Essential Free Software for a New Windows PC: What to Install First

6 Nov 2026

A new Windows PC needs fewer extra programs than most lists suggest. Start with a browser if you want a different one, a media player, a file archiver, a password manager, and an office suite if you don't already have one. Everything below is free, and you can install it all with one command.

First, before you install anything

1. Run Windows Update until no more updates appear, including Optional updates for drivers.
2. Remove trial software you won't use, from Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps. Be careful to only remove what you recognise.
3. Turn on a backup for your documents, such as File History or a cloud folder, before you have anything to lose.

The short list

• Passwords: KeePassXC keeps logins in an encrypted file you control. This is the most useful security step on the list. You need to back up that file yourself.
• Video and audio: VLC plays nearly any format, with no codec packs to install.
• Compressed files: 7-Zip opens ZIP, RAR, 7z and other formats.
• Documents: LibreOffice covers documents, spreadsheets and presentations, with no account. If your work relies on complex Excel files, test them first.
• PDFs: SumatraPDF is a very fast reader. Windows can also open PDFs in Edge, so this one is optional.
• Browser: Windows includes Edge. Firefox and Chrome are the common alternatives. One browser is enough for most people.

Useful extras

• Screenshots: ShareX adds scrolling captures and annotations. For simple screenshots, the built-in Snipping Tool opens with Windows key + Shift + S.
• Windows add-ons: PowerToys is from Microsoft and adds window layouts, a launcher and bulk renaming.
• Disk health: CrystalDiskInfo can warn you early that a drive may be failing.

Install them all with one command

Open Terminal and paste this:

winget install --id KeePassXCTeam.KeePassXC -e; winget install --id VideoLAN.VLC -e; winget install --id 7zip.7zip -e; winget install --id TheDocumentFoundation.LibreOffice -e

Or tick the programs you want in our Bulk Installer, which builds the command for you. Our winget guide explains each part and what to do if something fails.

What you can usually skip

• Driver updaters and PC cleaners. Windows Update handles most drivers. These tools often exaggerate problems to sell you something. Our driver page lists safer official sources if a device isn't working.
• A second antivirus. Microsoft Defender is built in and runs by default. Two always-on antivirus programs can conflict.
• Registry cleaners. They carry risk and rarely bring a noticeable benefit.
• Separate codec packs. VLC already includes what it needs.

Choose extras by what you do

After the basics, pick tools for your work rather than following a general list. We have sets for students, developers, designers, accountants and small businesses. If you are avoiding a subscription, check our free alternatives to paid software.

Keep it all up to date

Old software is a common way for malware to get in. Run winget upgrade once a month to see what needs updating. Our Update My PC page has the steps. Whatever you install, get it from the publisher's own site, and check the download if anything looks wrong.