windows.
It’s a great topic and, inspired by Marc’s article, one that I’m unashamedly going to expand on. It’s been quite some time since I’ve clean-installed Windows, but if I were to, these are the very first freeware titles I would download – a must-have list, if you will.
Brave Browser
We all know that, once we go online, our privacy is compromised, and while we can’t eliminate these privacy issues altogether, we can certainly take steps to minimize our exposure. When it comes to privacy issues, the browser is one of the main culprits. The browser leaks an abundance of information, and because it’s always online when in use, it is a prime target for abuse.
That’s why I always install the privacy-centric Brave browser as a priority. With its built-in shields that block ads, prevent tracking, and more, plus its effective anti-fingerprinting feature, Brave is, in my opinion, must-have software.
Bitwarden Password Manager
A decent password manager is an absolute essential these days, and Bitwarden is way above average. As passkeys eventually take over from passwords, a cloud-based password manager, such as Bitwarden, allows users to save their passwords and passkeys and sync them across multiple devices.
I have been so impressed with Bitwarden that I ended up paying for the Pro version, for a modest sum. However, Bitwarden Free will certainly do a great job.
Aomei Backupper Standard
Image backups are an absolute must for me, and should be for everyone. Image backups can rescue the user from any and all disasters and have them back up and running in no time.
Following a clean install, and after setting up Windows exactly the way you want, including installing all your favorite software. If you then create and save an image, you’ll always have a pristine and enhanced “restore to factory settings” option available.
“Enhanced” because, unlike the normal restore to factory settings feature, you will not need to set up Windows all over again, nor install any software. Aomei Backupper Standard is free and full-featured. Another good option is Hasleo Free Backup Suite..
- Read our comprehensive review of Hasleo Backup Suite: Hasleo Backup Suite Review
They are the titles I would install immediately, and these are the titles that would follow soon after:
- PrivaZer (portable): Superior junk file cleaner
- FastStone Image Viewer (portable): My favorite image viewer with excellent editing options
- Hibit Uninstaller (portable): Effective uninstaller with excellent cleanup ability
Okay, your turn. Feel free to submit your own list of must-have freeware via the comments.
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Add:
7-Zip archive utility (all also works well in Linux under wine)
LibreOffice suite
Notepad++ text & code editor
WinMerge file and folder comparison utility (v. 2.16.42.0 works well in Linux under wine)
IrfanView, VLC, MPC-HC, Shotcut image & video tools (all also work well in Linux under wine)
Sysinyternals suite and Nirsoft utilities for system, network and other information
Sumatra PDF and EPUB viewer, and and PDF XChange PDF editor (all also work well in Linux under wine)
Off the top of my head, VLC is a clear no-brainer. I’m sure I could come up with many others that I’d recommend, but I have to make dinner, so…..
Oh, just thought of HandBrake as well. Now, gotta feed the heathens.
ClipDiary is my favorite clipboard manager.
Been using Bitwarden for years, I don’t think anyone could ever get me to use another password manager. I cannot even remember if I have ever heard of it having any type of security issues , unlike many of the other password managers out there.
And for just $10 a year for the pro version, it’s just a no brainer.