by Windows 11 is one of the most substantial updates to Microsoft’s operating system in recent years, despite a less-than-spectacular introduction to Windows 8 or 10. The user interface changes in Windows 11, such as the new Start Menu and Control Panel, are commonly the topic of conversation when discussing the operating system. The Windows 11 update has also altered how we interact with computer software.
App selection for Windows 11 has become increasingly tedious in recent years. I’m curious as to why. Universal Windows Apps, desktop apps, and Android apps are available. I’ve compiled a list of the best free Windows 11 apps to help you narrow your search.
Best Windows 11 Apps to Install Right Now
Windows has never had an issue installing third-party apps. For this reason, we have produced a list of the best Windows 11 apps you must use. These apps are available through the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11, but you can also install them directly.
1. Your Phone
Did you know your Windows 11 computer may be a remote for your iPhone or Android device? To do so, you’ll need to download the Your Phone app from the Windows Store.
If you have a Windows 11 PC, you can use it to make and take phone calls, for instance. SMS management and app organization possibilities will greatly benefit most employees.
Yet, some of the Your Phone capabilities require prerequisites. For example, if you want to use your Android apps on a PC, you’ll need a smartphone running Android 11.
2. QuickLook
Users who are used to macOS or Chrome OS will be frustrated by Windows 11’s lack of a simple image preview tool even while Windows is generally seen as more flexible and feature-rich than other OSes.
The lack of this capability natively makes you wonder whether there aren’t other areas where Windows 11 may be better. Since QuickLook can resolve this issue, we’ve placed it at the top of our best Windows 11 applications list.
It’s a lightweight app that provides instant previews of photos, files, and directories. The app can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store.
3. LibreOffice
If you recently purchased a computer, you may have received a copy of Microsoft Office as part of the package deal. However, if this is not the case, you must subscribe to Microsoft Office at full price.
The OpenOffice inspiration shows in the depth and capability of the LibreOffice Suite. You may swiftly draft papers, PowerPoint presentations, and spreadsheets using it.
While LibreOffice’s user interface may differ slightly from that of Microsoft Office, the two are compatible otherwise. LibreOffice is a must-have Windows 11 app if you do not want to spend extra money on office software.
4. FluentCast
No longer is macOS the only operating system with well-designed software. FluentCast is just one of many fantastic apps produced by Windows programmers using the recently released WinUI 3 framework.
This podcast player uses the Fluent design language, which is included in Windows 11, and was developed specifically for that operating system.
This software makes all the top podcasts from iTunes accessible, and you can easily import and export your personal podcast list (OPML).
5. Franz
If you’re using Windows 11, you should download Franz. Email, Instagram, Slack, Asana, and other modern communication platforms are just a few of the ones we have to manage. Franz makes it simple to have all of this in one place.
You can check the total for each platform and get real-time alerts about it. We’ve already established that Franz’s appearance is highly malleable, so he may easily be adapted to any desired office aesthetic.
While the app is free, you can only connect a certain number of accounts. You may have to pay for the premium service to remove this limitation.
6. BeWidgets
Let’s be honest; Microsoft’s widget implementation in Windows 11 was a bust. Some users are okay waiting for the tech giant to address the issue, while others aren’t.
With BeWidgets, you can create modern desktop widgets for Windows and customize their appearance and behavior.
The ease with which a widget can be added to the interface was also very pleasing. And the best part? This software won’t cost you anything to use. This app for personalization is still available at no cost.
7. LiquidText
One of the most downloaded iPad apps, LiquidText, is now available for Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store. You can use the app to compile and arrange data from different sources into a single, easily digestible document.
Moreover, you can annotate, make connections between different publications, compare texts, remark on individual paragraphs, and ultimately produce a unified document for assessment.
As its name implies, LiquidText is a PDF annotation software with some serious upgrades. It shines on touch-enabled Windows 11 gadgets like the Surface Pro X. LiquidText is a great software for serious research, so give it a try if you need one.
8. Sketchbook Pro
Sketchbook Pro is a complete visual creation environment for Windows 11. Success is most likely to occur with a touch-enabled Windows 11 device. The Sketchbook Pro app’s user interface is designed to be intuitive even for non-trained artists.
Please be aware that the software was not designed for professional drawing tablets. Although all the toolbars can be turned off independently, many other choices exist.
It’s notable for being one of the few premium apps compatible with Windows 11. Sketchbook Pro is useful whether you prefer to create your artwork with pen and paper or a keyboard and mouse.
9. Stardock Star11
The new Start menu was one of Windows 11’s most noticeable graphical updates. It was relocated from beside the taskbar to the screen’s center.
It’s possible that some users won’t like the new design and will stick with the Windows 10 Start menu instead.
Start11 tries to implement the Windows 10 UI in Windows 11 without reverting to Windows 10. You may also alter the Start menu’s appearance to keep it consistent with your preferences.
10. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe sells a wide variety of expensive software, but you can download Photoshop Express from the Microsoft Store for nothing. The interface is simpler than the old Photoshop app.
You’ll still have access to all the tools you need to give your photos that extra something special.
Adobe provides several convenient editing tools, including one-click changes for common problems like red-eye and blurriness and a variety of fine-tuning tools, such as a spot heal tool.
