8 Free Apps for Windows You May Need
Microsoft Windows Store has been around for almost 10 years. This store was launched with Windows 8. Microsoft wanted to bring all the software or apps in one place like Google Playstore or all other appstores so that users can easily find required apps for Windows. It was previously known as Windows Store which is currently being rebranded as Microsoft Store.
From Windows 11, Microsoft has started to revamp this store. They are looking to bring the scattered apps into one place in their store by offering various benefits to the developers. And as a result, Microsoft's App Store now has a number of work apps that can enrich your Windows experience. In today's post I will talk about some such work apps which you can easily install from Microsoft Store.
Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft itself has developed the PowerToys app to increase the productivity of Windows users. Microsoft has provided several tools in the app that can be used to do some tasks very easily.
For example:
- Using a feature called Fancy Zones, you can create different custom Windows layouts for easy multitasking.
- With video conference mode, you can turn off your camera and microphone from the system level for any app.
- You can put any app window on top using Allow on Top feature.
- Image resizer tool is also provided here.
- You can customize the various buttons of the keyboard as per your wish using Keyboard Manager. You can also disable the damaged button using this tool.
- With the PowerRename tool, you can change multiple file names with one click.
- There are also some addons for File Explorer.
There are also several other working features here. Microsoft is regularly updating this app and adding various features. You can use it from Appstore in any Windows version from Windows 10. You can click here to install this app from Windows Store.
Files app
This awesome lightweight app is an alternative to Microsoft's default File Explorer. Microsoft's File Explorer is easy to do, but lacks many advanced features. Although Microsoft has added several features to this file explorer with Windows 11, it is still not as good as many modern explorers. The design and look of the Files app is completely similar to Microsoft's File Manager, but it has several different features.
You can browse files by creating tabs here like a browser, which is very useful for multitasking. Besides, there are different themes to choose from. You can bookmark any folder in the side pane for quick access. Besides, the tag feature is also very useful. Being a lightweight software, it can work and load files very quickly. File management system is also very good in this app.
It can also be installed from the Windows Store for Windows 10 and later versions for free. You can click this link to install.
Phone link
It is a Microsoft app that is usually installed by default on Windows 10 or 11. A very useful app for any android user. Through this app you will get all notifications, calls, messages of your phone on PC. You can even talk and receive calls from the PC (requires Bluetooth). That is, if you are busy working on the PC, there will be no need to pick up the phone.
You can reply to all messages from PC. You can also use your phone's gallery from this app. Any picture can be taken to PC immediately. This work app will make your life easier and save time. If you have a supported Samsung device, you can use this app to access your phone's apps without unlocking the phone. This app can also be used in Windows 10 and later versions. Install from here.
ShareX
It is an advanced level screenshot app. A very useful thing for people who need to take a lot of screenshots and record screen in their daily work. Using the shortcut, you can take screenshots and upload them to various image hosting sites with one click for sharing. Besides, there is facility to record screen as GIF file here.
You can also select specific parts of the screen to record or screenshot. Besides, after taking a screenshot, cropping, doodling or marking can be done very easily. Basically it has all sorts of tools for screenshot sharing. So you can use this app to take screenshot easily and quickly. From Windows 10 to the next Windows, you can install this app from the Microsoft Store. You can install by clicking here.
Splash!
Many people like to give their desktop a new look. But due to lack of time regular wallpaper change is not possible. Many people continue to work with Windows' default wallpaper. But beautiful wallpapers can make your entire PC experience enjoyable. So what if an app regularly changes this wallpaper for you with beautiful images?
The Splash app does just that. From their stock photography site Unsplash, they regularly provide various beautiful images for wallpapers and lockscreens from time to time. You can specify how often your wallpaper changes from 15 minutes to 1 week. In the free version you will get wallpapers of resolution up to 1080p. It can also be installed from Windows 10. You can click this link to install from Microsoft Store.
VLC
VLC is a very popular free and open source video player. You can easily install it from Microsoft Store and play videos. Windows' default media player has some limitations. Many video files cannot be played by Windows' default media player. But using VLC you can easily overcome this limitation. Any video file opens in this player. It can stream various media very nicely. Audio and music files can also be played very easily. With a light and simple look, this player will simplify your video playback.
You can download it for all Windows versions from Videolan's website. But you will get the Microsoft Store version from Windows 10. You can install it from here.
Drawboard PDF
This is the best PDF app for Windows for a long time. This is very handy for those who use a touch laptop or stylus. It is rich in features for PDF markup and editing. This is the best PDF viewer for Windows. Any PDF can be easily read through it. It has various working features like annotate tool, PDF signing etc. All basic functions can be done in the free version. Paid version has many more features.
A PC with Windows 10 or later is required to install it. You can easily install it from this link.
WhatsApp for desktop
There may be very few people who do not use WhatsApp. This is a very useful app for WhatsApp users. Once you connect your WhatsApp, you can do all the WhatsApp functions from your PC. You can call or message all your contacts from PC. In the new version, you don't have to be connected to the internet both on the phone and the PC, earlier there were limitations in this regard, but now you can use all the features just like the mobile if you have a net connection on the PC.
You can install the Microsoft Store version of WhatsApp on Windows 10 and later versions. You can install this app by following this link.
Apart from these apps, many more work apps are being added to the Microsoft Store regularly. The official apps of Facebook Messenger, Instagram are very useful and you can install them from the store if you want.
