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Windows 11 includes more useful software than Start, File Explorer and Edge suggest. Some of these tools are already installed, while others are free Microsoft Store downloads or Microsoft utilities. The right choice depends on the annoyance you want to remove: messy windows, duplicated phone notifications, difficult screenshots, per-app audio, remote support, quick notes or an incomplete PC migration.
Availability and features can vary by Windows version, device, market, language, account, phone platform and organization policy. Microsoft documents that caveat for Windows apps generally at Microsoft’s Windows apps page.
Quick guide to the 12 apps
| App | Best for | Availability | Cost signal | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerToys | Several productivity fixes | Separate install | Free, open source | Many settings and background utilities |
| Phone Link | Android notifications, messages and photos | Usually included or obtainable | Free | Features differ by phone |
| Quick Assist | Helping someone remotely | Microsoft Store | Free | Remote-control scam risk |
| Clipchamp | Simple video and screen recording | Often preinstalled | Free tier plus paid options | Premium assets and features vary |
| EarTrumpet | Per-application volume | Microsoft Store | Free | Less useful with one audio device |
| Snipping Tool | Screenshots and quick recordings | Usually included | Free | Advanced capture needs more tools |
| Windows Terminal | PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL and SSH | Usually included or obtainable | Free | Not useful if you never use commands |
| Microsoft To Do | Tasks and reminders | Store or web app | Free, account-dependent | Not full project management |
| OneNote | Structured notes and reference material | Store, web or Microsoft 365 | Free, account-dependent | Not a backup or document-management system |
| Sticky Notes | Temporary desktop reminders | Usually included or obtainable | Free | Not secure storage |
| Windows Backup | Settings and selected-content migration | Windows service/app experience | Account and storage dependent | Not a complete disaster-recovery backup |
| Quick Share for Windows | Nearby PC-to-Android transfers | Separate app or Store listing | Free | Requires compatible devices and radios |
For a Store app, open Microsoft Store, search the exact name, select the Microsoft-published listing and choose Get or Install. Microsoft’s current instructions are at Microsoft Support. For software outside the Store, use the publisher’s official site; Microsoft advises against download mirrors and untrusted installers.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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1. Microsoft PowerToys
Best for: people who want several small improvements instead of one large application. Microsoft’s free, open-source suite includes PowerRename, Text Extractor, Always On Top, Peek, Image Resizer, Keyboard Manager, PowerToys Run and Workspaces, among others. See the current utility list at Microsoft Learn.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
In under five minutes, press the Text Extractor shortcut to copy words from an image or video frame; use PowerRename to rename a batch of files; pin a reference window with Always On Top; or use PowerToys Run as a fast launcher. Workspaces can reopen a group of apps in preferred positions.
Install it from Microsoft Store by searching PowerToys and choosing the Microsoft listing. Utility names, settings and permissions change between releases, and some features run background processes or require elevation. PowerToys is a suite, not a single streamlined app, so enable only what solves a real problem. Releases are date-sensitive; Microsoft publishes the project at GitHub.
2. EarTrumpet
Best for: anyone who needs separate volume and output controls for a browser, meeting app, game and music player. EarTrumpet is available in Microsoft’s free Windows utilities catalog at the Microsoft Store.
Open its taskbar control, adjust each application independently, mute one program without muting the PC and, where Windows audio endpoints allow it, send an app to another playback device. Drivers and Windows updates can affect routing behavior; users with one device and simple volume needs may not gain much.
3. Windows Terminal
Best for: readers who use PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), SSH or other command-line tools. Terminal is the interface around those environments, not a replacement for them.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Use tabs for separate shells, split panes for side-by-side sessions, profiles for different starting directories and built-in search for previous output. It does not install PowerShell, a Linux distribution or developer tools for you. Commands can alter files and system settings, so begin with harmless operations and understand how to undo anything destructive.
Connect devices and get help
4. Phone Link
Best for: Android users who want notifications, messages, recent photos and selected phone features on the PC. Microsoft describes those capabilities at Microsoft Support.
Open Phone Link from Start, follow the pairing instructions and grant only the permissions you want. A useful first task is leaving notifications visible while you work, then replying to a message or moving a recent photo without picking up the phone.
There is no universal feature set: phone model, Android or iPhone platform, operating-system version, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Microsoft account, permissions and region all matter. It is a poor fit if you do not want phone alerts duplicated on your PC, if workplace policy blocks integration or if you expect unrestricted mirroring of every mobile app.
5. Quick Share for Windows
Best for: sending files directly between a Windows PC and a compatible nearby Android device. Install or open Quick Share, set visibility, select a file in File Explorer, choose Share and select the nearby device. Accept the transfer on the phone.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, account settings, device compatibility and current Quick Share software determine whether it works. Review visibility so nearby strangers cannot discover the PC. Quick Share is for direct local transfers; OneDrive is better for cloud access, Phone Link for broader phone integration and a USB cable often remains the most predictable option for very large files.
6. Quick Assist
Best for: helping a family member or colleague troubleshoot Windows. Open Quick Assist, choose to assist another person, generate a temporary code, have the other person enter it, then request screen control only if necessary. End the session as soon as the task is complete.
Never give that code to an unsolicited caller, pop-up or supposed Microsoft technician. Screen viewing and control are separate permissions. Corporate policy, authentication and network conditions can block a session, and Quick Assist is not enterprise remote-management software.
Capture and create
7. Snipping Tool
Best for: quick screenshots and recordings without installing a separate capture suite. Press Windows key + Shift + S, choose a rectangular, freeform, window or full-screen capture where offered, then annotate, copy or save it. The installed Windows build determines whether recording is available.
A clipboard capture is not automatically a permanent file. Check screenshots for passwords, account numbers and private conversations before sharing. Long-page scrolling capture, advanced OCR and production video work may require another tool. Snipping Tool is listed in Microsoft’s utilities catalog at the Microsoft Store.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
8. Clipchamp
Best for: family videos, social clips, screen recordings, webcam recordings and straightforward edits. Microsoft says Clipchamp is preinstalled on Windows 11 devices, supports combining video, images and audio, and replaces the former Photos Video Editor workflow. Details are at Microsoft Support.
Open it by searching Clipchamp from the taskbar or choosing it under Start > All apps. Import clips, trim them, add text or transitions and try a screen or webcam recording. The personal version works with a personal or family Microsoft account, and the browser version runs in Edge or Chrome; access information is documented at Microsoft Support.
There is a free tier and paid options. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family enables premium options, but current export limits, premium assets and watermark rules depend on the plan. Clipchamp is designed for accessible editing, not necessarily professional post-production.
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9. Microsoft To Do
Best for: personal tasks, recurring routines, shopping lists and lightweight planning. Create separate work, personal and shopping lists; add due dates and reminders; break a larger task into steps; and use My Day or the equivalent daily-planning view in your version.
Sync depends on the account and service availability. To Do is not a full project-management platform, and people already committed to Apple Reminders, Google Tasks, Todoist or an enterprise system may gain little.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
10. OneNote
Best for: notebooks combining typed notes, handwriting, screenshots, checklists, PDFs and reference material. Create a notebook for a project or household, sections for research and receipts, then paste and annotate screenshots or write with a compatible touchscreen.
Searchable notebooks are useful for durable reference information, but organization can become complicated. Sync and collaboration depend on the account and notebook location. Confirm where notebooks are stored and keep independent copies of important material; OneNote is not a backup system.
11. Sticky Notes
Best for: a phone number during a call, a temporary checklist or a short reminder that should stay visible. It is faster than creating a structured task or notebook.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use the distinction deliberately: Sticky Notes are temporary, To Do is for tasks and reminders, and OneNote is for durable, structured reference. Sync, account requirements and OneNote integration can vary by Windows version and organization policy. Do not use Sticky Notes as a secure vault or the only copy of critical information.
Protect and move to a new PC
12. Windows Backup
Best for: moving selected settings and content to another Windows 11 PC. Microsoft describes it as a Windows service that can sync settings and help restore information after signing in on another device; see Microsoft Support.
- Open Start and search for Windows Backup.
- Review the folders, settings, credentials and app-related items selected.
- Sign in with the appropriate Microsoft account.
- Confirm that important files are actually in OneDrive or another backup destination.
- Test restoration instead of assuming synchronization equals a backup.
Windows Backup is not automatically a complete disk image, versioned ransomware-resistant backup, guaranteed copy of every app’s local data or replacement for an external drive and independent cloud backup. Storage limits, work-account policy and sync errors can leave files uncovered, while some Store apps reinstall without restoring all local state.
Which three should you try first?
Choose based on the problem you feel most often. Start with PowerToys for general productivity friction, Snipping Tool for immediate screenshot value, and either Phone Link for phone integration or Quick Share for direct Android file transfers. Add Windows Backup only after checking exactly what it protects, and treat every cloud, notification, sharing and remote-control permission as a choice rather than a default.
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