Windows 11 has brought many new features and enhancements, but the right apps can make your experience even better. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, customize your desktop, or simply enjoy some entertainment, there’s an app for you. Here are the top Windows 11 apps that you should consider to enhance your experience.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft PowerToys offers a suite of tools to improve productivity, including a universal search tool and customizable snap layouts.
- Files App is a modern file manager that provides a more intuitive and feature-rich alternative to the default Windows File Explorer.
- QuickLook allows you to preview files quickly by pressing the space bar, similar to the macOS feature.
- Lively Wallpaper brings your desktop to life with animated wallpapers that are both beautiful and resource-efficient.
- ShareX is a powerful screen capture tool that supports screenshots, screen recording, and even GIF creation.
Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of utilities designed to enhance your Windows 11 experience. This suite of tools can significantly boost your productivity and make everyday tasks easier.
Here are some of the standout features:
- FancyZones: This tool helps you manage multiple windows on large or ultrawide monitors. You can create custom layouts and snap your windows into them effortlessly.
- PowerToys Run: A quick launcher that can be activated with a customizable shortcut. It’s a great alternative to the Windows Start Search.
- Keyboard Manager: Allows you to remap keys and shortcuts to suit your workflow.
- Text Extractor: Extract text from images or screenshots using a simple shortcut (Win + Shift + T).
- Image Resizer: Resize multiple images at once to a specific size.
PowerToys is like having a Swiss Army knife for your computer. Whether you need to manage windows, remap your keyboard, or extract text from images, PowerToys has got you covered.
If you use computer printers or a computer mouse, PowerToys can make your life easier by streamlining various tasks. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to get the most out of their Windows 11 experience.
Files App
The Files App is a modern alternative to the traditional Windows File Explorer. It offers a sleek and intuitive interface that makes managing your files a breeze. This app is what the stock File Explorer should be.
One of the standout features of the Files App is its support for tabs, which allows you to open multiple folders in a single window. This makes it easy to switch between different directories without cluttering your screen with multiple windows. Additionally, the app supports multi-pane and tree views, giving you more flexibility in how you organize and navigate your files.
Another great feature is the ability to customize the app’s appearance with custom themes. Whether you prefer a dark mode or a light mode, the Files App has you covered. You can even set it as your default file manager for a more seamless experience.
The Files App also includes advanced features like support for archives, tags, and a compact overlay mode. These features make it easier to manage large collections of files and keep everything organized. Plus, the app receives frequent updates, so you can expect new features and improvements regularly.
If you’re looking for a file manager that offers more functionality and a better user experience than the default Windows File Explorer, the Files App is definitely worth checking out.
In summary, the Files App is a powerful and versatile tool that can greatly enhance your productivity when working with files on Windows 11. With its modern design and robust feature set, it’s a must-have app for any Windows user.
QuickLook
Ever wished you could quickly preview files on Windows 11 like you can on macOS? QuickLook is here to save the day! This handy app lets you preview images, files, and folders with just a tap of the spacebar. It’s a small but powerful tool that makes navigating through your files a breeze.
QuickLook is available for free on the Microsoft Store. It’s lightweight and fast, ensuring you don’t have to wait around for previews to load. Plus, it supports various plugins to expand its capabilities even further.
QuickLook is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their Windows 11 experience, especially if you’re using refurbished laptops. It brings a feature that many users miss from other operating systems, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
So, if you’re tired of opening files just to see what’s inside, give QuickLook a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is a fantastic app for those who want to bring their desktop to life. This free and open-source application allows you to set GIFs, videos, and even web pages as your desktop wallpaper. It’s a great way to make your computer monitors more dynamic and engaging.
One of the best things about Lively Wallpaper is that it doesn’t slow down your PC. Despite offering a multitude of customization options, it runs smoothly and efficiently. You can easily download and install it from the Microsoft Store.
If you’re looking to add some flair to your desktop without compromising performance, Lively Wallpaper is the way to go.
Key Features
- Open-source and free: No hidden costs or ads.
- Multiple formats: Supports GIFs, videos, and web pages.
- Performance-friendly: Won’t slow down your computer.
- Easy to use: Simple installation and setup.
Lively Wallpaper is built on the latest WinUI 3 framework, ensuring a modern and user-friendly experience. So, if you’re tired of static wallpapers and want something more exciting, give Lively Wallpaper a try!
ShareX
ShareX is a powerful, free tool for capturing screenshots and recording your screen on Windows 11. While Windows has built-in screenshot tools, ShareX offers advanced features that make it a must-have for anyone needing more than just the basics.
Key Features
- Screen Capture: Take screenshots of your entire screen, specific windows, or selected areas.
- Screen Recording: Record your screen as a video or GIF.
- Custom Actions: Automate tasks like uploading images to cloud services or applying watermarks.
- Image Editor: Edit your screenshots with a feature-packed editor.
- OCR: Extract text from images using Optical Character Recognition.
Why You Need It
If you find yourself frequently needing to capture and share what’s on your screen, ShareX is the tool for you. It’s not just about taking screenshots; it’s about making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
ShareX is like having a Swiss Army knife for screen capture and recording. It’s versatile, reliable, and best of all, free.
How to Get Started
- Download and install ShareX from the official website or the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app and explore the various capture options available.
- Customize your settings to fit your workflow.
- Start capturing and sharing with ease!
With ShareX, you’ll never need another screen capture tool again. It’s packed with features that make it stand out from the crowd, and it’s completely free to use.
FluentCast
FluentCast is a must-try app for any podcast lover using Windows 11. This app is packed with features that make listening to podcasts a breeze. You can find all the popular iTunes podcasts, download them, and even import and export your podcast files (OPML). It supports PiP mode, which gives you a mini overlay on your desktop, so you can keep an eye on your podcast while working on other tasks.
The app also supports both light and dark themes, and it remembers all your playback history, including chapters and timestamps. If you’re an avid podcast listener, FluentCast is the Windows 11 app you need to try.
LiquidText
LiquidText is a fantastic app that has made its way from iPad to Windows 11. This app is perfect for anyone who needs to gather and organize information from multiple documents. Whether you’re reviewing a report, preparing for a meeting, or taking notes at school, LiquidText has got you covered.
With LiquidText, you can:
- Annotate documents
- Connect the dots between multiple files
- Compare texts
- Comment on paragraphs
- Create one cohesive document for review
LiquidText is like a PDF annotation app on steroids. It works especially well on touchscreen Windows 11 devices like the Surface Pro X. If you need an app for deep research, LiquidText is definitely worth checking out.
For those who love to customize their workspace, LiquidText offers a modern and intuitive interface that enhances productivity.
ModernFlyouts
Windows 11 has a fresh look, but some parts still feel like Windows 8. The default flyouts for brightness, audio, and airplane mode are a bit outdated. ModernFlyouts is here to fix that. This app gives you a modern and customizable flyout for various controls on your Windows 11 PC. It’s simple to use and works as expected.
If you want a sleek and updated look for your system controls, ModernFlyouts is a must-try. It aligns perfectly with Windows 11’s aesthetics and enhances your overall experience.
For those who want to modernize their Windows 11 experience, ModernFlyouts is a great choice. It’s free to install and easy to set up. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!
Fluent Search
Fluent Search is a fantastic app for Windows 11 that makes finding things on your computer super easy. It’s similar to the Spotlight feature on macOS but offers even more. Fluent Search is incredibly fast and helps you locate settings, apps, and files in no time.
One of the coolest features is that you can search for files that work with a specific program, open tabs, or even make a search query within a browser. You can do all this without jumping through various apps or settings pages.
To use Fluent Search, just press “Ctrl + Alt” and start typing. For example, type “Settings,” hit Tab, and you can search for other menus under Settings. You can also type “taskbar” to get various Taskbar settings and open them directly from there. This works with Office files, browser tabs, and much more.
Fluent Search is one of the best Windows 11 apps to search for anything on your PC and keep up with the workflow.
If you want to simplify your workday and find things quickly, Fluent Search is a must-have app for your Windows 11 PC.
WhatsApp Desktop UWP
While WhatsApp has a web app, the new Desktop version from the Microsoft Store offers more features. Meta has been focusing on improving the WhatsApp desktop app on Windows. Built on the UWP framework, it’s noticeably faster than the web version and uses less RAM. It also supports dark mode, has a design that matches Windows 11, and includes acrylic and MICA effects.
Most importantly, you can receive notifications even when the app is closed, unlike WhatsApp Web. You can also make audio or video calls directly from the Desktop app. If you use WhatsApp regularly, installing the Desktop app from the Microsoft Store will give you a much better experience than the web version.
Conclusion
In summary, Windows 11 offers a wide range of apps that can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, customize your desktop, or simply enjoy some entertainment, there’s something for everyone. From essential tools like Microsoft PowerToys to fun additions like Lively Wallpaper, these apps can help you get the most out of your Windows 11 PC. So go ahead, explore the Microsoft Store, and find the apps that best suit your needs. Happy computing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of utilities designed to enhance productivity on Windows 11. It includes tools for batch renaming files, resizing images, creating custom snap layouts, and more.
Is Files App free to use?
Yes, the Files App is completely free to download and use from the Microsoft Store. It’s an open-source file manager with a modern design.
What does QuickLook do?
QuickLook allows you to preview files quickly by pressing the spacebar, similar to the feature in macOS. It supports various file formats and is very fast.
Can I use Lively Wallpaper without slowing down my PC?
Yes, Lively Wallpaper is designed to be resource-efficient. It lets you apply live wallpapers without significantly affecting your PC’s performance.
What features does ShareX offer?
ShareX is a comprehensive screen capturing tool. It allows you to take screenshots, record your screen, and even create GIFs. It also supports customizable hotkeys and automation.
What is FluentCast?
FluentCast is a podcast player designed specifically for Windows 11. It features a modern Fluent design and offers a smooth user experience for listening to podcasts.
How does LiquidText help with note-taking?
LiquidText is a powerful note-taking app that lets you highlight, annotate, and organize your notes efficiently. It’s especially useful for students and professionals who work with large documents.
What is the purpose of ModernFlyouts?
ModernFlyouts replaces the default Windows 11 volume and brightness flyouts with a more modern and customizable interface. It enhances the overall user experience.
