awesome-windows
Windows utilities
A curated list of tools and apps for Windows 10/11
An awesome & curated list of tools and apps for Windows 10/11.
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last commit: 12 months ago awesomeawesome-listmicrosoftwindows
| Qopy | 131 | 12 months ago | |
| Vleer | 57 | 12 months ago | |
Audio | |||
| Audacity | Free, cross-platform software for recording and editing audio | ||
| AudioNodes | Modular production suite featuring multi-track mixing, effects, automation, MIDI editing, synthesis, and cloud production | ||
| CDex | Digital audio CD extraction tool (French site, English program) | ||
| Cider | Modern and elegant Apple Music client for Windows, Linux and macOS | ||
| Dopamine | Clean and simple audio player focused on music organization | ||
| Foobar2000 | Feature-rich audio player supporting numerous formats with extensive customization options | ||
| Mixxx | Professional DJ software for live mixing, offering a robust alternative to Traktor | ||
| Mp3tag | Efficient and user-friendly audio metadata editor | ||
| MusicBrainz Picard | Cross-platform application for automated music metadata lookup and tagging | ||
| musikcube | A fully functional terminal-based music player, library, and streaming audio server | ||
| Nora | Sleek and modern music player built with Electron and React, offering enhanced features over default applications | ||
| Winamp | Classic media player supporting MP3, MP2, WAV, VOC, and MIDI formats | ||
Backup | |||
| Duplicati | Free backup software to store encrypted backups online for Windows, macOS and Linux | ||
| Kopia | Cross-platform backup tool with incremental backups, client-side end-to-end encryption, compression and data deduplication with cloud support | ||
| Restic | Free cross-platform backup tool with support for various storage types | ||
Browsers | |||
| Arc | Vertical tab-focused browser designed for modern productivity | ||
| Ungoogled Chromium | 20,959 | 12 months ago | Privacy-focused browser variant with tracking and Google integration removed |
| Ladybird | Completely new browser engine built from scratch | ||
| Zen Browser | Modern, Firefox-based Arc alternative with custom community modifications | ||
Chat Clients | |||
| ArmCord | Standalone, lightweight, customizable Discord client with built-in Vencord and shelter | ||
| Beeper | All-in-one chat app for WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram, Signal, X, Instagram, SMS | ||
| Discord | Free voice and text chat platform available across multiple platforms and web browsers | ||
| Franz | Unified messaging app supporting multiple chat services and platforms | ||
| Matrix | Open network for secure, decentralized communication | ||
| Revolt | User-first chat platform built with modern web technologies | ||
| Element | Simple client app for the Matrix protocol | ||
| Telegram | Fast and secure messaging platform with emphasis on speed and privacy | ||
| Threema | Swiss-based secure messaging alternative with open-source code | ||
| Vencord | Intuitive and user-friendly Discord client modification | ||
| Waow | Enhanced WhatsApp Web client with additional features | ||
Compression | |||
| 7-Zip | Open source utility for managing archives, fully supporting 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR formats | ||
| Bandizip | Lightweight, fast and free all-in-one archive manager | ||
| NanaZip | Modern Windows-optimized derivative of 7-Zip | ||
| PeaZip | Feature-rich archive manager supporting multiple compression formats | ||
| Riot | Advanced image compression tool with multiple optimization options | ||
| WinRAR | Powerful archive manager for compression, backup and file splitting | ||
Customization | |||
| 7+ Taskbar Tweaker | Advanced Windows taskbar customization tool with productivity enhancements | ||
| Classic Start | 30 | over 7 years ago | Traditional Windows Start Menu and Explorer interface |
| EarTrumpet | Advanced per-application volume control utility | ||
| Komorebi | Dynamic tiling window manager for Windows | ||
| QTTabBar | Explorer enhancement adding tabs and extended folder views | ||
| Rainmeter | Desktop customization platform for skins and widgets | ||
| TranslucentTB | 16,080 | 12 months ago | Taskbar transparency utility |
| Wallpaper Engine | Dynamic wallpaper platform with community content support | ||
| WindHawk | Desktop modification platform with extensive customization options | ||
| YASB | 397 | 12 months ago | Customizable status bar utility |
| ZBar | Multi-monitor taskbar management utility | ||
Data Recovery | |||
| Data Rescue | Professional recovery solution for photos, videos, and documents | ||
| IsoBuster | Multi-format data recovery tool supporting various storage media | ||
| Ontrack EasyRecovery | Advanced recovery tool with comprehensive filtering capabilities | ||
| PartitionGuru ｜ Eassos Recovery | Specialized recovery tool for partitions and file systems | ||
| TestDisk | Free recovery utility focused on partition restoration and disk repair | ||
Developer Tools / API Development | |||
| Bruno | Fast and Git-friendly open-source API client, alternative to Postman and Insomnia | ||
| Hoppscotch | Open source API development ecosystem | ||
| HTTP Toolkit | HTTP debugging & mocking tool | ||
| Insomnia | Modern REST client with an elegant interface | ||
| Postman | REST client with intuitive interface for request testing and workflow automation | ||
Developer Tools / Command Line Tools | |||
| btop4win | 861 | about 3 years ago | Windows port of the famous btop resource monitor |
| Chocolatey | Package manager for Windows | ||
| Scoop | 21,446 | about 1 year ago | Command-line installer for Windows |
| winget | Official Windows package manager from Microsoft | ||
Developer Tools / Databases | |||
| DataFlare | Modern, lightweight database GUI for SQLite, MySQL and PostgreSQL | ||
| DB Browser for SQLite | Visual tool for creating and editing SQLite database files | ||
| HeidiSQL | Powerful client for MySQL, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL | ||
| Keylord | Cross-platform GUI client for key-value databases including Redis, LevelDB and Memcached | ||
| PostgreSQL Database | Comprehensive list of PostgreSQL management tools | ||
| RazorSQL | Advanced GUI for SQLite database management | ||
| Redis Desktop Manager | Cross-platform management tool for Redis databases | ||
| Robo 3T | Lightweight MongoDB management interface | ||
| Sql Wave | MySQL database management interface | ||
| SQLyog | Comprehensive MySQL administration and development tool | ||
Developer Tools / Developer Utilities | |||
| Cacher | Cloud-based, team-enabled code snippet manager with Gist sync, VSCode/Atom/Sublime packages and full-featured web client | ||
| ExtendsClass | Online tools for developers (REST/SOAP clients, SQLite browser, Regex tester, XPath tester) | ||
| Mamp | Local server environment | ||
| Open Server | Portable server platform and software environment with user-friendly interface | ||
| Pieces | AI-enabled productivity tool designed to supercharge developer efficiency, with an on-device copilot that helps you capture, enrich, and reuse useful materials, streamline collaboration, and solve complex problems through a contextual understanding of your workflow | ||
| Velocity | Offline API documentation tool, similar to Dash for macOS | ||
| wmWebStack | Local server stack with one-click live publishing and remote device access | ||
| Xampp | Apache-driven web development environment | ||
Developer Tools / IDEs | |||
| Android Studio | Official Android IDE based on IntelliJ platform | ||
| Eclipse | Extensible, multi-language development environment | ||
| JetBrains Toolbox App | Manager for JetBrains tools and projects | ||
Developer Tools / IDEs / JetBrains Toolbox App | |||
| CLion | Smart cross-platform IDE for C/C++. ( for Students) | ||
| DataGrip | Cross-platform IDE for databases and SQL. ( for Students) | ||
| DataSpell | Professional data science IDE | ||
| GoLand | Ergonomic environment for Go development | ||
| IntelliJ IDEA | Modern Java IDE with free community edition. ( for Students) | ||
| PhpStorm | Advanced PHP IDE with framework support | ||
| PyCharm | Professional Python IDE with free community edition | ||
| Rider | Cross-platform .NET/Mono IDE | ||
| RubyMine | Intelligent Ruby IDE with modern framework support | ||
| WebStorm | Professional JavaScript IDE with modern ecosystem support. ( for Students) | ||
Developer Tools / IDEs | |||
| NetBeans IDE | Free and open-source development environment | ||
| Visual Studio Code | Lightweight yet powerful cross-platform code editor | ||
| Visual Studio | Feature-rich IDE supporting multiple programming languages through extensions | ||
Developer Tools / Networking | |||
| Fiddler | Web debugging proxy | ||
| Wireshark | Network protocol analyzer | ||
Developer Tools / Version Control | |||
| DevHub | GitHub notifications on your desktop as a tray app | ||
| Fork | Fast and friendly Git client for Windows and Mac | ||
| Git Extensions | Powerful and user-friendly Git UI | ||
| GitHub Desktop | Electron-based GitHub client | ||
| GitKraken | Cross-platform Git client with intuitive interface | ||
| GitLight | 772 | 12 months ago | Open-source GitHub & GitLab notifications client |
| Meld | Visual diff and merge tool | ||
| SourceTree | Free Git & Mercurial client | ||
| TortoiseGit | Git client with full shell integration | ||
| Tower | Professional Git client with advanced features | ||
Developer Tools / Virtualization | |||
| Docker Desktop | Containerization for Desktop, built on top of WSL2 | ||
| Podman Desktop | Open source desktop containerization alternative to Docker | ||
| Vagrant | Tool for building and managing virtual machines | ||
File Management | |||
| FileZilla | FTP, FTPS and SFTP client | ||
| WinSCP | Free open source SFTP, FTP, WebDAV and SCP client | ||
| Xftp 7 | Flexible and lightweight SFTP/FTP client | ||
Games | |||
| Awesome Games | 22,990 | over 1 year ago | List of games hosted on GitHub |
| Epic Games | Digital game storefront for PC and Mac | ||
| Freeciv | Free empire-building strategy game inspired by human civilization | ||
| Gale | 139 | 12 months ago | Modern and lightweight mod manager for Thunderstore |
| Godot Engine | Free and open source game engine with beginner-friendly workflow | ||
| GOG | DRM-free game store featuring classic and modern titles | ||
| Itch.io | Platform for discovering and distributing indie games | ||
| LuaStudio | Free game development tool using Lua/LuaJIT with multi-platform export capabilities | ||
| Origin | EA's digital game distribution platform | ||
| Steam | Leading digital game distribution platform with extensive library management | ||
| Unity | Popular game engine with comprehensive learning resources | ||
| Unreal Engine | Professional game engine with 5% revenue share model | ||
| Warsow | Fast-paced free FPS game | ||
Graphics | |||
| Aseprite | Professional pixel art and animation tool | ||
| Aspect | Photo organizer with peer-to-peer synchronization | ||
| Blender | Professional 3D creation suite | ||
| Figma | Collaborative interface design tool | ||
| GIMP | Feature-rich image editor | ||
| Inkscape | Professional vector graphics editor | ||
| Krita | Professional digital painting program | ||
| Lunacy | Free design tool with built-in resources | ||
| Paint.NET | Feature-rich image editing tool | ||
| pngquant | Command-line PNG compression utility | ||
Online Storage | |||
| Box | Enterprise cloud storage with support for extended file paths and special characters | ||
| Dropbox | Simple, elegant and versatile cloud storage solution | ||
| Google Drive | Cloud storage solution integrated with Google ecosystem | ||
| Mega | Encrypted file storage | ||
| Nextcloud | Open source, self-hosted file share and communication platform | ||
| OneDrive | Integrated cloud storage for Windows users | ||
| Streamshare | Free file sharing service with 1.5 TB storage capacity | ||
| pCloud | Swiss-based privacy-focused cloud provider with lifetime plans | ||
| Sync | Encrypted file storage with Canadian data centers | ||
Productivity | |||
| AutoHotkey | Automation scripting language for Windows | ||
| Cold Turkey | Website blocker with strict enforcement mechanisms | ||
| Ditto | Clipboard manager | ||
| Easy Window Switcher | Fast application instance switcher | ||
| Executor.dk | Customizable lightweight application launcher | ||
| f.lux | Automatic screen color temperature adjustment | ||
| File Juggler | Automated file organization with smart actions and PDF parsing | ||
| Flow Launcher | Quick file search and app launcher with plugins | ||
| Inkdrop | Markdown-focused note-taking application | ||
| Jan | Offline private AI assistant with CPU/GPU support | ||
| Kaas | 26 | about 1 year ago | Privacy-focused LLM client for multiple AI services |
| KatMouse | Universal scrolling utility for Windows | ||
| Keypirinha | Fast keyboard-driven launcher for power users | ||
| Keywiz | Real-time keystroke visualization tool | ||
| Listary | Enhanced file search utility | ||
| MultiCommander | Professional file manager | ||
| Ninite | Streamlined software installation utility | ||
| One Commander | Modern file manager with miller columns | ||
| Simplenote | Cross-platform note taking app with cloud sync | ||
| Taskade | Collaborative task management with real-time sync | ||
| Timelens | Cross-platform time tracking software | ||
| ToDoList | Feature-rich task management tool | ||
| Total Commander | Advanced file management utility | ||
| WordWeb | Comprehensive English dictionary | ||
| Wox | Efficient application launcher | ||
Productivity / Documents | |||
| FreeOffice | Office suite with word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tools, compatible with Microsoft Office | ||
| LibreOffice | Open source office suite | ||
| Microsoft Office | Industry-standard productivity suite | ||
| NitroPDF | Feature-rich PDF reader and editor | ||
| OnlyOffice | Comprehensive office and productivity suite | ||
| OpenOffice | Suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases | ||
| Sumatra PDF | Multi-format document reader supporting PDF, ePub, MOBI, and more | ||
| WPS Office | Free office suite with modern interface | ||
Productivity / E-Book Utilities | |||
| Bookviser | E-book reader for Windows devices with simple interface | ||
| Calibre | Comprehensive e-book management and conversion tool | ||
| Kobo | E-book management software with format conversion capabilities | ||
Productivity / Email | |||
| BlueMail | Cross-platform email client with modern interface | ||
| Mailbird | IMAP and POP3 email client with customization and multi-language support | ||
| Mailspring | Modern email client built on web technologies | ||
| Postbox | Advanced email management application | ||
| Thunderbird | Feature-rich email client with minimalist design | ||
| Wino Mail | Modern mail client with integrated calendar | ||
Proxy and VPN Tools | |||
| Algo | 29,048 | over 1 year ago | Personal IPSEC VPN in the cloud |
| Cloudflare WARP | Fast, free VPN and DNS | ||
| ProtonVPN | High-speed Swiss VPN that safeguards your privacy | ||
| Tailscale | Zero config VPN for building secure networks | ||
| Twingate | Modern zero trust network access solution | ||
| WireGuard | Fast, modern, and secure VPN tunnel | ||
Security | |||
| Acrylic DNS Proxy | Local DNS proxy with caching and custom HOSTS file support | ||
| AdwCleaner | Removal tool for adware, PUP/LPI, toolbars and hijackers | ||
| Bitdefender | Comprehensive malware protection suite | ||
| Bitwarden | Open-source password manager with encrypted vault | ||
| Cryptomator | Client-side encryption for cloud files | ||
| ENCRYPTO | File encryption utility | ||
| GlassWire | Network security monitoring and visualization tool | ||
| IIS Crypto | Windows encryption protocol configuration utility | ||
| KeePass | Open-source password manager | ||
| Malwarebytes | Advanced threat protection and removal | ||
| NetLimiter | Internet traffic control and monitoring tool | ||
| Padloc | End-to-end encrypted password manager | ||
| ProtonPass | Zero-knowledge encrypted password manager | ||
| SpyBot | Malware and spyware detection and removal | ||
| System Explorer | Enhanced task manager with advanced system monitoring | ||
| Tor Project | Anonymous communication network | ||
| UnChecky | Automated unwanted software offer prevention | ||
| VeraCrypt | Disk encryption software for multiple platforms | ||
| Viscosity | Enterprise-ready OpenVPN client | ||
Terminal | |||
| Alacritty | 56,937 | 12 months ago | Cross-platform, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator |
| Cmder | Console emulator with clink shell integration | ||
| ConEmu | 8,656 | over 1 year ago | Customizable terminal with tabs, splits, and quake-style dropdown |
| FluentTerminal | 9,239 | over 1 year ago | UWP-based modern terminal emulator |
| Hyper | Terminal built on web technologies | ||
| Kitty | Enhanced PuTTY with additional features | ||
| MobaXterm | Enhanced terminal with X server and SSH client | ||
| mRemoteNG | Multi-protocol remote connections manager | ||
| MTPuTTY | Multi-tabbed PuTTY client | ||
| PuTTY | SSH and telnet client | ||
| Terminus | Configurable terminal built on web technologies | ||
| WezTerm | GPU-accelerated terminal emulator and multiplexer | ||
| Windows Terminal | Official Microsoft terminal | ||
Text Editors | |||
| GVim | Highly configurable text editor optimized for efficiency | ||
| LazyVim | Customizable Neovim configuration framework | ||
| Neovim | Modern, extensible terminal-based editor | ||
| Notepad++ | Feature-rich source code editor | ||
| Notepad2 | Lightweight Notepad replacement with enhanced features | ||
| Sublime Text | Advanced text editor with extensive plugin ecosystem | ||
Utilities | |||
| Acrosync | Native rsync client with automatic uploads and incremental backups | ||
| AddToSendTo | Add folders to Windows "Send To" context menu | ||
| Advanced Renamer | Batch file renamer with support for metadata and regex | ||
| Bandicam | Desktop and 3D application screen recorder | ||
| Carnac | Keystroke visualization tool for screencasts | ||
| CleanMyPC | System cleanup and optimization utility | ||
| CPU-Z | CPU monitoring and information tool | ||
| Econap | System sleep prevention utility | ||
| Everything | Instant file search utility | ||
| Far | File and archive manager | ||
| FileOptimizer | Lossless file size optimizer for multiple formats | ||
| Fraps | DirectX/OpenGL game recording utility | ||
| FreeFileSync | File and folder backup with multiple sync modes | ||
| fselect | 4,030 | 12 months ago | SQL-like file search utility |
| Glary Utilities | System optimization and maintenance suite | ||
| GPU-Z | GPU monitoring and information tool | ||
| Greenshot | 4,059 | over 1 year ago | Screenshot capture and editing tool |
| HTTrack | Offline website browser and mirror utility | ||
| HWMonitor | Hardware monitoring for temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds | ||
| IrfanView | Fast and compact image viewer and converter | ||
| LICEcap | Animated GIF screen capture tool | ||
| LightBulb | 2,302 | about 1 year ago | Adaptive screen brightness utility |
| Link Shell Extension | Explorer integration for symlink creation | ||
| neohtop | 4,547 | 12 months ago | Modern system monitor built with Svelte and Rust |
| PowerPlanSwitcher | Quick power schema switcher with AC-plug automation | ||
| PowerToys | Microsoft's power user toolkit | ||
| Process Explorer | Advanced task manager for handling processes and system resources | ||
| Process Hacker | Comprehensive system monitoring and management tool | ||
| Process Monitor | Real-time system activity monitoring tool | ||
| qBittorrent | Free and reliable P2P Bittorrent client | ||
| Retroshare | Secure communications and file sharing platform | ||
| rimraf | Deep deletion module for handling long file paths | ||
| Rufus | Bootable USB creation utility | ||
| SDelete | Secure file deletion command-line utility | ||
| SetToStartup | Startup program management utility | ||
| ShareX | Feature-rich screen capture and sharing tool | ||
| Snipping Tool | Built-in Windows screenshot utility | ||
| SpaceMonger | Disk space usage visualization tool | ||
| Speccy | Detailed hardware information utility | ||
| SpeedCrunch | Powerful scientific calculator | ||
| SyncThing | Peer-to-peer file synchronization tool | ||
| Sysinternals Suite | Advanced Windows system utilities collection | ||
| ueli | Powerful keystroke launcher | ||
| Unlocker | File unlock utility | ||
| Waltr | iOS media transfer utility without iTunes | ||
| WinFindr | Multi-term file and registry search utility | ||
| WizTree | Fast disk space analyzer | ||
| ZoomIt | Screen zoom and annotation tool for presentations | ||
Video | |||
| DaVinci Resolve | Professional video creation software for editing, visual effects, color correction, and audio post production | ||
| HandBrake | High performance video encoding and conversion tools | ||
| K-Lite Codecs | Collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs, and tools | ||
| Kdenlive | Lightweight open source video editor | ||
| mpv | Customizable media player | ||
| Olive Video Editor | Cross-platform non-linear video editor | ||
| OBS Studio | Video recording and live streaming software | ||
| PotPlayer | Feature-rich multimedia player with extensive codec support | ||
| ScreenToGif | Screen recorder with GIF and video export | ||
| Shotcut | Cross-platform video editor | ||
| Shutter Encoder | Media conversion utility for images, videos, and audio | ||
| SMPlayer | Media player with persistent playback settings | ||
| SRTEd | Visual subtitles editor | ||
| Videotape | Minimalist video player for Windows 10 | ||
| VLC | Versatile media player supporting multiple formats and protocols | ||
Discussion Forums / Windows | |||
| Stack Overflow | |||
| Super User | |||
| Windows Support Communities | |||
Discussion Forums / Reddit | |||
| /r/microsoft | |||
| /r/microsoftsoftwareswap | |||
| /r/sysadmin | |||
| /r/windowsapps | |||
| /r/windows | |||