Windows 11 is now the standard Windows experience, and the right set of apps makes a fresh install far more useful. This guide covers 14 must-have apps that handle media, security, office work, and everyday utilities. Every pick here is free or has a generous free tier, and all of them run great on the latest Windows 11 updates.
VLC Media Player
VLC remains the best free media player for Windows 11, and it keeps getting better. It plays almost any file format you throw at it, including MKV, AVI, FLAC, and even damaged or incomplete downloads. You also get subtitle sync, audio filters, and the ability to stream video over your network. If you work with odd file types, VLC is usually the only player that just works. For file conversions, our guide on converting WebM to MP4 pairs well with VLC’s built-in converter.
Download VLC Media Player for Windows
Brave Browser
Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, which makes pages load faster and keeps your browsing private. It uses less memory than Chrome while still supporting all of your favorite extensions. Built-in features like Brave Shields, a crypto wallet, and optional rewards make it a compelling default browser. If you prefer to stay with Chrome, check out our list of the best Chrome themes to make it feel fresh.
Download Brave Browser for Windows
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is the leading free alternative to Microsoft Office, and it keeps improving with every release. You get Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw, which cover documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and diagrams. Files save in Microsoft formats like DOCX and XLSX, so sharing with Office users is seamless. The current version also has a modern interface, dark mode, and solid compatibility with Windows 11.
Download LibreOffice for Windows
Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes is the simplest way to keep reminders and quick thoughts on your desktop. It syncs your notes across devices through your Microsoft account, so a note you create on your PC appears on your phone too. You can add images, format text, and pin notes so they stay on top of other windows. The latest version even works with Windows 11’s Copilot to summarize or organize your notes.
Download Sticky Notes for Windows
Spotify
Spotify is still the most popular music streaming app, and its Windows client is polished and fast. You get millions of songs, thousands of curated playlists, and personalized mixes that update as your taste changes. The free tier is ad-supported, while Premium adds offline downloads and higher quality audio. If you like pulling audio from YouTube, our guide to the best YouTube to WAV converters is worth a look.
Netflix
The Netflix Windows app supports up to 4K HDR streaming on capable displays, which beats watching in a browser. You can download movies and shows for offline viewing while traveling. The catalog is huge and constantly rotating, with new original series added every month. A subscription is required, but the app itself is free to install.
Malwarebytes
Windows Defender is solid, but Malwarebytes adds a second layer of protection against malware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. The free version gives you on-demand scans that catch threats Defender might miss. The premium version adds real-time protection, ransomware shields, and automatic updates. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind on a daily driver PC.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
7-Zip
7-Zip is the go-to tool for opening and creating archives on Windows. It handles ZIP, RAR, TAR, ISO, and its own highly compressed 7z format. You can password-protect archives and split large files into smaller parts. It is completely free, open source, and runs perfectly on Windows 11.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express, formerly Photoshop Express, is a free photo and design editor that covers the basics without the complexity of the full Photoshop. You get filters, background removal, text overlays, and quick color corrections. The Windows app handles everyday edits like cropping and resizing in seconds. It is enough for most users who just want to polish an image before sharing it.
Download Adobe Express for Windows
Microsoft Teams and Chat
Teams is built into Windows 11 and serves as the default hub for work meetings, calls, and messaging. The free personal version is great for video calls with friends and family, while the work version integrates with Office apps. Chat puts messaging and calls right in the taskbar, so you can reach people without opening a full app. If you stream or record meetings, our comparison of Streamlabs vs OBS can help you pick better broadcasting software.
Download Microsoft Teams for Windows
LastPass
A password manager is essential in 2026, and LastPass remains one of the easiest to use. It stores your logins securely, autofills passwords, and generates strong random ones for new accounts. The free tier covers one device type, while Premium adds cross-device sync and shared folders. Any password manager beats reusing the same password everywhere, which is the most common way accounts get compromised.
A VPN
A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, which matters when you use public Wi-Fi or want to keep your browsing private from your ISP. Services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN both have fast, reliable Windows 11 apps with one-click connections. A good VPN also helps you reach region-locked content and avoids throttling from your provider. If your connection feels slow in general, our guide on increasing internet speed in Windows covers the basics that apply to Windows 11 too.
Ninite
Ninite is the fastest way to set up a fresh Windows 11 PC. You tick the apps you want on its website, download one small installer, and it silently installs everything while declining toolbars and junk offers. It also keeps those apps updated every time you rerun it. This one tool can save you an hour during any new PC setup.
Rambox
Rambox brings all of your messaging apps into one tidy window. WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, and dozens of others each get their own tab with notifications, so you never miss a message. It keeps your taskbar clean and makes switching between chats instant. The free tier covers a generous number of apps, while Pro adds unlimited accounts and extra features.
Conclusion
These 14 apps cover the essentials for any Windows 11 PC, from media and security to office work and everyday utilities. Most are free, and the rest offer free tiers that are worth starting with. Install a few of them after your next Windows setup and you will notice the difference right away. If you want to tune the OS further, our guide to speeding up Windows is a good next stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apps should I install first on Windows 11?
Start with a browser like Brave, VLC for media, 7-Zip for archives, and Malwarebytes for security. Then add productivity tools like LibreOffice and Spotify once the basics are covered.
Are these Windows 11 apps free?
Most of them are. VLC, Brave, LibreOffice, Sticky Notes, 7-Zip, Ninite, and Rambox are completely free. Spotify, Netflix, Malwarebytes Premium, LastPass Premium, and VPN services have paid tiers, but each offers a free or trial option.
Does Windows 11 need an antivirus?
Windows Defender provides solid built-in protection, but adding Malwarebytes gives you a useful second opinion. It catches browser hijackers and ransomware that Defender sometimes misses, especially on older hardware.
Can I use these apps on Windows 10?
Almost all of them work on Windows 10 as well. The steps and links here target Windows 11, but the apps themselves are largely identical across both systems.
