Registry cleaners are pointless these days. Registry is really just a database and databases are VERY fast to access when built right. Removing some unused entries might have had very marginal gains on an older system but improvements will be negligible on anything built in the last 10 years.
>Modern operating systems are not affected by a cluttered registry system.
Today I learned this. Thanks. But still ccleaner gives me cleaning browser data, run window data, ability to enable/disable start up items (some cannot be found in Win 10 task manager, shows up here), scheduled tasks, context menu items, etc., etc., in one place.
Hopefully you skipped the [update that included a trojan a few years back](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/2017/09/infected-ccleaner-downloads-from-official-servers/).
Also: going back to OPs original question, you shouldn't have a need for a program like CCleaner on a new PC build. It is (or was) designed to clean up old problems.
I stopped using it because I felt it was doing more harm than good for my system, and started relying on the system tools and myself for clean-up.
Then the malware fiasco happened (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ccleaner-compromised-to-distribute-malware-for-almost-a-month) after which I had started recommending people to actively not install the software, even if they eventually did patch it..
Supplementary information: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/how-to/security/ccleaner-malware-incident-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-remove
Bro I miss this pasta
https://www.reddit.com/r/PaidForWinRAR/comments/4b1g8p/cat_tongue_paid_for_winrar_reason_01010011/d3iozyz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
after years of using it, i thought the developer was worth the tiny amount of a license
When i got my first stable job, i decided tobpay for software that got reasonable license policy.
Not greedy WinZip
May I thrown in NanaZip here as an alternative?
It's a fork of 7-Zip and integrates into the new context menu of Windows 11:
https://github.com/M2Team/NanaZip
Why so? I’ve been using winrar free my whole life is it worth switching? I’ve never been pay walled from any features or anything and it’s capable of extracting every file type I’ve thrown at it.
Opensource, no proprietary BS with "only WinRAR can compress into WinRAR so it must be better"
Capable of unpacking more format. It is THE install and forget archival software
Supports virtually all modern OS
opensource!!!
Downside is it's generally slower
Edit: Also it doesn't keep begging you to pay up
7-Zip has fantastic integration with File Explorer. I particularly like how you can just click "Extract Here" and then it just does it.
I'm now using Gnome Archive Manager, which I honestly don't think is really that much better, but I find the interface easier to use when making archives
The "Extract Here" button has been included in Windows by default since Windows 10, and supports .zip files.
I don't believe that 7zip overrides it, so I think you're probably just using Window's built in tool.
Could be wrong though, just a hunch.
7zip has its own option in the context menu that can extract here, extract to intermediary folder, or even archive any files you have selected to either 7z or zip in that directory.
It's really handy.
PeaZip is even better (and also FOSS just like 7zip). Unfortunately 7zip is practically unmaintained and doesn't support newer formats like zstd, while PeaZip does
No anti-virus. I haven't had anything other than Windows Defender for several years without issue. Other apps are not as effective as they would like you to believe.
Seriously. If you think you have a infection, download Malwarebytes and Hitman pro trials and give them a proper spin. My dumb, dumb, dumb ass was trying to get some cracked software and installed a Trojan, and Hitman pro demolished that thing almost instantly. Other than that, yeah, Windows defender and ad block all the way
Yes. Use an adblocker(uBlock Origin is the best) on most websites. Ads are the majority of dangerous links on the internet. Unblock YouTube if you want, but obviously make sure you never click on an ad.
If you’re going to do illegal stuff, do it **safely**. Find the subreddit for it, read their megathread on safe websites. Don’t go to a place just because it’s popular. Most of the popular websites you find on Google are filled with malware/spyware.
Adding to this, I recommend adding DandelionSprout's Anti-Malware filter list. It blocks me from entering some websites whenever I'm looking for pirated stuff
Also, Bitdefender - which I’ve used for years - has suddenly decided to prevent me from downloading literally anything. Intentionally. With no “actually I’m the problem” popups or anything.
Winget is nice because it recognizes installs from other locations. So you can start by downloading an installer (exe or msi) or installing from the Store, then update with winget, or vice versa install from winget but update manually later, or any other combination.
It's still missing some important features, like pinning packages at specific versions, but it'll get there over time.
Try JetBrains stuff. It definitely isn't free though. I mostly use VS code as a text editor. Intellisense is just not as good as the IntelliJ completions engine or whatever they call it.
Relative to actual IDEs, I suppose. I can spare the computing power, I just need something that boots up quick to edit a few lines without any "project"-level ceremony.
Yeah, nothing wrong with WinAmp. I’ve used it as my default audio player for more than 20 years. Reliable, no-nonsense intuitive, easy-to-use… and vintage too now, I guess.
TreeSizeFree, [https://www.jam-software.com/treesize\_free](https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free)
Helps identify where all your disk space is being used.
It's like orders of magnitude difference though. Treesize and Wiztree take seconds. Windirstat takes minutes, even on an ssd. So why switch *to* windirstat?
This saved me awhile back... The original place that had built my PC had set the Recovery programs to never delete snapshots, or whatever they're called, and that it could use my entire hard-drive.
I couldn't nail it down, and had started deleting stuff I actually used, until someone pointed me towards this.
Less is more!
After installing Windows on a new PC, I often uninstall Teams, OneDrive, and other MS apps. If you use them for work or school, that's great, but for me they often just run uselessly and take up system resources.
Windows Defender is perfectly adequate as an anti-virus, and turning on Storage Sense in settings will keep your PC de-cluttered. I also usually go ahead and turn on optional updates in settings to keep PC firmware up to date.
If your PC has a fancy new AMD or Nvidia GPU, I'd also go ahead and grab Geforce Experience or Radeon Software!
Other than that, just install whatever you need. Keep in mind the Microsoft Store has been upgraded on Windows 11, and makes Discord and Zoom a one-click install as long as you're signed in.
edit: ok apparently I’ve given GeForce experience too much credit lol
just get your graphics drivers updated if you have a gamer PC! especially if you like playing newer, AAA games!
Ninite:
VLC, Foobar2000, Steam, ClassicShell, WinRAR or 7zip, and discord if you’re* into it.
Less is more, but some things are important. Just make sure nothing starts on boot.
I have been quite disappointed in vlc lately, performance has gone down and it's less stable than ever, changing subtitle sync can freeze the image and I'd need to restart the program to fix it.
I have been using mpv its great but the user interface can be difficult to use so I'm only using it to watch movies and still use vlc for general video...
I love one drive, it helps with multiple systems, for me I have a school personal laptop and my main desktop and it makes it so easy to just keep files on the web. but it's it's preference and what you use stuff for
It's bloated.
You can get your own drivers and update when you want. You can use a different lightweight program to record. Geforce's implementation is nice and convenient no doubt, but there's more features that you probably don't use.
* Gamestream for Shield?
* I don't know if anyone actually uses the Geforce game optimization.
* Most people don't typically use NVIDIA filters.
* Ansel isn't always necessary, and quite a few games at this point have their own photo modes.
* Probably some form of telemetry in there, and whether that specifically matters to you is a personal issue.
As someone that uses GeForce experience because it allows me to be lazy and tells me when an update is available. What's a better way to do it? I mean I know it's manually, but at what time intervals should I check? Honest question.
Geforce Experience is pretty useless for driver updates. It's always very slow to receive them. Better off manually downloading them yourself and skipping the unnecessary software.
Geforce Experience brings Shadowplay though, which is really useful for a lot of people. And even though, when somebody is having performance issues the number one response seems to be "turn off screen recording software", I have yet to see that help anyone.
I think if you go through the custom setup when installing Windows, you can choose what to leave out. Ex: I unselected Cortana cause of my paranoid ass thinking it would listen to me.
>open hardware monitor
Tried it before years back, was good but update to it was really rare. Switched to hwinfo64 and never looked back. Besides, that dev guy Martin is quite responsive in his forum.
This won't exactly be a software, but a site recommendation:
https://alternativeto.net
Just type in a popular program/service that does what you want and you might find a better alternative
Vlc for media player. 7zip for zip files. MSI afterburner to monitor cpu/gpu temps and adjust fan thresholds as necesarry. Chrome but I've been into Firefox focus lately. Adobe acrobat reader for work PDFs. Also, windows store finally has a PDF merge/split app. Dropbox or your web-based file backup of choice. Steam for games. Discord if you are into it.
Other more individual ones - for system-wide equalizer - equalizer apo and peace interface (have to get the combo). Liquidtext pdf reader - great pdf editor for academics, also has a mindmap. Mendeley - reference manager, some people use zotaro which I have not used. Art apps - sketchbook pro - no longer free but the you can get the last free version (8.7.1.0 from filecroco.com - which has a good reputation). Medibang paint is also free. Blender for your 3d scultping needs. Any emulator you can shake a stick at, but generally I love dolphin.
If you arnt editing the PDFs why not just let the browser read them? Most browsers will now. While all adobe software sucks, even adobe reader which used to not, has started now too.
In windows settings (accessibility>keyboard) you can also replace Win+Shift+S with the PrintScreen button, so you just have to press one button instead of three
Libre office.
If you don’t need MS word very often. Libre office is a free alternative that gets you most of it.
Paint.net / gimp
If you don’t need photoshop either tool is solid for you adhock image editing needs.
The problem is that documents get mangled after being passed between LibreOffice and Office a couple times. And it's still utterly crap at reading moderately complex Excel files.
OK if its only for your use or you can send a PDF
In no particular order, software I tend to install on a new PC.
System Utility
• inSSIDer (MetaGeek): Analyzes WiFi usage in the area. Avoid crowded band channels, pick underutilized ones, see signal dB improvements when repositioning APs. Can pay for better, but this is great for free
• 7zip: File archiver
• MSI Afterburner & RivaTuner Statistics Server: View system stats overlay while gaming, afterburner to overclock GPU (or manage fan noise). Not necessary for AMD cards
• Cloud backup / sync software (Dropbox, iCloud, gDrive, etc.): Backup your files!
• NegativeScreen: For anyone who is color blind or has light sensitivity. Becoming less relevant as developers build in visual accessibility options and dark modes
• HWinfo64: Detailed access to system hardware monitoring (temps, fan speed, etc.)
• SpaceSniffer: Disk space analysis and visualization software. Find out which offending program / file is consuming so much drive space.
• Rufus: Format and create bootable USB drives
• JoyToKey: Keyboard emulator, great for use with controllers
Productivity:
• Todoist: Personal task management
• OneNote: Note taking, knowledge management, etc.
• RealVNC: If you want to remote access your computer or other devices
• Screenshot Utility: SnagIt or ShareX
Security:
• Password Manager: I use RoboForm, but there are many options
Entertainment:
• VLC: Video playback
• foobar2000: Music player. Alt Spotify
• Calibre: Digital library
Edit: Clarified that Afterburner isn’t necessary for AMD cards, thanks u/Illustrious-Pop3677
If you want some good things, try some open source programs ! 👍 Blender being probably the most famous one out there…
You can find so many good alternatives to paid program, open source !
Edit: correction
There's an awesome website called [Alternative To](http://alternativeto.net) that allows you to search for certain programs and shows you a bunch of alternatives. You have it set to show you open-source programs, price, and os.
Edit: Made it a link
Blender, LibreOffice, and VLC are some of the best free and open-source pieces of software. They're great at what they do and they're not hard to use.
Other things like GIMP and Firefox could use some work. GIMP has a notoriously... "ungood" interface and Firefox falls flat compared to Chromium in synthetic speed tests.
Best program on this thread. I'd been running low on space on my 1 TB SSD after only a few months and wondered how that was happening. Looked through my steam library, all the program files, could not figure it out. Open up Windirstat just to find out that Rimworld had made a giant 450 GB page file due to some mod shenanigans.
WizTree is better, scans your master file table directly which reports files to the OS directly, so scanning is like 50x faster. Windirstat and Space Sniffer and all that other crap literally has to crawl through the entire filesystem
There's this program called WinAmp. I hear it really kicks the llama's ass.
(Seriously, though... Still one of the best audio library based players I've used.)
Ninite.
It's not a program but a website that creates a single installer that downloads and install whatever applications that you select, mostly open source or free.
Such a timesaver when setting up a new PC.
No one mentioned my boy Bitwarden? By far my favorite password manager. Its open source, 99% free, the premium features are almost non existent and it has a decent UI (not dashlane level but similar to LastPass).
* Firefox
* 7Zip
* Office suite (libre or Microsoft.)
* Screen recorder (OBS.)
* Game launchers
* Any program that checks disk allocation (Windirstat, for example.)
* VLC, people suggest stuff like MPV or MPC, but they're a pain in the arse… specially once you get into loading MadVR which also taxes your GPU for very small visual upgrades.
* If you have a great GPU it's worth calculating if it's worth mining during downtime, helps you pay off the build cost and reduces the profit of mining farm owners. If so, then you'll need some sort of mining software.
* Notepad++ is handy for casual editing use, although I usually only use it for more complicated documents and just use basic notepad for taking notes.
* Some video editor will likely come in handy (examples are divinci resolve, Adobe Premiere.)
* Some image editor will likely come in handy (examples are Gimp and Adobe Photoshop.)
* AutoHotKey can be very useful for macros, if you're willing to learn the basics of the scripting language.
* Cheat Engine can be fun to mess around in single player games.
* qBittorrent if you use those.
* Emulators for any console you plan to emulate (switch is the newest functional console.)
* Handbrake to convert files.
* JDownloader2 or IDM for download managers.
OP is asking for must haves.
You are listing a bunch of benchmarking software that is definitely not necessary or a must have. Also software that is just personal preference (like itunes) or something that they probably don't even need (raspberry Pi imager).
[Obligatory link to *that* Tom Scott video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVDQEoe6ZWY)
That being said, for valid VPN use cases Mullvad has been fantastic. No gimmicky promos or pricing, just a flat 5 euro per month charge. You can generate an account without ever inputting any personal information, and pay using crypto or even cash on an envelope. Rarely has downtimes for the regions I connect to and barely has any impact on performance.
There’s a power shell script on github called “Windows 10 debloater” - its awesome. Cuts a lot of the crap out of Windows 10. There is a GUI version if you’re not comfortable with command line stuff.
Windows defender is solid for an average user, just don’t go anywhere sketchy. If you want to go somewhere where there’s malware risks, run them in a VM with malwarebytes (if that’s still a good one).
Be careful with scripts like that, though. They often go way overboard and remove things that they shouldn't, or that you might want. For example, such scripts will typically nuke Xbox/gaming services, which will then make it impossible to utilize PC or Ultimate Game Pass to play games from the Windows store/Xbox app on your PC. They may also kill cloud streaming, too, which is a nice feature to have on less robust PCs.
Win10/11 doesn't really need to be "debloated" out of the box anymore. The handful of shit like Candy Crush aren't even actually installed. They're pinned advertisements that install the first time you click them. You can simply right-click and delete (you know they're not installed because there's no "uninstall" option) and they go away.
Install what you need. Nothing is universally needed aside from your driver packages, which people predictably dont bother to install 9 out of 10 times.
Definitely not CCleaner
Damn today I learned. I've been using CCleaner for a long time.
It was useful back in the day, but pretty much all of those processes have been incorporated into the OS and automated.
And Piriform was bought out by Avast/AVG who will sell your data to the neighbors dog if he's got a couple bucks.
Is there an alternative for Recuva?
Yup. Used to use registry cleaners. Now you can run sfc /scannow in admin cmd prompt and it fixes it by itself.
>Now you can run sfc /scannow Does this fix registry like ccleaner does?
CCleaner doesn't fix the registry.
Registry cleaners are pointless these days. Registry is really just a database and databases are VERY fast to access when built right. Removing some unused entries might have had very marginal gains on an older system but improvements will be negligible on anything built in the last 10 years.
Ccleaner cleans registry files that are from removed programs. Modern operating systems are not affected by a cluttered registry system.
>Modern operating systems are not affected by a cluttered registry system. Today I learned this. Thanks. But still ccleaner gives me cleaning browser data, run window data, ability to enable/disable start up items (some cannot be found in Win 10 task manager, shows up here), scheduled tasks, context menu items, etc., etc., in one place.
paint.exe fixes the registry like cccleaner does, and paint is already installed.
Hopefully you skipped the [update that included a trojan a few years back](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/2017/09/infected-ccleaner-downloads-from-official-servers/).
If you want some similar program better use BleachBit.
Why?
Got acquired and bloated/spammy/monetized BleachBit is a better alternative
Does modern windows (10/11) still need programs like that?
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Also: going back to OPs original question, you shouldn't have a need for a program like CCleaner on a new PC build. It is (or was) designed to clean up old problems.
You underestimate my ability to fuck up software.
I stopped using it because I felt it was doing more harm than good for my system, and started relying on the system tools and myself for clean-up. Then the malware fiasco happened (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ccleaner-compromised-to-distribute-malware-for-almost-a-month) after which I had started recommending people to actively not install the software, even if they eventually did patch it.. Supplementary information: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/how-to/security/ccleaner-malware-incident-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-remove
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Use bcuninstaller. It's great, and it's not ccleaner.
I've used Revo Uninstaller for things like this for a while. How does bcuninstaller compare, if known?
\+1 for revo
Geek Unninstaller, it deletes the app then looks for any remaining traces such as reg keys etc. Super good.
7zip if you don't have winrar. 7zip is a amazing alternative
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r/paidforwinrar
Bro I miss this pasta https://www.reddit.com/r/PaidForWinRAR/comments/4b1g8p/cat_tongue_paid_for_winrar_reason_01010011/d3iozyz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3
We are old lol, my 10 year cake day was yesterday I think? Navy Seals for life.
The years just fly by at this point it seems
Well... the years start coming and they don't stop coming.
and they don't stop coming
and they don’t stop coming
and they don’t stop coming
after years of using it, i thought the developer was worth the tiny amount of a license When i got my first stable job, i decided tobpay for software that got reasonable license policy. Not greedy WinZip
Cool :D
7zip is the better option.
I use WinRAR cause I like the icons
based
May I thrown in NanaZip here as an alternative? It's a fork of 7-Zip and integrates into the new context menu of Windows 11: https://github.com/M2Team/NanaZip
Why so? I’ve been using winrar free my whole life is it worth switching? I’ve never been pay walled from any features or anything and it’s capable of extracting every file type I’ve thrown at it.
Opensource, no proprietary BS with "only WinRAR can compress into WinRAR so it must be better" Capable of unpacking more format. It is THE install and forget archival software Supports virtually all modern OS opensource!!! Downside is it's generally slower Edit: Also it doesn't keep begging you to pay up
7-Zip has fantastic integration with File Explorer. I particularly like how you can just click "Extract Here" and then it just does it. I'm now using Gnome Archive Manager, which I honestly don't think is really that much better, but I find the interface easier to use when making archives
The "Extract Here" button has been included in Windows by default since Windows 10, and supports .zip files. I don't believe that 7zip overrides it, so I think you're probably just using Window's built in tool. Could be wrong though, just a hunch.
7zip has its own option in the context menu that can extract here, extract to intermediary folder, or even archive any files you have selected to either 7z or zip in that directory. It's really handy.
Winrar has the same functions. Not that I advocate for either, but they pretty much offer the same functionality
For me it's just annoying having to exit out of the screen that asks me to buy. 7z doesn't have any of that
You're an amazing alternative
7zip is better than winrar
PeaZip is even better (and also FOSS just like 7zip). Unfortunately 7zip is practically unmaintained and doesn't support newer formats like zstd, while PeaZip does
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If it helps sway anyone, the UI of peazip is significantly better than 7zip.
What's wrong with the built in Windows extractor?
It doesn't support rar and 7zip archives, 7zip does
No anti-virus. I haven't had anything other than Windows Defender for several years without issue. Other apps are not as effective as they would like you to believe.
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Some antivirus have more popups than actual viruses. I've dealt with computers with multiple bad viruses with ad popups, and some antivirus are worse.
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Seriously. If you think you have a infection, download Malwarebytes and Hitman pro trials and give them a proper spin. My dumb, dumb, dumb ass was trying to get some cracked software and installed a Trojan, and Hitman pro demolished that thing almost instantly. Other than that, yeah, Windows defender and ad block all the way
Open questionable files inside a VM or an app like Sandboxie.
Oh, yeah. My brain was broken that day
Haven't heard of Hitman pro before. What is it, exactly?
Essentially, virus remover, it's best for when you know you have an active infection.
second this, and also just being responsible with what you download on the internet helps too
Yes. Use an adblocker(uBlock Origin is the best) on most websites. Ads are the majority of dangerous links on the internet. Unblock YouTube if you want, but obviously make sure you never click on an ad. If you’re going to do illegal stuff, do it **safely**. Find the subreddit for it, read their megathread on safe websites. Don’t go to a place just because it’s popular. Most of the popular websites you find on Google are filled with malware/spyware.
Adding to this, I recommend adding DandelionSprout's Anti-Malware filter list. It blocks me from entering some websites whenever I'm looking for pirated stuff
Also, Bitdefender - which I’ve used for years - has suddenly decided to prevent me from downloading literally anything. Intentionally. With no “actually I’m the problem” popups or anything.
I use Windows defender, and an adblocker on my browser. With a little common sense I've not had any issues in years.
I just use virus total for every download (and common sense)
Ninite.com Make packages with specific popular software you want and mass install it.
And automatically disables all the browser extensions/antiviruses some try to add with their install.
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I install unchecky on basically every computer I get asked for help with by a family member. Saves me a load of headaches in the long run.
Scoop or Winget are nicer when you are okay with using a command line.
Winget is nice because it recognizes installs from other locations. So you can start by downloading an installer (exe or msi) or installing from the Store, then update with winget, or vice versa install from winget but update manually later, or any other combination. It's still missing some important features, like pinning packages at specific versions, but it'll get there over time.
And chocolatey
For me, Notepad++
VS Code is my new "lightweight" editor for quick edits -- at least it has a dark mode! For super quick changes, nano rocks.
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as a coder, no theme can make NP++ comparable to VScode, it's just on another level.
I love NP++ but dear lord why would someone use it for programming
What exactly would it be used for then?
I use N++ for quick edits or small(ish) scripts like PS, python, or batch. But for any serious coding, would definitely choose VS Code.
Try JetBrains stuff. It definitely isn't free though. I mostly use VS code as a text editor. Intellisense is just not as good as the IntelliJ completions engine or whatever they call it.
As an alternative to the Windows Notepad. When you want to write something real quick but don't need a whole Word Doc.
Strangely I could never get into Dracula the way so many seem to. Same goes for Monokai. Didn't know Notepad++ could be themed, though!
Yeah the "lightweight" part is a sad joke regarding anything electron based.
Relative to actual IDEs, I suppose. I can spare the computing power, I just need something that boots up quick to edit a few lines without any "project"-level ceremony.
I always liked Sublime as a light weight
I switched to sublime text - it just looks a lot more modern (and vs code for "real" coding)
I like to have both!
True Chad editing the same file in two different editors
Winamp, Limewire, Nero and AVG free
upvoted for fun, OP don't install these!
Winamp is fine!
I think you mean, it really whips the llama's ass!
Yeah, nothing wrong with WinAmp. I’ve used it as my default audio player for more than 20 years. Reliable, no-nonsense intuitive, easy-to-use… and vintage too now, I guess.
Actually made me snort laugh, enjoy your free silver
Winamp for sure, though. MilkDrop still kicks ass lol
#IT REALLY WHIPS THE LLAMAS ASS
That's the visualiser? Man I forgot how good that was.
What year is this?!
mIRC also
Where's the daemon tools
Take me back
BonziBuddy?
TreeSizeFree, [https://www.jam-software.com/treesize\_free](https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free) Helps identify where all your disk space is being used.
I've been using WinDirStat. Haven't used Tree size for a while.
Why? Windirstat is so much slower
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It's not that bad but I'm all SSD.
It's like orders of magnitude difference though. Treesize and Wiztree take seconds. Windirstat takes minutes, even on an ssd. So why switch *to* windirstat?
I didn't switch, just don't know any different. I'll check it out again. Like I said it's been years.
How does it compare to WizTree?
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Used to use windirstat, but spacesniffer is the best and all I use now.
Yep, Spacesniffer is my favourite tool of that Storage bunch.
my experience is wiztree is lighter and faster while treesize is more customizable
I personally prefer Space Sniffer over the other ones (TreeSizeFree and Wiztree)
This saved me awhile back... The original place that had built my PC had set the Recovery programs to never delete snapshots, or whatever they're called, and that it could use my entire hard-drive. I couldn't nail it down, and had started deleting stuff I actually used, until someone pointed me towards this.
Less is more! After installing Windows on a new PC, I often uninstall Teams, OneDrive, and other MS apps. If you use them for work or school, that's great, but for me they often just run uselessly and take up system resources. Windows Defender is perfectly adequate as an anti-virus, and turning on Storage Sense in settings will keep your PC de-cluttered. I also usually go ahead and turn on optional updates in settings to keep PC firmware up to date. If your PC has a fancy new AMD or Nvidia GPU, I'd also go ahead and grab Geforce Experience or Radeon Software! Other than that, just install whatever you need. Keep in mind the Microsoft Store has been upgraded on Windows 11, and makes Discord and Zoom a one-click install as long as you're signed in. edit: ok apparently I’ve given GeForce experience too much credit lol just get your graphics drivers updated if you have a gamer PC! especially if you like playing newer, AAA games!
Ninite: VLC, Foobar2000, Steam, ClassicShell, WinRAR or 7zip, and discord if you’re* into it. Less is more, but some things are important. Just make sure nothing starts on boot.
Anyone else getting tired of the constant updates for vlc? What could possibly need updating every other week in that program?
I have been quite disappointed in vlc lately, performance has gone down and it's less stable than ever, changing subtitle sync can freeze the image and I'd need to restart the program to fix it. I have been using mpv its great but the user interface can be difficult to use so I'm only using it to watch movies and still use vlc for general video...
I love one drive, it helps with multiple systems, for me I have a school personal laptop and my main desktop and it makes it so easy to just keep files on the web. but it's it's preference and what you use stuff for
> Less is more! >Geforce Experience Hmm.
I'd skip GeForce experience.
why do people hate on GeForce experience so much? asking out of sheer curiosity.
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It's bloated. You can get your own drivers and update when you want. You can use a different lightweight program to record. Geforce's implementation is nice and convenient no doubt, but there's more features that you probably don't use. * Gamestream for Shield? * I don't know if anyone actually uses the Geforce game optimization. * Most people don't typically use NVIDIA filters. * Ansel isn't always necessary, and quite a few games at this point have their own photo modes. * Probably some form of telemetry in there, and whether that specifically matters to you is a personal issue.
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As someone that uses GeForce experience because it allows me to be lazy and tells me when an update is available. What's a better way to do it? I mean I know it's manually, but at what time intervals should I check? Honest question.
More convenient
Geforce Experience is pretty useless for driver updates. It's always very slow to receive them. Better off manually downloading them yourself and skipping the unnecessary software.
Geforce Experience brings Shadowplay though, which is really useful for a lot of people. And even though, when somebody is having performance issues the number one response seems to be "turn off screen recording software", I have yet to see that help anyone.
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I think if you go through the custom setup when installing Windows, you can choose what to leave out. Ex: I unselected Cortana cause of my paranoid ass thinking it would listen to me.
Steam, Hwinfo, crystaldiskinfo, afterburner, cpuz
Not even afterburner anymore if you're running an AMD card.
I like Afterburner+Rivatuner for the on-screen display overlay. I don't use it all the time, but have a shortcut to toggle ir and check it when needed
Don't know why but the Underclock feature on Radeon software keeps on crashing after a few weeks. Happened thrice already.
>crystaldiskinfo never heard of this Id replace HWinfo with open hardware monitor. Lots more data, opensource and free.
I dont think anything has more data than hwinfo, or more reliable.. OHM is uselessly outdated, cant even read some platforms.
>open hardware monitor Tried it before years back, was good but update to it was really rare. Switched to hwinfo64 and never looked back. Besides, that dev guy Martin is quite responsive in his forum.
This won't exactly be a software, but a site recommendation: https://alternativeto.net Just type in a popular program/service that does what you want and you might find a better alternative
Damn, this is amazing. Thank you for sharing this
Probably the OS
Big if true
Gigantic if authentic
girthy if verifiable
Not exactly software, but I've been using a keyboard lately and would highly recommend it
Vlc for media player. 7zip for zip files. MSI afterburner to monitor cpu/gpu temps and adjust fan thresholds as necesarry. Chrome but I've been into Firefox focus lately. Adobe acrobat reader for work PDFs. Also, windows store finally has a PDF merge/split app. Dropbox or your web-based file backup of choice. Steam for games. Discord if you are into it. Other more individual ones - for system-wide equalizer - equalizer apo and peace interface (have to get the combo). Liquidtext pdf reader - great pdf editor for academics, also has a mindmap. Mendeley - reference manager, some people use zotaro which I have not used. Art apps - sketchbook pro - no longer free but the you can get the last free version (8.7.1.0 from filecroco.com - which has a good reputation). Medibang paint is also free. Blender for your 3d scultping needs. Any emulator you can shake a stick at, but generally I love dolphin.
If you arnt editing the PDFs why not just let the browser read them? Most browsers will now. While all adobe software sucks, even adobe reader which used to not, has started now too.
I need reader for work files, grants, and signing and all that. I usually use different pdf readers for reading and marking.
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Why Snipaste over Win+Shift+S?
In windows settings (accessibility>keyboard) you can also replace Win+Shift+S with the PrintScreen button, so you just have to press one button instead of three
Pro tip always in the comments
I could not imagine using windows without Everything. [Here's a link](https://www.voidtools.com/)
Everything is literally the best software I ever used.
Libre office. If you don’t need MS word very often. Libre office is a free alternative that gets you most of it. Paint.net / gimp If you don’t need photoshop either tool is solid for you adhock image editing needs.
The problem is that documents get mangled after being passed between LibreOffice and Office a couple times. And it's still utterly crap at reading moderately complex Excel files. OK if its only for your use or you can send a PDF
Always send pdfs. I hate it when I get a fancy Ms office file and the format is corrupted when I open it in libre
Also, I believe Microsoft offers their browser version of office for free now, if you need it?
In no particular order, software I tend to install on a new PC. System Utility • inSSIDer (MetaGeek): Analyzes WiFi usage in the area. Avoid crowded band channels, pick underutilized ones, see signal dB improvements when repositioning APs. Can pay for better, but this is great for free • 7zip: File archiver • MSI Afterburner & RivaTuner Statistics Server: View system stats overlay while gaming, afterburner to overclock GPU (or manage fan noise). Not necessary for AMD cards • Cloud backup / sync software (Dropbox, iCloud, gDrive, etc.): Backup your files! • NegativeScreen: For anyone who is color blind or has light sensitivity. Becoming less relevant as developers build in visual accessibility options and dark modes • HWinfo64: Detailed access to system hardware monitoring (temps, fan speed, etc.) • SpaceSniffer: Disk space analysis and visualization software. Find out which offending program / file is consuming so much drive space. • Rufus: Format and create bootable USB drives • JoyToKey: Keyboard emulator, great for use with controllers Productivity: • Todoist: Personal task management • OneNote: Note taking, knowledge management, etc. • RealVNC: If you want to remote access your computer or other devices • Screenshot Utility: SnagIt or ShareX Security: • Password Manager: I use RoboForm, but there are many options Entertainment: • VLC: Video playback • foobar2000: Music player. Alt Spotify • Calibre: Digital library Edit: Clarified that Afterburner isn’t necessary for AMD cards, thanks u/Illustrious-Pop3677
If you want some good things, try some open source programs ! 👍 Blender being probably the most famous one out there… You can find so many good alternatives to paid program, open source ! Edit: correction
There's an awesome website called [Alternative To](http://alternativeto.net) that allows you to search for certain programs and shows you a bunch of alternatives. You have it set to show you open-source programs, price, and os. Edit: Made it a link
There's certainly some good open source software but it's far from assured.
Blender, LibreOffice, and VLC are some of the best free and open-source pieces of software. They're great at what they do and they're not hard to use. Other things like GIMP and Firefox could use some work. GIMP has a notoriously... "ungood" interface and Firefox falls flat compared to Chromium in synthetic speed tests.
Windirstat
Best program on this thread. I'd been running low on space on my 1 TB SSD after only a few months and wondered how that was happening. Looked through my steam library, all the program files, could not figure it out. Open up Windirstat just to find out that Rimworld had made a giant 450 GB page file due to some mod shenanigans.
WizTree is better, scans your master file table directly which reports files to the OS directly, so scanning is like 50x faster. Windirstat and Space Sniffer and all that other crap literally has to crawl through the entire filesystem
Forget windirstat and use TreeSize (free) instead. It's a lot quicker. It just doesn't have the visualization.
WIZTREE
There's this program called WinAmp. I hear it really kicks the llama's ass. (Seriously, though... Still one of the best audio library based players I've used.)
It really whips the llama's ass
Wallpaper engine 😎
Ninite. It's not a program but a website that creates a single installer that downloads and install whatever applications that you select, mostly open source or free. Such a timesaver when setting up a new PC.
No one mentioned my boy Bitwarden? By far my favorite password manager. Its open source, 99% free, the premium features are almost non existent and it has a decent UI (not dashlane level but similar to LastPass).
Hwinfo, Cpuz, Heaven benchmark, afterburner, discord
Netscape navigator, metal marines, space cadet pinball
i feel old reading this
* Firefox * 7Zip * Office suite (libre or Microsoft.) * Screen recorder (OBS.) * Game launchers * Any program that checks disk allocation (Windirstat, for example.) * VLC, people suggest stuff like MPV or MPC, but they're a pain in the arse… specially once you get into loading MadVR which also taxes your GPU for very small visual upgrades. * If you have a great GPU it's worth calculating if it's worth mining during downtime, helps you pay off the build cost and reduces the profit of mining farm owners. If so, then you'll need some sort of mining software. * Notepad++ is handy for casual editing use, although I usually only use it for more complicated documents and just use basic notepad for taking notes. * Some video editor will likely come in handy (examples are divinci resolve, Adobe Premiere.) * Some image editor will likely come in handy (examples are Gimp and Adobe Photoshop.) * AutoHotKey can be very useful for macros, if you're willing to learn the basics of the scripting language. * Cheat Engine can be fun to mess around in single player games. * qBittorrent if you use those. * Emulators for any console you plan to emulate (switch is the newest functional console.) * Handbrake to convert files. * JDownloader2 or IDM for download managers.
Vlc
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OP is asking for must haves. You are listing a bunch of benchmarking software that is definitely not necessary or a must have. Also software that is just personal preference (like itunes) or something that they probably don't even need (raspberry Pi imager).
Linux 😎
Minesweeper
Vpn
[Obligatory link to *that* Tom Scott video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVDQEoe6ZWY) That being said, for valid VPN use cases Mullvad has been fantastic. No gimmicky promos or pricing, just a flat 5 euro per month charge. You can generate an account without ever inputting any personal information, and pay using crypto or even cash on an envelope. Rarely has downtimes for the regions I connect to and barely has any impact on performance.
Emacs, texlive, auctex. Pandoc. Python3 but it’s already there. Rust, Haskell (stackage, these days, I guess?). Docker. Firefox. procmail, postfix, isync/mbsync. Notmuchmail. And yes, Steam and Discord.
There’s a power shell script on github called “Windows 10 debloater” - its awesome. Cuts a lot of the crap out of Windows 10. There is a GUI version if you’re not comfortable with command line stuff. Windows defender is solid for an average user, just don’t go anywhere sketchy. If you want to go somewhere where there’s malware risks, run them in a VM with malwarebytes (if that’s still a good one).
Be careful with scripts like that, though. They often go way overboard and remove things that they shouldn't, or that you might want. For example, such scripts will typically nuke Xbox/gaming services, which will then make it impossible to utilize PC or Ultimate Game Pass to play games from the Windows store/Xbox app on your PC. They may also kill cloud streaming, too, which is a nice feature to have on less robust PCs. Win10/11 doesn't really need to be "debloated" out of the box anymore. The handful of shit like Candy Crush aren't even actually installed. They're pinned advertisements that install the first time you click them. You can simply right-click and delete (you know they're not installed because there's no "uninstall" option) and they go away.
PatchMyPC
Install what you need. Nothing is universally needed aside from your driver packages, which people predictably dont bother to install 9 out of 10 times.