The Best Free Software Every Windows User Should Install in 2026

Setting Up Your Windows Machine Right

Windows 11 comes with a lot of built-in features, but to truly unlock your PC's potential without spending a dime, you need the right third-party software. Here is our ultimate list for 2026.

1. Microsoft PowerToys

Ironically made by Microsoft but not pre-installed, PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users. It includes 'FancyZones' for advanced window management, a global color picker, and 'PowerToys Run' (a Spotlight-like search bar for Windows).

2. Bitwarden

Stop using the same password for everything. Bitwarden is a completely free, open-source password manager that syncs across your PC, phone, and browser seamlessly.

3. VLC Media Player

The legendary media player remains undefeated. VLC can play literally any video or audio format you throw at it without needing to download sketchy codec packs.

4. 7-Zip

Windows 11 finally has native RAR support, but 7-Zip remains the fastest, lightest, and most powerful archive manager available.

5. OBS Studio

Whether you want to record your screen for a tutorial, stream to Twitch, or use a virtual camera for Zoom, OBS Studio is the professional standard and is 100% free and open-source.

6. DaVinci Resolve

Don't pay for Adobe Premiere. DaVinci Resolve offers Hollywood-grade video editing, color correction, and audio mastering for free.

7. Brave Browser

Built on Chromium (so all your Chrome extensions work), Brave blocks ads and trackers natively, making it significantly faster and less memory-hungry than Google Chrome.

Bonus Tip: Use a package manager like Winget or a tool like Ninite to install all these applications at once with a single click when setting up a new PC!