5 free tools for advanced Windows users that we can't live without
Windows It is, overall, pretty good. There's a reason it's remained the number one PC operating system for decades, and it's not because Microsoft beat the industry with ruthless business practices in the '90s. Anyway, not only that: it's because software has innovated gently but steadily since then, and has become, well, pretty good! But it can always be better.
Third-party developers are always looking for ways to improve Windows. Microsoft has even borrowed some of its ideas on occasion. UltraMon is a great example: Microsoft copied its multi-monitor taskbars for Windows 8. But there are still plenty of tools that can make Windows 10 or 11 easier to use, from the most basic newbie to the most seasoned power user. the office. .
Here are five tools for power users that are small, simple, and free (although most developers welcome donations if they find their software invaluable). Better yet, they all work with Windows 10 and 11.
Here's how to get Windows for cheap (or even free)
SoundSwitch – Quickly switch sound devices with a key command
Windows still isn't very good at managing more than one sound device. Even in Windows 11, it takes at least three clicks to switch, for example, from your laptop speakers to Bluetooth headphones, or vice versa. (Although this may be fixed in a newer version of Windows in 2023.) This can get old quickly if you regularly switch between speakers and headsets for video conferencing.
PowerToys - a set of useful utilities for Windows
PowerToys is a collection of tools that Microsoft develops and maintains for advanced users. It includes features like FancyZones (a custom window manager), PowerRename (a massive file renamer), Image Resizer (a quick image resizing tool), Color Picker (a color selection tool), and more. You can download PowerToys from GitHub and install it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. You can also customize settings and keyboard shortcuts for each tool.
Wox: a powerful launcher for Windows
Wox is a launcher that lets you quickly access files, folders, apps, web pages, and more with the press of a key. You can also use plugins to extend its functionality, such as searching Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, Spotify, etc. Wox is similar to Spotlight on macOS or Alfred on Linux. You can download Wox from their website and install it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. You can also change the Wox theme, language, and hotkey.
AutoHotkey – A scripting language to automate tasks in Windows
AutoHotkey is a programming language that allows you to create macros and automate tasks in Windows. You can use it to remap keys, create custom shortcuts, manipulate windows, control the mouse and keyboard, and more. AutoHotkey is very powerful and flexible, but it also requires some coding skills to use. You can download AutoHotkey from their website and install it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. You can also find tutorials and scripts on their forum and wiki.
Everything: a fast and lightweight file search tool for Windows
Everything is a file search tool that can find any file or folder on your Windows PC in seconds. It uses a database to index your files and folders, making it much faster than Windows' built-in search. Everything also supports advanced search operators, filters, bookmarks and export options. You can download Everything from their website and install it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. You can also change the appearance, behavior, and hotkeys of Everything.
SoundSwitch: Switch sound devices with a keyboard shortcut
Have you ever wanted to quickly switch from speakers to headphones, or vice versa, without having to open the Windows sound menu? SoundSwitch, from developer Antoine Aflalo, solves this. Once installed, the little program sits on your toolbar, waiting for you to enter a keyboard shortcut (I use Ctrl + Alt + ~). When you do, it will switch between any number of sound devices, without needing to enter the cumbersome sound menu. SoundSwitch also supports a separate list of recording devices with its own shortcut, and is constantly being updated and improved.
SpaceSniffer: Find the files that occupy your disk
Managing your computer's storage space is an all-or-nothing experience. Windows will tell you how much space is left on your drive, and that's it; It's up to you to dive into a million directories and clean up the junk when you run out of space. SpaceSniffer (try not to laugh) from Uderzo Software solves this by scanning an entire drive and presenting your files and folders in a visual grid.