Top 10 Must-Have PC Software in 2025 (Free & Paid Tools You Shouldn’t Miss) -
The correct software may greatly increase the power, security, and productivity of your computer, regardless of whether you're a professional, student, or casual user. New tools appear as technology advances, but traditional favorites still hold sway. In order to help you get the most of your system, we have compiled a list of the top 10 essential PC programs for 2025.
1- Microsoft PowerToys :
Microsoft PowerToys are a collection of open-source, free tools made to improve Windows operating system customization and productivity. PowerToys, which were first created for Windows 95 and then brought back to life for Windows 10 and 11, give power users tools that simplify everyday chores, enhance productivity, and unleash sophisticated system capabilities. These tools are simple to use, lightweight, and frequently updated by the developer community and Microsoft.
Why You Need It?
◎ You can quickly launch apps, find files, and make computations with PowerToys Run by using a straightforward keyboard shortcut.
◎ You can design your own window layouts using FancyZones to improve screen organization and multitasking effectiveness.
◎ For a more customized keyboard configuration, Keyboard Manager lets you remap keys and make your own shortcuts.
◎ To enhance file management, File Explorer Add-ons include previews for other file formats, such as SVG and Markdown.
◎ You can save time on mass modifications by using Image Resizer to resize photos straight from the right-click menu.
◎ You can design your own window layouts using FancyZones to improve screen organization and multitasking effectiveness.
◎ For a more customized keyboard configuration, Keyboard Manager lets you remap keys and make your own shortcuts.
◎ To enhance file management, File Explorer Add-ons include previews for other file formats, such as SVG and Markdown.
◎ You can save time on mass modifications by using Image Resizer to resize photos straight from the right-click menu.
◎ An easy-to-use method for managing your system's hosts file for complex networking settings is the
Hosts File Editor.
2- LibreOffice 2025 :
The most recent iteration of the robust, open-source office suite created by The Document Foundation is called LibreOffice 2025. Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector graphics, databases, and more are all included in this free substitute for Microsoft Office. LibreOffice 2025 has a contemporary user interface, expanded collaboration tools, and improved performance, and it is compatible with key file formats such as DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. Because it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, it is a versatile and affordable option for people, companies, and educational institutions.
Why You Need It?
◎ Writer is a feature-rich word processor that is perfect for writing academic papers, reports, and documents.
◎ With its sophisticated features, pivot tables, and data analysis tools, Calc is a potent spreadsheet application.
◎ With Impress, you can make dynamic presentations that incorporate media integration, slide transitions, and animations.
◎ For designers and engineers, Draw offers tools for vector graphics, flowcharts, and technical diagrams.
◎ Forms, queries, and reports can all be used to create and manage databases with Base, a database management system.
◎ Math enables you to construct intricate equations and formulas that may be included into other documents.
◎ Better control over output, including digital signatures and accessibility tags, is made possible via enhanced PDF export choices.
◎ It is appropriate for users worldwide because to its integrated language features, which include multilingual support, grammar and spell checks, and more.
◎ With its sophisticated features, pivot tables, and data analysis tools, Calc is a potent spreadsheet application.
◎ With Impress, you can make dynamic presentations that incorporate media integration, slide transitions, and animations.
◎ For designers and engineers, Draw offers tools for vector graphics, flowcharts, and technical diagrams.
◎ Forms, queries, and reports can all be used to create and manage databases with Base, a database management system.
◎ Math enables you to construct intricate equations and formulas that may be included into other documents.
◎ Better control over output, including digital signatures and accessibility tags, is made possible via enhanced PDF export choices.
◎ It is appropriate for users worldwide because to its integrated language features, which include multilingual support, grammar and spell checks, and more.
3- Everything :
David Carpenter created Everything, a small and incredibly effective desktop search tool for Windows. Everything gives lightning-fast results as you type and, in contrast to the built-in Windows Search, indexes your whole file system virtually quickly. Because it only looks at file and folder names, it can provide search results almost instantly while using very little system resources. Everything is a straightforward yet effective application that improves file management and increases productivity, making it perfect for developers, power users, and anybody else who regularly looks for files.
Why You Need It?
◎ Finds files and folders on all connected drives instantly by name.
◎ Maintains real-time file indexing while consuming very little system resources.
◎ Automatically updates the file index whenever a file is renamed, added, or removed.
◎ Even on systems with hundreds of thousands of files, search results are incredibly quick.
◎ An interface that is clear, uncluttered, and simple to use.
◎ For accurate results, it supports sophisticated search operators including regex, wildcards, and filters.
provides options for filtering and sorting by size, type, date, and other criteria.
◎ Hotkeys and context menus can be added for easy access.
◎ Enables local network-based remote searching via Everything Server.
◎ Maintains real-time file indexing while consuming very little system resources.
◎ Automatically updates the file index whenever a file is renamed, added, or removed.
◎ Even on systems with hundreds of thousands of files, search results are incredibly quick.
◎ An interface that is clear, uncluttered, and simple to use.
◎ For accurate results, it supports sophisticated search operators including regex, wildcards, and filters.
provides options for filtering and sorting by size, type, date, and other criteria.
◎ Hotkeys and context menus can be added for easy access.
◎ Enables local network-based remote searching via Everything Server.
4- OBS Studio :
A free and open-source program called OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is made for live broadcasting and video recording. Because of its robust capabilities and versatility, OBS Studio, which is accessible on Windows, macOS, and Linux, is frequently used by professionals, educators, streamers, and content producers. OBS offers a powerful, adaptable solution without the drawbacks of costly alternatives, whether you're recording high-quality video content locally or streaming live to websites like YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook. Because it is open-source, a worldwide community of developers and consumers is always improving it.
Why You Need It?
◎ Allows for real-time live streaming and high-quality video recording.
◎ Enables you to record video from a variety of sources, such as external devices, webcams, screen areas, and browser windows.
◎ Allows for the creation of professional-caliber video layouts with an infinite number of scenes and transitions.
◎ Has a strong audio mixer with filters for improved sound control, such as compressor, gain, and noise reduction.
◎ Allows for additional capabilities like automation, virtual cameras, and bespoke transitions by supporting plugins and extensions.
◎ Integrated support for popular streaming services like Facebook Live, YouTube, and Twitch.
◎ Enables you to record video from a variety of sources, such as external devices, webcams, screen areas, and browser windows.
◎ Allows for the creation of professional-caliber video layouts with an infinite number of scenes and transitions.
◎ Has a strong audio mixer with filters for improved sound control, such as compressor, gain, and noise reduction.
◎ Allows for additional capabilities like automation, virtual cameras, and bespoke transitions by supporting plugins and extensions.
◎ Integrated support for popular streaming services like Facebook Live, YouTube, and Twitch.
◎ Hotkeys that may be customized for almost any function improve workflow productivity.
5- Bitwarden :
To assist people and businesses in managing and safeguarding their passwords and private data, Bitwarden is an open-source, secure password manager. Bitwarden is compatible with a number of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web browsers. It keeps your login information in an encrypted vault that only you can access. Bitwarden is a dependable and transparent option for anyone looking for a way to keep strong, one-of-a-kind passwords across all accounts, thanks to its support for cloud syncing, self-hosting, and sophisticated security measures.
Why You Need It?
◎ Keeps credit card information, protected notes, and login credentials in one secured vault and automatically fills them in.
◎ Bitwarden cannot read your vault thanks to end-to-end encryption, which guarantees that only you can access your data.
◎ For smooth cross-device access, it is offered as a desktop app, mobile app, web app, and browser extension.
◎ Supports physical keys (such as YubiKey), TOTP, authentication apps, and two-factor authentication (2FA).
◎ With customisable settings, the secure password generator assists you in creating strong, random passwords.
◎ Enables safe password sharing via encrypted vaults with teams or trusted people.
◎ Bitwarden cannot read your vault thanks to end-to-end encryption, which guarantees that only you can access your data.
◎ For smooth cross-device access, it is offered as a desktop app, mobile app, web app, and browser extension.
◎ Supports physical keys (such as YubiKey), TOTP, authentication apps, and two-factor authentication (2FA).
◎ With customisable settings, the secure password generator assists you in creating strong, random passwords.
◎ Enables safe password sharing via encrypted vaults with teams or trusted people.
◎ Biometric login (facial unlock, fingerprint) is integrated into suitable devices.
6- ShareX :
ShareX is an open-source, free program for Windows that facilitates file sharing, screen capture, and productivity. With its robust tools for taking screenshots, recording screen activity, altering photos, and rapidly sharing anything online, ShareX is primarily intended for experienced users. ShareX offers configurable processes, automation, and integrations with a wide range of web services, in contrast to simple screenshot tools. Regardless of your role—developer, designer, instructor, or end user—ShareX offers an extensive toolkit for accurately and effectively producing and managing visual content.
Why You Need It?
◎ Captures regions, scrolling sections, windows, the entire screen, and even certain user interface elements.
◎ Enables the generation of GIFs and screen recording, both with and without audio.
◎ Integrated picture editor for applying effects, blurring, highlighting, and annotations to screenshots.
◎ Incorporates optical character recognition, or OCR, for text extraction from pictures.
◎ Allows for scripting, hotkey customization, and post-capture activities (such as upload, edit, and copy).
◎ Enables the automatic posting of files, recordings, and screenshots to a variety of locations (such as Dropbox, Google Drive, FTP, and Imgur).
◎ Provides a QR code generator, picture combiner, color picker, ruler, and other useful tools.
◎ Offers post-capture functions such as watermarking, image effects, and template-based file naming.
◎ Enables the generation of GIFs and screen recording, both with and without audio.
◎ Integrated picture editor for applying effects, blurring, highlighting, and annotations to screenshots.
◎ Incorporates optical character recognition, or OCR, for text extraction from pictures.
◎ Allows for scripting, hotkey customization, and post-capture activities (such as upload, edit, and copy).
◎ Enables the automatic posting of files, recordings, and screenshots to a variety of locations (such as Dropbox, Google Drive, FTP, and Imgur).
◎ Provides a QR code generator, picture combiner, color picker, ruler, and other useful tools.
◎ Offers post-capture functions such as watermarking, image effects, and template-based file naming.
7- VLC Media Player :
The VideoLAN project created the free, open-source multimedia player known as VLC Media Player. VLC, which is well-known for its adaptability and broad format support, can play practically any audio or video file without the need for extra codecs. Available on several platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, VLC provides a portable yet effective media playback solution. It is a popular among experts, video fans, and casual users due to its sophisticated capabilities and easy-to-use design.
Why You Need It?
◎ Almost every audio and video file, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, FLAC, and others, may be played back.
◎ Able to play a variety of streaming protocols, including DVDs, CDs, and VCDs, without the need for extra codecs.
◎ Provides sophisticated playback features like video effects, frame-by-frame navigation, and speed modification.
◎ Allows for automatic synchronization, customisation, and subtitle integration.
◎ Enhances the media experience by supporting spatializer effects, equalizers, and filters for both audio and video.
◎ Able to play a variety of streaming protocols, including DVDs, CDs, and VCDs, without the need for extra codecs.
◎ Provides sophisticated playback features like video effects, frame-by-frame navigation, and speed modification.
◎ Allows for automatic synchronization, customisation, and subtitle integration.
◎ Enhances the media experience by supporting spatializer effects, equalizers, and filters for both audio and video.
◎ It is lightweight, resource-efficient, and compatible with outdated technology.
◎ Open-source and devoid of user tracking, spyware, and advertisements.
◎ Open-source and devoid of user tracking, spyware, and advertisements.
8- 7-Zip :
A free, open-source file archiver and compression tool called 7-Zip was created to assist users in effectively compressing and decompressing files. 7-Zip is a popular tool for accelerating file transfers and conserving disk space because of its high compression ratios and compatibility with a large number of archive types. In addition to supporting other well-known formats including ZIP, RAR, TAR, and ISO, it has its own robust 7z compression technology. 7-Zip is a dependable and portable program for handling compressed files that is compatible with Windows and has unofficial versions for other platforms.
Why You Need It?
◎ Uses sophisticated compression techniques and its native 7z format to support high compression ratios.
◎ Numerous archive formats, such as ZIP, RAR, CAB, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and ISO, are compatible.
◎ Provides robust AES-256 encryption for safe archive password protection.
◎ Allows for easy access through right-click context menus and seamless integration with Windows Shell.
◎ Includes a robust command-line version for automation together with an easy-to-use GUI.
◎ Enables the creation of self-extracting (SFX) archives that don't require 7-Zip to decompress.
◎ Offers effective file management along with the capability to check the integrity of archives and fix any broken ones.
◎ Numerous archive formats, such as ZIP, RAR, CAB, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and ISO, are compatible.
◎ Provides robust AES-256 encryption for safe archive password protection.
◎ Allows for easy access through right-click context menus and seamless integration with Windows Shell.
◎ Includes a robust command-line version for automation together with an easy-to-use GUI.
◎ Enables the creation of self-extracting (SFX) archives that don't require 7-Zip to decompress.
◎ Offers effective file management along with the capability to check the integrity of archives and fix any broken ones.
9- Ccleaner :
The well-known system optimization and cleaning utility CCleaner was created by Piriform, which is now a part of Avast. By eliminating superfluous files, temporary data, and internet activity traces, it helps Windows users enhance system speed, free up disk space, and safeguard their privacy. CCleaner offers an easy-to-use interface and a variety of features to remove junk files, manage starting programs, and solve registry errors. It serves both professional users and casual users looking to keep their PC in good working order and comes in both free and paid editions.
Why You Need It?
◎ Removes unnecessary information from Windows and browsers, including temporary files, cache, cookies, and browsing history.
◎ Increases the performance and responsiveness of the system by freeing up important disk space.
◎ Provides a registry cleaner that looks for and fixes outdated or invalid entries to stop mistakes.
◎ Contains startup program management features that let users disable unused apps to speed up boot times.
◎ Offers uninstaller functionality for total removal of undesired apps.
◎ Sensitive files can be safely deleted, rendering them unrecoverable.
◎ Increases the performance and responsiveness of the system by freeing up important disk space.
◎ Provides a registry cleaner that looks for and fixes outdated or invalid entries to stop mistakes.
◎ Contains startup program management features that let users disable unused apps to speed up boot times.
◎ Offers uninstaller functionality for total removal of undesired apps.
◎ Sensitive files can be safely deleted, rendering them unrecoverable.
◎ Allows for the cleaning of well-known third-party apps, like Skype, Firefox, Chrome, and more.
10- MRT ( Windows 10/11 Built-in) :
Malware Removal Tool, or MRT for short, is a free integrated tool that Microsoft created for Windows 10 and 11. It is intended to search Windows systems for particular, pervasive dangerous software and eliminate it if it is discovered. MRT functions as a post-infection cleanup utility but does not provide real-time protection like Microsoft Defender does. It helps maintain system security in the background without user involvement and is usually launched automatically through Windows Update once a month.
Why You Need It?
◎ Checks your computer for known viruses such as Mydoom, Sasser, and Blaster.
◎ No installation or setup is necessary, and the interface is straightforward and wizard-based.
◎ Provide a thorough history or report of any malware that has been discovered and eliminated.
◎ On-demand scanning can be performed manually at any time.
◎ Incredibly light and uses no system resources when not in use.
◎ Microsoft updates it frequently to address newly identified widespread risks.
◎ Incorporated into all current Windows versions, including Windows 10 and 11.
◎ After it has been updated through Windows Update, it can operate without an internet connection.
How to Use :
➤ To launch the Run dialog, press Win + R.
➤ Press Enter after typing MRT.
➤ The window for the Malicious Software Removal Tool will open.
➤ Quick Scan: Examines typical locations where malware is typically discovered.
Full Scan: Spends more time scanning your entire system.
➤ Press Enter after typing MRT.
➤ The window for the Malicious Software Removal Tool will open.
➤ Quick Scan: Examines typical locations where malware is typically discovered.
Full Scan: Spends more time scanning your entire system.
(You can select which disks or folders to scan with Customized Scan.)
➤ To begin the scan, click Next.
➤ MRT will examine your system and eliminate any harmful software that is found.
➤ A report of any malware discovered and the actions performed will be displayed once the scan is finished.
➤ To begin the scan, click Next.
➤ MRT will examine your system and eliminate any harmful software that is found.
➤ A report of any malware discovered and the actions performed will be displayed once the scan is finished.
Summary:
In 2025, having the appropriate software on your computer is more important for increasing productivity, guaranteeing security, and improving the efficiency and intelligence of your digital life than it is for ease. These top 10 PC utilities provide necessary functionality that every user may take use of, whether they are working from home, playing games, creating content, or simply browsing. The majority are open-source or free, so you can upgrade your system without spending a thing. Your computer (and your future self) will appreciate you taking a few minutes to install the ones you don't already have.
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Which one was your favorite? Tell us in comments!
