Best Windows PC Apps in Every Category (2026)
If you are looking for the best Windows apps to improve performance, productivity, and customization, this list covers the most useful software in every major category. All apps mentioned here are reliable, well-known, and mostly free.
Best Media Player for Windows
Media Player Classic (MPC-BE) is a lightweight and modern media player that supports almost all audio and video formats. It is fast, clean, and open source.
🔗 Official site: https://sourceforge.net/projects/mpcbe/
For extra features like MediaInfo, you can also use the K-Lite Codec Pack.
Best Free Photo Editor (Photoshop Alternative)
Affinity is the best free Photoshop alternative right now. It is powerful, beginner-friendly, and great for photo editing, thumbnails, and vector designs.
🔗 https://affinity.serif.com/
Best Video Editor for Windows
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editor with an extremely powerful free version. It includes advanced color grading, VFX, and AI-based audio tools.
🔗 https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
Best Antivirus & Security Tool
For most users, Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) is more than enough. It is built into Windows, lightweight, and effective.
To unlock advanced controls, use Defender UI, a free tool that improves Defender’s usability.
🔗 https://www.defenderui.com/
Best Free VPN
Proton VPN is a trusted VPN service with a free plan and strong privacy protection.
Best Free Office Suite
ONLYOFFICE is the best free and open-source Microsoft Office alternative. It supports Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats with excellent compatibility.
🔗 https://www.onlyoffice.com/
Best Windows Optimizer
WinToys is a safe and powerful Windows optimization tool available on the Microsoft Store. It gives access to hidden system settings, performance tweaks, and repair tools.
🔗 https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9p8ltpgcbzxd?hl=en-US&gl=US
Best PC Cleaner (Official Microsoft Tool)
Microsoft PC Manager is an official PC cleaner that helps remove temporary files, manage startup apps, and improve system health.
🔗 https://pcmanager.microsoft.com/en-us
Best Screen Recorder
OBS Studio is the best free and open-source screen recorder for Windows. It is perfect for tutorials, streaming, and gameplay recording.
For quick recordings, Windows 11 users can also rely on the built-in Snipping Tool.
Best Virtual Machine Software
VMware Workstation Pro is now completely free and offers excellent performance for running Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
🔗 https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-pro.html
Best Android Emulator
MuMu Player is a clean and fast Android emulator with no ads and support up to Android 12.
🔗 https://www.mumuplayer.com/
Best Windows Customization Tool
Windhawk is a free and open-source Windows customization tool that uses mods to change the taskbar, Start Menu, and system behavior.
These are some of the best apps for Windows if you want better performance, security, and customization without paying for expensive software.
If you know an app that works better in any category, feel free to share it.
I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.
Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.