Essential Stuff for Windows
These are some of the software that I found useful from my time using Windows. Added bonus is that all of them are free and barring some exceptions FOSS. Even though I highly recommend everyone to use Linux, I’m pretty sure that it’s not a viable solution for many out there. So here they are :
Highly Recommended
All in one Visual C++ Redistributables. You’ll need it along the road so its better to install it all early.
Want to play old games? (From 2002-03 onwards) You’ll need this. First link is from Guru3D and the second one is from Microsoft. Both files are same though.
Amazing image viewer. Lightweight and Lightyears faster than the garbage that is Default Windows Photos App.
Best Video Player in existence. F**k VLC. Fight me.
A better search tool for Windows.
Don’t use WinRAR, It’s a meme.
For you know ‘downloading stuff’. Basically μTorrent minus the Cryptominer and shady stuff.
When you want to screenshot and record gifs. Windows Snip tool is fine for most use cases.
Screen Recorder.
Could be useful/Niche
For mounting ISO files. Alternative for stuff like PowerDVD and Daemon Tools.
Video Encoder.
Photoshop but free.
Lightroom but free.
For drawing stuff.
AfterEffects but free.
Winamp but not dead.
Vector Drawings.
When “Activate Windows”.
Spotlight but for Windows.