Windows 11 is a robust operating system that provides several advantages over its earlier versions. It boasts a modern design, impressive gaming capabilities, and significantly enhanced multitasking compared to the previous iteration of Windows. Although the Windows 11 Home and Pro editions come equipped with a range of features and applications, every new computer necessitates the installation of your preferred applications to personalize your PC. This encompasses tools for debloating Windows 11, applications for academic and professional tasks, and even software that enhances the functionality of the pre-installed Windows 11 applications.
If you are considering acquiring a new Windows 11 device in the near future, there are several crucial applications that you should download before you begin utilizing your machine. Many of these will prevent numerous complications down the line, while others will enhance your experience with Windows 11 significantly. Moreover, the best aspect is that all the software highlighted is free to download and utilize.
Ninite
Ninite is a valuable tool that anyone who buys a new Windows 11 computer should utilize. Upon first using your machine, you will likely wish to download a variety of commonly used programs, such as your preferred web browser, audio streaming service, content creation tools, online storage applications, security software, and more. Downloading these applications can be quite time-consuming, as you will need to navigate to each program’s website, locate the download page, and install each application one by one.
Ninite eliminates the hassle and confusion associated with installing many of the most frequently used software by streamlining the process. On its website, users can select the applications they wish to install on their new device using a straightforward checkbox system. Ninite will then consolidate the selected programs into a single installation file for you to download.
You will then have the capability to initiate the provided installer, and Ninite will commence the installation of all the chosen applications simultaneously, which could save you a significant amount of time, the hassle of locating each installer, and the mess from downloaded files. If you possess a new PC, Ninite is among the most vital tools you can download to assist you in getting up and running more swiftly.
LibreOffice
For decades, Microsoft Office has been the standard office suite on Windows computers. Windows 11 devices frequently come with Microsoft Office 365 pre-installed; however, utilizing the service necessitates a subscription. You may access the web version at no cost, but it is restricted compared to the complete version. What if you could obtain nearly everything that Microsoft Office provides for free?
LibreOffice delivers just that, offering users a fully functional, free, and private office suite that is compatible with all Microsoft Office files. You can create and modify documents, generate presentations for work and educational purposes, create spreadsheets, and more. After utilizing LibreOffice, you may find yourself questioning why you ever paid for Microsoft Office previously, or why you squandered money each month on a Microsoft Office 365 subscription for basic office functions.
Although LibreOffice has slightly fewer features than Microsoft Office, it includes several tools that Microsoft Office 365 does not currently offer by default. The included LibreOffice Draw application facilitates the creation of vector graphics, Math enables the formulation of complex mathematical and scientific equations, and Base allows for the creation and management of database files. Furthermore, for those still using Windows 10, LibreOffice continues to be an excellent option as Microsoft has ceased support for Office 365 on that platform.
Bitwarden
Everyone requires a robust password to safeguard their online presence. We frequently receive advice to formulate intricate passwords to deter potential intruders from accessing our sensitive accounts. However, with numerous platforms necessitating passwords, individuals can easily become overwhelmed by the multitude of lengthy passwords they must remember. People prefer simplicity, and recalling extensive passwords is anything but straightforward. This may explain why over 7 million compromised accounts in 2025 utilized “123456” as their password.
Bitwarden mitigates this issue by enabling you to generate and store an unlimited number of passwords within the application, all of which can be accessed using a single master password known only to you. You can share these passwords across devices on a single complimentary account, allowing you to access all your passwords on your home computer, laptop, and even smartphone.
Bitwarden also securely retains your credit card details, eliminating the need to re-enter them each time or depend on Google to store them for you. In addition to the desktop application, you can install Bitwarden as a browser extension, providing you with quicker access to all your passwords with a single click whenever you navigate to a site with a login page. If security is a priority for you, Bitwarden should be among the first applications you download on a new computer.
LocalSend
Windows lacks a straightforward method for transferring files between devices on a network, unlike Apple’s AirDrop feature. You can always send files to yourself via email or connect your phone to access and share files. Alternatively, utilizing a third-party cloud storage service like Dropbox is an option, though you may hesitate to entrust your data to online platforms.
Transferring files between devices on Windows can be quite frustrating; however, there is a solution. LocalSend is a free and open-source software that serves as the Windows counterpart to Apple’s AirDrop. This cross-platform solution enables you to share files across all your devices, regardless of whether they operate on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
LocalSend provides an excellent means to effortlessly and securely share files among the various devices you may possess, including a Windows 11 computer, a MacBook, a Google Pixel smartphone, a Linux media center, and an iPad. One can envision the difficulties associated with swiftly transferring files between devices, but with LocalSend, the entire experience is both quick and simple. The most advantageous aspect is that it requires only the application and a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Revo Uninstaller
Every operating system provides a method for uninstalling programs and applications. Certain applications even come with integrated uninstallers to assist you in removing them from your system. Windows has traditionally featured its own add/remove program functionality, which users can conveniently access to eliminate unwanted programs.
While it effectively serves its intended purpose, it does not always eradicate every remnant of a program, leaving behind minor fragments on your system. Over time, these remnants can accumulate and lead to conflicts within your system, potentially causing issues when you attempt to reinstall a program that you have previously uninstalled. Additionally, there are those unwanted applications embedded in Windows 11 that cannot be deleted, as they are safeguarded from removal through the standard Windows uninstaller.
Revo Uninstaller is a comprehensive uninstaller that will eliminate anything you wish from your system. This tool is excellent for thoroughly deleting a program or removing an application that has left remnants behind and is causing conflicts. Furthermore, this tool is an outstanding solution for removing any bloatware that may have been pre-installed on a new computer by the manufacturer or by Windows 11 itself.