The best free computer software technology programs aren't about their cost (or lack thereof). You can use the dumb hardware in your computer to balance your household budget or cure cancer with these tools. The process of stocking your PC is extremely personal. We recommend certain programs to everyone, however, since they are so helpful. These free PC software programs make for a wonderful addition to almost any computer, in contrast to this more niche list of five free Windows power user tools that we cannot live without. However, there are times when a paid alternative is necessary. Aside from our recommendation for the category, we've explained when an upgrade is justified over the free product.

Better browsers

Before installing software, grab your favorite web browser. It can be difficult to adjust to Windows 10's default Internet Explorer or Edge browser when you're used to something else. 

Infinite

Ninite makes it easy to install software technology. Many of the programs listed here are available for free on the Ninite website-and you can get the installer for those programs by clicking Get Installer. As soon as the executable is run, Ninite will install each of them, and it will automatically decline any offers for bundled bloatware. It won't be a hassle, fuss, or mess for you.

Unchecked

Apart from Ninite's sanctity, the biggest danger of free software is accidental installation of unwanted bloatware. If you want to check everything else, use Unchecky. When you install a program, it unchecks all the checkboxes and warns you if shady software gets in.

Toys from Microsoft

You can customize your Windows experience with Microsoft's PowerToys suite. The main purpose of PowerToys is to streamline PC hassles, but the software is also packed with a lot of useful tools. Among its features are the ability to resize images quickly, find your mouse cursor, remap your keyboard keys, preview files in File Explorer, and more. Moreover, FancyZones, Microsoft's killer multitasking application, should be on your list.

Free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Although Windows Security provides solid protection for most users, no single antivirus program offers bulletproof protection, especially against the latest threats. MalwareBytes Anti-Malware Free allows you to identify and eliminate zero-day vulnerabilities. A secondary antivirus program is invaluable when you suspect something nasty slipped past your primary antivirus program. This program does not allow you to schedule scans or even use it as a regular antivirus.

VideoLAN

Windows 10 has the problem that it doesn't play DVDs by default, unlike Windows 7. Your PC might already have a DVD-playing program installed, but if not, the VLC media player can play your flicks (and music, and podcasts, and...). Sometimes even Blu-rays can be played.