The best software for a Windows PC is a short list, not a long one: a browser, a security setup, an office suite, a backup routine, a media player, a file archiver and a password manager. Most of it is free, and Windows already includes some of it. This guide goes through the essentials by job so you can set up a new PC, or tidy an old one, without installing things you do not need.
Start with what Windows already gives you
Before you download anything, look at what is built in. Windows includes Windows Security for virus and threat protection, a firewall, File History and Windows Backup for your files, Storage Sense for clearing temporary files, Quick Assist for remote help, and a screenshot tool. Many people install paid or ad-supported versions of things Windows already does. Add a tool only when it does something the built-in one cannot.
Download software from the publisher’s own website or from the Microsoft Store. Search ads and “free download” sites often bundle extra programs you did not ask for. After you install anything, check the list of installed apps and remove what you do not recognise.
Essentials by job
| Job | Good options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Web browser | Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox | Edge is already installed. All three update themselves. |
| Security | Windows Security | Built in. Keep Windows Update on. |
| Office suite | Microsoft 365, LibreOffice, Google Docs | LibreOffice is free and open source. |
| Media player | VLC media player | Plays most audio and video formats. |
| Archives | 7-Zip | Free and open source. Windows also opens zip files natively. |
| Passwords | Bitwarden, 1Password, the Edge or Chrome built-in manager | Use one manager and a strong main password. |
| Backup | Windows Backup, File History, an external drive, a cloud service | Keep a copy away from the PC. |
| Notes and text | Notepad, Notepad++, Microsoft OneNote, Obsidian | Pick one place for notes. |
| Images | Paint.NET, GIMP, Canva | Photoshop is the pro option for heavy editing. |
| Recording and streaming | OBS Studio | Free and open source. |
| Video calls | Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet | Use what your contacts use. |
| Remote access | Quick Assist, Chrome Remote Desktop | Quick Assist is built into Windows. |
Web browser
You spend most of your PC time in a browser, so this choice matters. Microsoft Edge comes with Windows. Google Chrome is the most widely used and syncs with a Google account. Mozilla Firefox is made by a non-profit and has strong privacy settings. All three support extensions, sync and regular security updates. Pick one as your main browser and keep it updated. If a page uses a lot of memory, close tabs you are not using before you blame the PC.
Security
Windows Security is built into Windows and includes antivirus, a firewall and protection against unwanted apps. For most home users it is enough when combined with some habits: install Windows updates, do not run files from unknown senders, and be careful with email attachments. A second antivirus program running next to it rarely adds protection and can slow the PC. If you want more, look at your browser’s safe browsing settings and a password manager. If you run a website from this PC, see our guide to WordPress security plugins as well.
Office suite
Microsoft 365 gives you Word, Excel and PowerPoint, plus cloud storage, and it is the safest choice when you need to exchange files with people who use Office. LibreOffice is a free, open source suite with a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tool that opens and saves common Office formats. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides run in the browser and suit shared documents. Complex layouts and macros can behave differently between suites, so test an important file before you switch.
Media player
VLC media player is free, open source and plays most audio and video formats without extra codecs. It is the usual answer when a file will not open in the default player. It can also play discs and network streams, and convert files in a basic way. If you record music or video, see our guides to music recording software and live streaming software.
File archives
7-Zip is free and open source. It creates and opens common archive types, including zip and 7z, and can encrypt archives with a password. Windows opens zip files without extra software, so you only need an archiver for other formats or for stronger compression. WinRAR is another well-known option, but it is not needed for most people.
Password manager
A password manager creates and stores a different strong password for every site, so one leak does not open your other accounts. Bitwarden is open source and has a free plan. 1Password is a paid option. Edge and Chrome include managers too, which is a fine start if you stay in one browser. Whatever you choose, protect it with a long main password and turn on two-step sign-in.
Backup
A backup is software you hope never to use, which is why people skip it. Use the 3-2-1 idea: keep three copies of important files, on two kinds of storage, with one copy away from the PC. On Windows you can use Windows Backup or File History to copy files to an external drive, and a cloud service for an off-site copy. Check that you can restore a file now, not on the day the drive fails. For a WordPress site, see our list of free WordPress backup plugins.
Notes and writing
Notepad is built in and good for plain text. Notepad++ is a free editor with tabs and syntax highlighting, popular with people who edit code or config files. Microsoft OneNote suits notebooks and class notes. Obsidian stores notes as local files and links them together. One notes app that you actually use beats three you half-use.
Images and creative work
For light edits, Paint.NET is a simple Windows image editor, and GIMP is a free, open source editor with a deeper tool set. Canva works in the browser for social graphics and presentations. Adobe Photoshop is the standard for professional editing, but it is a subscription product and only worth it if you use its depth. Our guide to photo editing software compares more options.
Recording and streaming
OBS Studio is a free, open source tool for recording your screen and streaming live. It gives you scenes, sources and filters, so it takes a little time to learn. A PC with a decent processor and enough memory helps when you stream or record at high quality.
Cleaning and speed: be careful
Skip registry cleaners. Windows does not need its registry “cleaned,” and a cleaner that deletes the wrong keys can cause problems that are harder to fix than the ones you started with. Safer ways to free space and speed up a PC are all built in:
- Use Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files.
- Uninstall programs you no longer use from the installed apps list.
- Disable startup apps you do not need in Task Manager.
- Keep Windows and your drivers updated.
- Check that you have free space on the system drive.
Remote access and calls
Quick Assist is built into Windows and lets a helper see and control your screen after you approve it. Chrome Remote Desktop is a free way to reach your own PC from elsewhere. For calls, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet all work on Windows. Our guide to screen sharing software goes into the differences.
Keeping your software up to date
Old software is one of the most common ways a PC gets into trouble. Browsers, the office suite and the PDF reader are the usual targets, because attackers know millions of people use them. Turn on automatic updates wherever the app offers them. For apps that do not update themselves, such as some archivers and media players, check the publisher’s site every few months. The Microsoft Store and the installed apps list in Windows settings can show you what is on the machine, and anything you have not opened in a year is a candidate for removal.
Fewer programs also means fewer things to update, fewer startup items and less to go wrong. A clean PC with ten well-chosen tools is easier to maintain than one with fifty half-used ones.
Free or paid?
Free does not mean worse. VLC, 7-Zip, LibreOffice, OBS Studio and Bitwarden’s free plan are widely used and do their jobs well. Pay when a tool saves you real time or when you need support, shared work or compatibility with colleagues. A paid office suite makes sense if clients send you Office files all day. A paid editor makes sense if you earn from the images or video you make. Otherwise start with the free option and switch only when you hit a limit you can name.
Be careful with “free” tools that earn money in other ways. Some bundle extra programs during setup, show ads or collect data. Read each installer screen, choose the custom or advanced option when there is one, and decline anything you did not come for.
A simple setup checklist
- Run Windows Update and install any driver updates.
- Choose a main browser and sign in to sync your bookmarks.
- Check that Windows Security is on and does not show warnings.
- Install a password manager and move your logins into it.
- Set up a backup and test restoring one file.
- Install an office suite, VLC and 7-Zip.
- Add only the creative or work tools you actually need.
Frequently asked questions
What software should every Windows PC have?
A browser, working security, an office suite, a media player, an archiver, a password manager and a backup routine. Windows covers security and basic backup already.
Do I need to buy antivirus software for Windows?
Most home users do not, because Windows Security is built in and updates itself. Add paid protection only if you have a specific need that it does not meet.
Is LibreOffice a good replacement for Microsoft Office?
For most everyday documents, yes. It opens and saves common Office formats, but complex layouts and macros can differ, so test important files first.
Should I use a registry cleaner?
No. Windows manages the registry itself, and a cleaner can delete entries that matter. Use Storage Sense and uninstall unused programs instead.
What is the safest way to download software?
Get it from the publisher’s own website or the Microsoft Store. Avoid download portals that wrap installers with extra offers.
Which free software is best for media files?
VLC media player plays most audio and video formats and is free. OBS Studio is the free choice for recording and streaming.
How do I back up my PC?
Use Windows Backup or File History to copy files to an external drive, and keep another copy off-site in a cloud service. Test a restore once to be sure it works.
Do I need a password manager if my browser saves passwords?
A browser manager is a fine start if you stay in one browser. A dedicated manager works across browsers and devices and gives you more control.
Next step
If you build or run websites from your PC, pair these tools with a good setup for your site. Read our guide to music recording software and the WordPress backup plugin list to keep the site side covered.