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TOP 20 Windows Freeware Programs You May Not Know

Are you looking for the best freeware programs for Windows? Then consider these 20 software that are simple to use, highly functional, and multipurpose.

Are you using Windows? Do you know the valuable software that you can use to make it easier to use your computer? There are a wide variety of freeware programs for Windows that you can use. You won’t regret it.

We are often in a hurry and want to perform some functions fast. This is where these freeware programs come in. Starting from editing media, viewing files, cataloging files, browsing for files, streaming, and much more. All that you can think of!


1. Libreoffice – Best  Microsoft Office Alternative

Libreoffice

LibreOffice has one of the most beautiful interfaces with easy-to-access tools. You can use this incredible tool to boost your creativity and productivity. Ideally, it is open-source software that has gained popularity over time.

It features the typical Office features and allows sharing & collaboration on files. The LibreOffice applications allow word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector graphics creation, database implementation, and formula editing. Your work will look great.

What we like
  • Provides many templates

  • Compatible with Office formats

  • A user gets maximum control of data.

  • Easy to use styles and structuring tools.

What we dislike
  • Does not support cloud functions


2. VLCThe Most Powerful Open Source Video & Music Player.

VLC

VLC is one of the most common video and music players. It is one of the most flexible applications that most users prefer. It plays multiple multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and other streaming protocols.

It is available for both desktop OS and mobile platforms. In addition, it has a unique zoom feature that allows magnifying some video and extraction of still images in their original resolution.

What we like
  • It plays different types of media

  • It is compatible with other file types.

  • Not only that, but it runs on different operating systems

  • It is free to download and use.

What we dislike
  • It is hard to use to manage a music library.

  • It’s not easy to customize the interface.


3. GIMP  – Best Alternative To Photoshop

GIMP

GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It works similarly to Photoshop.

It is one of the best graphics manipulation packages. GIMP is highly flexible, and you can customize the view and behavior as you like.

You can change the colors, widgets spacing, icons, etc. Make your graphics software look as you wish!

What we like
  • It features a full-screen mode.

  • It allows easy fixing of the perspective distortion.

  • It has some of the best photo enhancement features.

  • It is ideal for advanced photo retouching.

  • It supports different hardware, operating system, and file formats.

What we dislike
  • It isn't the best for editing big images with many layers.

  • Creating an arc shape is hard.


4. ShotcutThe Best Audio And Video Editing Tool.

Shotcut

Shotcut is an amazing freeware program for Windows. It supports the latest audio format, webcam, 4K video resolutions, and audio capture.

In addition, it allows a full range of video input, processing, and export. You will love using this freeware! Furthermore, it supports different audio scopes, audio filters, and volume control.

What we like
  • It has incredible audio features, a tone generator, and video effects.

  • It has powerful features such as 3-way color wheels and an eyedropper tool.

  • Auto-rotate and video transitions.

  • A user can trim videos.

  • It is cross-platform and codec independent.

What we dislike
  • The interface is a bit complex.


5. BraveThe Best Browser That Blocks Ads

Shotcut

Do ads frustrate you when using the internet? Why not opt for Brave. It will allow you to get the best protection while online.

Brave blocks all creepy ads from each website by default. Also, ads won’t be able to follow you across the web.

What we like
  • It blocks ads easily.

  • It offers a private search and allows incognito windows.

  • Easily import bookmarks, extensions, and saved passwords.

  • It allows independent search, free video conferencing, and offline playlists.

What we dislike
  • Unfair to publishers and content creators

  • Has an ad-based revenue model


6. AudacityThe Best Editor For Audio Beginners

Audacity

This is one of the best freeware programs for Windows. Audacity is an open-source, cross-platform audio software for Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.

Not only can you use the open-source software, but you also contribute to help with code, documentation, translation, and much more. You have a lot of freedom with the software.

What we like
  • It allows you to record live audio through a microphone or mixer easily.

  • It allows importing, digitizing, editing, and combining sound files.

  • Use Audacity to export the recordings in the file formats and manipulate tracks and selections.

What we dislike
  • Any changes made “change” the original file completely.


7. KeepassMost Secure Password Storage

Keepass

Keepass is another freeware program for Windows that saves multiple passwords for you. The list of passwords that you need is endless. That’s why you need software that can help keep your passwords safe.

Keepass allows you to manage all the passwords securely. All the passwords will be in one database, which you can lock with a master key.

What we like
  • It offers strong security and multiple user keys.

  • You can import and export the passwords in different file formats.

  • Easy database transformation and supports password groups, searching, and sorting.

  • It has one of the strongest random password generators and multilanguage support.

What we dislike
  • Unfriendly user interface

  • Highly technical


8. EverythingThe Fastest File Finder

Do you get troubled when searching for certain programs, files, applications, or folders in Windows? Why not try Everything!

It is a free system utility software that makes it easier to locate any file or folder on your Windows device. You will get your results in real-time.

The freeware is easy to set up and use. The search-focused features make it easier to find documents, images, videos, and audio files.

What we like
  • Users can easily customize it as needed.

  • Easily find any file or folder on your computer.

  • It creates an index of all the files and folders on your computer for easy location.

  • You can use Everything freeware to search for data using keywords.

  • It also remembers some of your past searches.

What we dislike
  • At times, it can crash


9. FilezillaBest FTP Transfer Tool

Filezilla

Not only does the FileZilla client support FTP, but also FTP versus TLS and SFTP. It is open-source and therefore allows customization to suit your needs. Luckily, there is the pro version if you need more capability.

FileZilla Server is a free open source FTP and FTP server. The freeware allows specification of the size of the TCP buffer size of the sockets. The selected log entries can only be copied to the clipboard.

What we like
  • The settings dialog layout can accommodate protocol settings.

  • It has adjusted borders and spacing for better HiDPI displays.

  • Log files can be rotated daily.

What we dislike
  • It rejects 32-bit Windows.


10. QbittorrentFastest Torrent Download Client

The project aims at providing an open-source software alternative to µTorrent. It operates on all operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, and much more. It has a polished µTorrent – like user interface.

The freeware program features no ads. Therefore you won’t lose focus when using it. In addition, it has a well-integrated search engine capability.

What we like
  • It has an RSS feed support.

  • It has advanced download filters.

  • It supports many BitTorrent extensions.

  • BitTorrent allows remote control through the web user interface.

  • It has a bandwidth scheduler, torrent creation tool, and IP filtering.

What we dislike
  • It has a dated looking website

  • It doesn’t feature a web-based interface


11. Dism++Best PC System Optimization Manager

Dism++

This is a free utility tool for PCs. The open-source software serves as a graphical user interface for the DISM that manages and repairs image file installation of the Windows operating system.

It allows users to modify Windows images before installing the theme. It also provides tools to address and repair common issues like missing or corrupted files.

Furthermore, it can be used on multiple Windows OS versions.

What we like
  • The Deployment image servicing and management help mount and modify Windows images.

  • The UI is clean, simple, and has three sections; utilities, control panel, and deployment.

  • Easily clean and optimize your PC.

  • It gives you more control of your Windows computer.

What we dislike
  • It can be a bit technical to use.

  • It has a steep learning curve


12. Streamlabs  – Best Game Recording tool

Streamlabs

If you love video games, then you will love Streamlabs. It is one of the best streaming tools of all time. All the recorded data is recorded in the cloud. Therefore chances of losing it are minimal.

You can use it to stream to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. Fortunately, the software allows you to stream to multiple platforms without issues.

What we like
  • Use the freeware software to reach a larger audience

  • It supports 63 applications to make it easier to reach a larger audience.

  • It features a web-based live-streaming studio.

  • Easily convert Twitch and YouTube clips into videos.

What we dislike
  • It uses too much CPU and can overload your computer.


13. HandbrakeEasiest Video Format Conversion Tool

Handbrake

Do you know there is Windows freeware that allows the conversion of videos to any selected format? Well, Handbrake does exactly that!

It can convert your videos to how you like them. It can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux. In addition, it has built-in device presets to help improve your encodes. It supports different input sources.

What we like
  • It can process common multimedia files.

  • It supports different input and output sources.

  • It allows title/chapter and range selection.

  • It allows batch scan and encodes queuing.

  • It supports VFR and CFR.

What we dislike
  • You can’t mix multiple video clips all at once.


14. Visual Studio CodeThe Most Fully-Featured Code Editor

Visual Studio Code

If you are a programmer, you have probably used Visual Studio Code editor. It features IntelliSense, which provides smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and modules.

Debugging is also much more accessible. Just imagine, you can do it right from the editor. It is easy to run any code as you wish.

What we like
  • It has an interactive console.

  • It has built-in Git commands.

  • Easily push and pull from any hosted SCM service.

  • Easily add as many extensions to the freeware program.

What we dislike
  • High memory and CPU usage


15. MSI AfterburnerBest Overclocking Tools

MSI Afterburner

It is one of the most used graphics card software. It is reliable and works on any card. This MSI Afterburner gives you complete control, lets you monitor hardware, and is completely free. It is flexible and can be used with graphics cards from all brands.

The MSI Afterburner Overclocking tools provide easy and precise access to graphic card settings. The fan speed control also makes it easier to find the balance between temperature and performance.

What we like
  • It features the OC scanner that will find the most stable overclock settings for any card.

  • It gives you a free performance boost for an in-game experience.

  • It gives real-time information on the system’s performance.

  • It lets you fully customize a predefined fan speed curve.

What we dislike
  • The program expires easily, and you have to download and reinstall a fresh one.


16. Sumatra PDFThe Most Powerful PDF Reader

Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is the ultimate software to view pdfs, eBooks, comic books, XPS, CHM, and images. It is small, fast, customizable, free, lightweight, and lightning-fast.

The SumatraPDF also loads nearly instantly. It allows utmost customization that is needed.

What we like
  • It is a fantastic application.

  • It is an easy-to-use application with more minor complications.

  • It loads files fast.

What we dislike
  • It at times consumes a lot of RAM and CPU.


17. 7-ZipMultifunctional File Compression Software

7-Zip

7-Zip is free, open-source software. You can use it on any computer – even commercially, it is free to use, and you won’t have to register or pay to use it.

It has a high compression ratio in 7z format. In addition, it provides a compression ratio that is 2-10% better. It features one of the most secure encryptions.

What we like
  • It has a powerful file manager and a command-line version.

  • It is an ideal plugin for FAR Manager

  • It offers localization for 87 languages.

What we dislike
  • It is not that popular


18. Simple OCRBest Text Recognition Tool

Simple OCR

Are you looking for the best text recognition tool? You better consider the Simple OCR tool. It features various OCR solutions like PDF converters, enterprise data capture, handprint recognition, forms, and surveys. It has many users worldwide. You can use the software for different business needs like batch scanning, OCR server, and data capture.

What we like
  • It makes it easier to extract text.

  • It is free and has no limitations.

  • It can be used commercially in different institutions.

What we dislike
  • If your document has multi-columns and no standard fonts, it can be hard to extract text


19. OnenoteBest Cloud Note Software

Onenote

Have you ever used OneNote? Well, it allows for capturing of thoughts, ideas, and to-dos. You can easily sync the data on all your devices. This makes it easier to access any data with a click. In addition, you can store and share your notebooks on OneDrive on your Microsoft account.

The beauty of OneNote is that it doesn’t expire. Therefore, you can use it as long as you like. Generally, it is a notebook that allows you to organize notes, files, articles, pictures, and much more in a digital notebook.

What we like
  • It can be used on Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, and the web.

  • The web clipper allows you to extract information from a web page to OneNote.

  • It contains several inbuilt templates, backgrounds, and layouts.

  • Easily protect sections with passwords.

  • It helps to organize content, remember tasks, or find content.

What we dislike
  • It can’t be used when there is no internet.


20. SpaceSnifferBest Hard Drive Space Manager

SpaceSniffer

Spacesniffer is a freeware and portable tool application that lets you understand how folders and files are structured on your disks. You can use the treemap visualization layout to see where big folders and files are placed on the devices.

Ideally, it allows you to start a scan process and see the overall situation.

What we like
  • The freeware is easy to use.

  • Easily view files and folders.

  • Tag files to keep track of examined files.

  • It makes it easier to catalog files and folders.

What we dislike
  • Scanning may take a long time at times.


Make Your Work Easier On Your Windows PC

It can be frustrating if you have to do things from scratch. However, these amazing freeware programs for Windows can make that a thing of the past. Just install the specific programs that you need and start using them instantly.

You will feel happy when doing your work. However, try and have one software for a specific function, don’t install too much software that can slow down your computer. All the best as you perform various tasks on your computer.