This article is part of our Operating Systems and System Software resource section
The recent release of Windows 11 has stunned everyone with new features better than the predecessor Windows 10. As an operating system, Windows 11 provides the foundation on which these apps and other system features run. But some of the things remain the same as Windows 11 also allows you to install third-party apps from Microsoft Store.
The best part of the Microsoft Store is that it is also supporting Android apps so that you can use all of your favorite apps on your system on the big screen. But to download these apps and use them, you need to make sure to have a proper internet connection. Not only for the apps, but also for other processes on Windows 11 such as updates, browsing, streaming, and downloading.
When choosing a computer for these activities, consider whether a desktop or portable device better suits your needs. This guide to PC or laptop can help you compare the practical differences before deciding which type of computer to use.
If your current device struggles to run applications or handle everyday tasks, you may also need to consider whether an upgrade is worthwhile. Read this guide on when to get a new laptop to help assess when replacing an older machine makes sense.
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Now let’s move back to what apps should you install on your newly installed Windows 11. Before exploring the apps, it is useful to understand the basics of the Windows operating system and how it supports your everyday computing tasks. Stay tuned and read further.
If you are comparing different laptop designs, a mini laptop may be worth considering when portability and compact size are more important than having a large screen.
For users who want the flexibility to switch between laptop and tablet-style use, hybrid laptops offer another form factor to consider when choosing a computer.
This article is part of our Laptops & Portable Computers resource section
Table of Contents
Adobe Creative Cloud Express
If you are a newbie designer or just started learning, you must install Adobe Creative Cloud Express. The app allows noob designers to get hands-on experience with tools and other features you would find in any other Adobe Photoshop.
From designing Facebook posts to creating logos for different brands, Adobe Creative Cloud Express takes care of all. You can even create school projects, presentations, and marketing collateral with this app. If you also create user guides or technical documentation for Windows applications, these Windows help authoring tools can help organize and publish instructional content. With loads of tools at your disposal, you can utilize many elements and features that are free to use. Moreover, you can also share the project with your clients or customers. If you want to enjoy more stock assets and templates, Adobe Creative Cloud Express offers you a subscription for only $9.99 per month.
Students choosing a device for assignments, presentations, and creative projects should also consider battery life, portability, and performance. This guide to the best student laptops offers additional ideas when comparing computers for school or college.
Avast One
In the digital age, securing your device and data is of utmost importance. Many service providers offer you a free security suite with internet plans, still, you need to have extra protection on your device for better security and protection.
Avast One is one of the best antivirus software for your system that can be installed from the Microsoft Store. Whether you want to protect your system from malicious files, viruses, or need to protect your privacy online, Avast One takes care of all without charging a hefty subscription. Antivirus protection is only one part of protecting your data, so it is also important to regularly back up your Windows computer in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data-loss situations. Avast One is free to use on one device, but if you want to protect multiple devices, the monthly subscription costs you only $4.19 per month (promo offer).
If you also use Apple computers, security remains important beyond Windows. These tips to keep your Mac safe cover additional ways to protect your device and personal information.
VLC Media Player
When it comes to weekends and boring days, you are always stalking for something to watch interesting. Most people prefer to watch movies and TV series on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Sling, or Peacock. But there might be some movies and TV series on your system or DVD rack waiting for you to watch. Now is the time to watch when your streaming subscription has expired. Install VLC Media Player on your Windows 11 and watch anything without doing much. You can play any audio or video file including WMV, MOV, 3GP, FLV, MP4, MP3, AVI, and many more. VLC Media Player is open-source software that can be installed without paying a dime. Besides installing useful applications, keeping your storage organized is important, and a disk management tool for Windows 10 can help you manage drives and partitions.
If you are planning to replace an old computer or drive, remember that deleting files normally may not securely erase sensitive information. Explore these software options for erasing hard drives and SSDs in PCs, laptops, and Mac devices before selling, donating, or disposing of your hardware.
ProtonVPN
If you are using the internet all the time on your laptop or desktop, you need to have some sort of privacy and security. Especially when you want to do transactions online such as shopping, transferring funds, or any other activity, you need to make sure to use Virtual Private Network.
With ProtonVPN, you can stay safe online without revealing your identity. The free version comes with no limits and has access to over 24 locations in three different countries. Use this VPN if you want to access area restricted content while browsing the web, streaming websites, and doing online activities.
If you are working remotely and often change your place to connect to the internet and do work, make sure to install it instantly without any delay. Remote workers who need access to a Windows desktop from different locations may also want to learn more about Windows 365 and its cloud-based computing approach. The reason is that most of the public WiFi is not secure and doing any financial transaction or sharing sensitive information could result in the worst scenarios.
Your workspace also affects how comfortably you can use your applications throughout the day. This guide to choosing a laptop vs. desktop setup explores factors such as portability, performance, and workspace requirements.
If you prefer a laptop from a particular manufacturer, you can also research the Xiaomi laptop range when comparing devices for everyday computing and productivity.
Internet Download Manager
Downloading heavy files online is a challenging task. Most web browsers allow you to start downloading files instantly from their platform. But sometimes you need to download multiple files online, which when interrupted does not stop it from proceeding.
Internet Download Manager is a well-known download manager that allows you to download multiple files. Even if your internet is disconnected for a while, and later reconnects, Internet Download Manager will ensure that downloading resumes from wherever it is left. You can pause, resume, and schedule downloads on the internet download manager. If you are upgrading your laptop’s storage at the same time as setting up these apps, this guide on migrating Windows 11 to a new SSD can help you move your system to a faster drive.
When researching a replacement computer, compare specifications and pricing before choosing a model. This complete guide to HP laptops and laptop prices can help you explore HP devices and their available configurations.
You can also compare independent reviews to learn more about a model before buying. Consider this TheLaptopAdviser expert review as another resource during your research.
For buyers working within a fixed budget in India, this roundup of the best laptops under ₹60,000 provides another starting point for comparing options.
Greenshot Screenshot App
Although you can find plenty of screenshot software for Windows. But due to some limitations, you might not be able to get what you are looking for. Another option worth considering is ScreenshotX for taking beautiful screenshots on Windows, particularly if you want more attractive screenshots for websites or social media. Greenshot app for Windows 11 is the best open-source software allowing you to take screenshots in a number of ways.
The app is free to use and can automatically upload screenshots to photo manager sites. It also comes with a built-in editor, which offers you basic editing functions. If you don’t want to install this app on your system, you can use the snipping tool for taking a screenshot.
If you need more screen space while working with screenshots, documents, or several applications at once, a portable monitor for laptops can help extend your workspace without requiring a permanent desktop setup.
Summing Up
With more advanced features in Windows 11, you still need to rely on third-party apps and software to do your tasks, have entertainment, and protect yourself from vulnerable attacks. If you are deciding which platform best suits your needs, you can also compare the key differences between Windows 10 and macOS. The aforementioned apps are good enough to give you a kickstart to enjoy Windows 11.
Users who regularly work across Apple devices may also find it useful to learn how to AirDrop photos between an iPhone and a Mac computer when transferring supported files.
For transferring files between Android devices and a Mac, this MacDroid review explores a tool designed to help manage file transfers between the platforms.
Mac users who need to monitor system resources can also consult this guide on how to check RAM usage on Mac to identify applications that may be using substantial memory.
For Mac productivity beyond basic system tools, explore these best Mac apps for additional software ideas.
If you use a Mac alongside your Windows computer, routine maintenance can help keep the Apple device organized. This guide on how to clean your Mac covers physical cleaning and system maintenance.
For users who prefer a convertible design that can adapt to work and entertainment, these top 2-in-1 laptops for work and play provide additional options to compare.
A smartphone can handle many everyday activities, but some tasks are easier on a full computer. This comparison of a phone over a desktop or laptop looks at the practical differences between these devices.
For a broader comparison of computer performance, portability, and upgrade options, read this guide to laptop vs. desktop before deciding which setup fits your needs.
