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| The 15 programs in this guide are grouped by purpose, with their real costs and limits |
Windows 11 includes a solid set of built-in tools, but many people still need free programs for things it does not cover well, such as password management, instant file search, offline office work or advanced screen recording. This guide groups 15 free programs by purpose. For each one you get what it does, its strengths and limits, what it really costs, the basic requirements and the official place to download it.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Prices, plans and requirements can change, so confirm them on each official page.
Quick picks by need
| If you need | Good starting point | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Password storage | Bitwarden | Free core plan, optional paid tiers |
| A manual second opinion on malware | Malwarebytes Free | On-demand only; keep Microsoft Defender on |
| Offline documents and spreadsheets | LibreOffice | Test your important files first |
| Opening and encrypting archives | 7-Zip | Windows 11 now opens some formats itself |
| Finding files by name | Everything | Names and paths, not a full content search |
| Playing almost any video | VLC | Dated interface, no ads |
| Windows shortcuts and window layouts | PowerToys | Runs background modules |
How this list was made
This list is not based on hands-on benchmark testing. We did not install and measure every program for this article. The selection relies on each project's official website and documentation, its published pricing or licensing terms, and reputable published reviews, checked against the criteria below.
- Free to download and use for personal needs, with any paid tier or limit stated openly.
- A working official download page, so you never need a third-party mirror.
- A purpose that Windows 11 does not fully cover on its own.
- Published by a named vendor or by an open-source project with a public official site.
- Limits are stated. Where a free version is restricted, the entry says so.
The order inside each category is not a ranking. A tool that suits a developer may be pointless for someone who only writes documents, which is why each entry lists limits and costs next to the benefits.
Security and privacy
1. Bitwarden
A password manager that keeps logins, notes, cards and identities in an encrypted vault.
- Strengths: Open source. Bitwarden's plans page lists unlimited storage of these items and access on any device in the free plan, plus a password generator. Browser extensions can fill in credentials.
- Limitations: Sharing with other people needs an organization. Some extras sit in the paid Premium plan. If you forget your master password, recovery options are limited, so store it carefully.
- Real cost: Free core plan. Premium and family plans are optional; check the pricing page for current prices.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app, plus browser extensions and mobile apps.
- Official download: bitwarden.com
2. Malwarebytes Free
An on-demand malware scanner you run by hand as a second opinion.
- Strengths: Useful for a manual scan if you suspect adware or a browser hijacker. It is meant to sit beside Microsoft Defender, which stays your main protection.
- Limitations: The free version has no real-time protection. New installs may include a time-limited trial of premium features (14 days has been reported); afterwards the app reverts to the free scanner. Two overlapping real-time security products can conflict, so do not run it as a second always-on antivirus.
- Real cost: Free on-demand scanner. Real-time protection requires the paid Premium plan.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: malwarebytes.com. Use only the official domain, because fake lookalike download pages are a known way to spread malware.
If your PC keeps misbehaving after a scan, work through our Windows 11 diagnostic guide. If Windows Security shows a warning that looks serious, read our note on the Defender "turned off" false alert before installing anything.
Productivity
3. LibreOffice
An open-source office suite with Writer, Calc and Impress for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
- Strengths: Works offline and opens and saves Microsoft Office formats.
- Limitations: Documents with complex layouts, macros or heavy tracked changes can look different from how they appear in Microsoft Office, so test important files first. It does not match Microsoft 365 for built-in cloud collaboration.
- Real cost: Free. Donations are optional.
- Requirements: Check the supported Windows versions and the x64 or ARM64 options on the download page.
- Official download: libreoffice.org
4. Obsidian
A note-taking app that stores notes as local Markdown files and links them together.
- Strengths: Your notes stay as plain files on your own drive. Plugins and themes extend it.
- Limitations: Not open source. There is a learning curve with Markdown and linking. Syncing across devices through the official service is a paid add-on; cloud folders work as a free alternative but can create sync conflicts.
- Real cost: The app is free. Obsidian's pricing page lists Sync and Publish as optional paid services, and a 2026 announcement describes the commercial license as optional. Confirm the current terms on the pricing page before using it in an organization.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; also available on other platforms.
- Official download: obsidian.md
5. Visual Studio Code
A free code editor from Microsoft that also works well for plain-text and configuration files.
- Strengths: Extensions add support for many languages, and it includes an integrated terminal and Git support.
- Limitations: It is an editor first, so many features come from extensions, some written by third parties with their own terms. It is overkill if you only need to edit a text file. Review its telemetry settings.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: code.visualstudio.com
Files and transfers
6. 7-Zip
A file archiver that creates and opens many archive types.
- Strengths: Creates 7z and ZIP archives, supports AES-256 encryption for them, and integrates with the right-click menu. It shows no ads.
- Limitations: The interface looks dated. It can open RAR files but cannot create them. Windows 11 now opens .7z and .rar files in File Explorer since the 2023 updates, but password-protected archives were reported as unsupported there, which is where 7-Zip still helps.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; choose the x64 or ARM64 installer that matches your PC.
- Official download: 7-zip.org
7. Everything
A search tool that finds files and folders by name almost instantly.
- Strengths: Fast and light. On NTFS drives it can build its index very quickly.
- Limitations: It is built for names and paths, not for searching inside documents. For its fastest indexing it may ask for administrator permission or install a small background service.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: voidtools.com
Searching for a big file to delete? See how to free up storage on Windows 11.
8. LocalSend
An open-source app for sending files and text between devices on the same network.
- Strengths: Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, and transfers are encrypted. No cable or cloud upload is needed.
- Limitations: Both devices must be on the same local network. Guest or isolated Wi-Fi networks and firewall settings can block device discovery.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Install it on every device you want to send between.
- Official download: localsend.org
Multimedia
9. VLC media player
A media player from the non-profit VideoLAN project.
- Strengths: Plays most audio and video formats without separate codec packs, shows no ads, and also handles subtitles, network streams and basic conversion.
- Limitations: The interface feels dated. Some protected or disc-based media will not play without extra components.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; choose the 64-bit or ARM64 build where offered.
- Official download: videolan.org/vlc
10. OBS Studio
Open-source software for recording the screen and live streaming.
- Strengths: Scenes and multiple sources let you mix screen, camera and audio. Suited to tutorials and streams.
- Limitations: A steeper learning curve than Windows' built-in Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar, which may be enough for quick clips. Performance depends on your hardware and encoder settings.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Check the minimum Windows version and graphics requirements on the official page.
- Official download: obsproject.com
11. GIMP
A free image editor for photo retouching and graphic work.
- Strengths: Layers, masks and a broad set of editing tools without a subscription.
- Limitations: Its interface and workflow differ from Photoshop. If you depend on Photoshop-specific files or plugins, test with your own files first.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: gimp.org
12. Audacity
A multi-track audio recorder and editor.
- Strengths: Good for recording voice, trimming, noise cleanup and basic podcast editing.
- Limitations: The interface is functional rather than polished. The project is owned by Muse Group, so review the privacy and update-check options during setup.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Windows desktop app; check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: audacityteam.org
Windows utilities
13. Microsoft PowerToys
A set of utilities from Microsoft for customizing Windows. It includes FancyZones for window layouts, a color picker and PowerRename for bulk renaming. Recent versions also include Command Palette, which overlaps with PowerToys Run.
- Strengths: Made by Microsoft, developed in the open and installable through the Microsoft Store or winget.
- Limitations: Some modules run in the background and PowerToys starts with Windows by default; turn off the modules you do not use. If startup items worry you, see our guide to speeding up Windows 11.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Microsoft's documentation lists Windows 11 (or Windows 10 version 2004 and newer) on an x64 or ARM64 processor. The installer adds the WebView2 runtime if needed.
- Official download: Microsoft Learn install page and GitHub releases
14. Flow Launcher
A keyboard launcher for opening apps, searching and running commands.
- Strengths: Plugin support and quick keyboard access.
- Limitations: It overlaps with PowerToys Run and Command Palette, so you do not need both. Third-party plugins vary in quality and are not reviewed by us.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Check the installer options on the official page.
- Official download: flowlauncher.com
15. TranslucentTB
A small tool that changes the taskbar's appearance, for example making it transparent or blurred.
- Strengths: A simple way to change the look of the taskbar without changing how you work.
- Limitations: It is purely cosmetic. Because it alters the look of the Windows shell, recheck that it still works after major Windows updates. Skip it if you want as little as possible running at startup.
- Real cost: Free.
- Requirements: Distributed through the Microsoft Store.
- Official download: Microsoft Store page
How to choose the right tool
- Start from the problem, not the list. Pick one tool per need. Four or five well-chosen programs are better than fifteen installed at once.
- Avoid overlap. PowerToys Run, Command Palette and Flow Launcher all launch apps, so choose one. Everything searches file names, which is a different job.
- Look at cost beyond the download. Bitwarden Premium, Malwarebytes Premium and Obsidian Sync are paid options that sit next to free versions.
- Test with your own files. Open a few real documents in LibreOffice or real images in GIMP before you rely on them.
- Mind the background load. Tools that start with Windows use memory and CPU. Remove any you stop using, as explained in our guide on how to uninstall programs on Windows 11. If one process keeps the processor busy, see how to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11.
Compatibility and installing safely
On a Windows 11 PC with an ARM processor, pick an ARM64 installer when one is offered. x64 programs can often run through emulation, but speed and compatibility can vary, especially for tools that hook into the system such as screen recorders and security software.
- Open the official page from the links in this article or type the address yourself.
- Choose the installer that matches your processor (x64 or ARM64).
- During setup, read each screen and decline any extra offers that you did not ask for.
- Check that the publisher name shown by Windows matches the project.
- Optionally use winget. For example, Microsoft documents
winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys --source wingetfor PowerToys.
If an installation fails, see how to diagnose and fix a failed software installation, or our broader guide to common software problems.
Summary of the 15 tools
| Tool | Category | Best for | Real cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitwarden | Security | Password storage | Free core plan; paid tiers optional |
| Malwarebytes Free | Security | On-demand scans | Free scanner; real-time protection is paid |
| LibreOffice | Productivity | Offline office files | Free |
| Obsidian | Productivity | Local Markdown notes | Free app; Sync and Publish are paid |
| Visual Studio Code | Productivity | Code and text editing | Free |
| 7-Zip | Files | Archives and encryption | Free |
| Everything | Files | Instant file-name search | Free |
| LocalSend | Files | Local network transfers | Free |
| VLC | Multimedia | Playback and basic conversion | Free |
| OBS Studio | Multimedia | Screen recording and streaming | Free |
| GIMP | Multimedia | Image editing | Free |
| Audacity | Multimedia | Audio editing | Free |
| PowerToys | Utilities | Window layouts and shortcuts | Free |
| Flow Launcher | Utilities | Keyboard launcher | Free |
| TranslucentTB | Utilities | Taskbar appearance | Free |
Conclusion
Free does not always mean unlimited. Bitwarden, Malwarebytes and Obsidian all have paid options beside their free versions, while tools such as 7-Zip, VLC and PowerToys are free to use as they are. Choose by the job you need done, read the limits listed for each tool and download only from the official pages. If you are unsure, start with one tool for your most pressing need and add others later.
Frequently asked questions
Is free software for Windows 11 safe?
Safety depends more on where you download it than on its price. Use the official page, check the publisher name during setup and decline bundled offers. Avoid mirror and lookalike sites.
Do I need Malwarebytes if I use Microsoft Defender?
Not necessarily. Defender provides your built-in protection. Malwarebytes Free is an optional manual scanner for a second opinion and does not offer real-time protection.
Can I use these programs for work?
Often, but check each license. For example, Obsidian describes its commercial license as optional, while other tools have their own terms, and some consumer editions of security software are intended for personal use. Verify before deploying anything in a business.
Do I need both PowerToys Run and Flow Launcher?
No. They both launch apps and run commands. Try one and keep the one you prefer.
Does Windows 11 still need 7-Zip?
For opening common archives, less than before, because Windows 11 can open .7z and .rar files natively. 7-Zip is still useful for creating 7z archives and for working with encrypted ones.
Official sources
- Bitwarden plans
- Obsidian pricing
- Microsoft Learn: Install PowerToys
- Malwarebytes
- Official download pages for each tool are linked in its entry above.
Related guides from MundoNews24h
- How to Fix Common Windows 11 Problems: a step-by-step diagnostic guide.
- How to Speed Up Windows 11: deeper optimization steps for a slow PC.
- How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 11: finding the process that keeps the processor busy.
- How to Free Up Storage on Windows 11: recovering space before installing new programs.
- How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 11: removing software you no longer use.
- Software Installation Failed: when an installer won't finish.
- How to Fix Common Software Problems: a general approach to application errors.
- Defender "turned off" false alert: a Windows Security warning that looks serious but may not be.
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