21 Must-Have Software and Apps for Windows 10 PC in 2023 [Free/Paid]

Having the must-have apps for Windows 10 PC is essential if you want to make the most of your computer. Just get the essential apps and best pc software for you and perform all the tasks easier and faster than ever.

Making an ultimate list of the must-have software for windows 10 PC was difficult for me at first, because there are many software available. But somehow I narrowed down the most common needs of a normal Windows PC user and listed the most essential & best PC apps for them.

21 Best, Essential & Must-Have Apps For Windows 10 PC

1. Chrome Browser
2. Malwarebytes
3. VLC Media Player
4. File compressor
5. Spotify
6. dupeGuru Duplicate Finder
7. Lastpass
8. Backblaze Backup
9. TreeSize- Storage Manager
10. NordVPN
11. Stellar Data Recovery
12. Netflix
13. Remote Access software- Teamviewer
14. Computer cleaner- CCleaner
15. Gilisoft USB Lock
16. Iobit Driver Booster
17. Chatting Software- Skype
18. Whatsapp Desktop
19. Duolingo – Learn Languages for Free
20. Acrobat Adobe- PDF reader
21. OneNote – Note-Taking App

1. Chrome Browser

Best Windows 10 Browser App.

One of the most popular and trusted browsers in the world is Google Chrome. The software does not need any introduction, there is a huge possibility that you are reading this article in Chrome Browser, if not you should download it right away.

Salient features:

• Sync chrome and use it on multiple devices.
• Save passwords.
• Dark mode- if you work at night.
• Manage multiple Google Chrome accounts in a single place.
• Regular software updates.
• Most importantly you can use many useful Chrome extensions for free like Google Translate.

Chrome browser is the most essential software for a PC to connect with the internet smoothly.

2. Malwarebytes

Best Malware Protection Program For Windows 10 PC.

After downloading Chrome you will start surfing the internet which is full of cyber threats. So, to protect your computer from these threats you can download Malwarebytes.

This must-have app for Windows 10 PC is very popular all over the world and according to the official websites, almost 60K+ people download the software every day.

Salient Features:

• Real-time PC protection.
• Get virus protection and malware protection and much more on one software.
• Protect from phishing.
• keep your PC safe from hazardous websites.

These are the features of the premium version of this software which costs $44.99 a year. Although the program has a free version but the premium version has better features.

3. VLC Media Player

Best Media player for Windows 10 computer.

VLC Media Player is the most popular and free media player app for Windows 10 PC.

This is an open-source program and is available for all popular operating systems i.e. Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, etc.

Salient Features:

• Can open almost every popular video format.
• Also works as a screen recorder.
• Watch the available subtitles.
• Watch videos in a faster or slower mode.
• Stream from popular websites like Netflix, Hulu, etc.

This essential Windows 10 program has many advanced features and the best thing about the software is that it is available for free.

4. Winzip

Best file compressor application for windows 10 PC.

WinZip is a must-have app for Windows 10 PC because it helps you save disk space. Also, it can save data and time when it comes to transferring files through the internet. The premium version has many other uses.

Salient Features:

• Efficient file compression.
• A nice file management tool.
• Encrypt files and share using email or other methods.
• Excellent PDF reader.

WinZip is one of the best PC software which can perform many essential tasks. The software is available for free and for advanced features you can try the premium version. The premium version- Winzip 26 Standard costs $29.95

5. Spotify

Best Music Listening Software for Windows 10 PC.

Spotify is a well-known audio streaming service all over the world. It is available on multiple platforms also, you can use it using any high-end or lightweight browser.

Salient Features:

• Listen without ads.
• Browse anywhere.
• Create your own playlist.
• Fast and advanced search engine to search any song.

Spotify is one of the best online music streaming services available on multiple platforms including Windows 10 PC.

6. dupeGuru Duplicate finder

deupGuru is the best Windows 10 duplicate finder program. Over the time we make a lot of duplicate files on our computers. These duplicate files consume a lot of disk space. To resolve this problem you can use dupeGuru software to find and remove duplicate files on your computer.

Salient Features:

• You can use this software in multiple languages.
• Exclude specific folders from scanning.
• Easy drag and drop features.
• Picture mode to remove duplicate images. only
• Music mode to remove duplicate songs only.

So, to keep your disk space free dupeGuru is a must-have software for Windows 10 PC. This is one of the finest tools to remove duplicate videos on your PC.

Removing duplicates is essential to save disk space on your Windows PC and dupeGuru can help you with this task.

7. LastPass

LastPass is the best password manager app for PC.

It provides services for both personal and business use. Nowadays we use a lot of online accounts and it is very difficult to remember all the passwords. Writing down passwords in a notebook is an old technique and also unsafe. So, using a password manager tool like LastPass is a smart choice. It can save all of your passwords in a secure vault.

Salient Features:

• Generate a strong password for you.
• Store your sensitive digital records
• Get alerts if your data is at risk.
• One-stop solution to manage all of your passwords.
• Master password to access the software.

This is the best app for Windows 10 PC to manage and secure your passwords.

8. Backblaze Backup

Best online backup service for Windows computers.

Even if you have secured your PC with software like Malwarebytes, still it is always recommended to keep a backup of your important data so, that if something goes wrong with your PC you can always access the backup.

Also, you can clean your disk space after uploading your data to online storage which is generally cheaper and more convenient than offline storage.

Salient Features:

• Move or manage data with minimum coding.
• Effective content delivery functionality.
• Greater media management facility.

Backblaze is a must-have software for Windows 10 PC to keep your data managed and secured.

9. TreeSize

TreeSize is the best PC software for storage management.

If your PC stores a lot of data then managing it is a very difficult thing. Using TreeSize you can easily manage and analyze your data.

Salient Features:

• Get an overview of your file information.
• It is a lightweight software.
• TreeSize is portable software.
• Export or print scan results.

This is an essential Windows 10 PC app to analyze and manage your storage.

10. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN application for Windows 10 computers.

If some content is geo-restricted in your country then you can use a VPN software. Also if you want to hide your IP and browse safely then you can use NordVPN software. The software is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Salient Features:

• It does not collect your private data.
• Make connections through encrypted and private tunnels.
• Protect your device from cyber threats like viruses, malware, rogue websites, etc.
• Connect 6 devices if you have one account.

So, this was another must-have Windows 10 PC app to become an advanced user.

11. Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar is the best software to recover data on Windows 10 PC.

The company provides data recovery solutions from basic to advanced. It has many software versions like Free, Standard, Professional, Premium, Technician, and Toolkit as a normal user you can use the free version to recover up to 1 GB of data. If you want to recover more data then you can opt for the standard version.

Salient features of the Free Version

• Recover lost pictures.
• Effective audio recovery software.
• Recover deleted video files.
• Recover data even if the system was formatted.
• Retrieve data from any kind of storage device.

Stellar Data Recovery is a must-have software for Windows 10 PC if you lose any of your important data.

12. Netflix

Netflix is the most popular video streaming service and is also known as the most popular OTT platform in the world. The mobile app has millions of downloads and the software also has a good number of installs. 

You can stream your favorite shows using the software, app, or website.

Salient Features:

• Download shows to watch later.
• Create a different profile for children for free with your membership.
• Get affordable monthly subscriptions.

If you like to binge-watch web series or shows then this is the Windows 10 app that you must have.

13. Teamviewer

Another on the list of the essential and best PC software is Teamviewer. 

Teamviewer is a remote desktop software that is very well-known all over the world.

It has different versions for personal and business use.

Salient Features:

• Control your PC remotely from any location.
• Access through cross-platform.
• Access devices using- mobile to PC, PC to mobile, mobile to mobile, and PC to PC.
• Remotely restart computers using Teamviewer.
• You can install applications remotely using Teamviewer.

The developer provides even more advanced features for business.

14. Ccleaner

Another on the list of must-have apps for Windows 10 PC is CCleaner. This is the best PC cleaning and optimization software available in the market.

Along with PC optimization and cleaning it has many other essential features that can boost the performance of your computer. You can also find a free version of the software with limited features.

Salient Features of the Professional Version

• Optimize the performance of your PC.
• Update outdated drivers.
• Check the health of your PC.
• Protect your privacy.
• Update outdated software.
• Clear history and junk easily.

CCleaner is an essential PC software for Windows 10 users to keep PC performance in the best condition.

15. Gilisoft USB Lock

Gilisoft USB Lock is the best USB port locker software available for Windows computers. Having your PC protected with security software is a great idea, but for more security, you should also keep the USB ports protected.

If you keep your USB ports locked with the help of USB lock software then no one will be able to steal your data or install viruses through USB ports. Let’s discuss the features of this Windows 10 PC software that you must have.

Salient Features:

• Disable reading from USB drives,
• Disable writing to USB disks or SD disks.
• Also, disable reading and writing of data for CD/DVD.
• Monitor USB activity on your PC.

You can lock your computer with this best computer program to lock USB ports.

16. Iobit Driver Booster

Keeping your drivers up to date is essential to keep your computer performing at its best. Driver booster by Iobit is the best program for computers to update outdated drivers.

Salient Features:

• Fast update of drivers.
• Update game-ready drivers in real time.
• Improve system performance with the latest drivers.
• Create a system restore point automatically.

You can keep your drivers up to date with this essential PC software for Windows 10.

17. Skype

Skype is the best instant messaging app for computers. The software is available for free and loaded with amazing features. This is the best pc app for chatting and video calling.

Salient Features:

• Interesting reactions and GIFs for chatting.
• Quote your message.
• You can also forward any message from any chat.
• React to any message with fun emojis.

If you are a working professional then Skype is a must-have program for Windows 10 PC.

18. Whatsapp Desktop

WhatsApp is the most popular chatting app in the world. It has 5 billion plus downloads on the Google Play Store and millions of downloads from the Apple Store.

You can use WhatsApp on PC using the web version or you can also download the desktop software.

Salient Features:

• Chat with your mobile contacts.
• Easily accessible.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Video call using your webcam.

19. Duolingo 

Duolingo is a language learning software available for PC based on Windows operating system. The software is available on the Microsoft App Store.

Salient Features:

• You can use this tool for free.
• Regularly updated with advanced features.
• A fun way to learn the language.
• Also available for Android and iPhone.

20. Acrobat Adobe

Acrobat Adobe is the best PDF reader program for computers based on Windows 10. Adobe is one of the most prestigious software solution providers in the world.

Salient Features:

• Convert any type of file into PDF.
• Edit PDF with advanced functions.
• Enable protection on PDFs so that no one can copy your content.
• Share your file with others and enable adding comments.
• Also, use the app version with the same account.

It is an essential Windows 10 computer application that you should have.

21. OneNote

OneNote is the best Windows 10 app for note-taking. This is a free-to-use app provided by Microsoft. It is a good habit to make a to-do list in the morning before you start work and begin according to priority. And you can also create notes that you can not remember normally. You can also write your spendings using OneNote.

Salient Features:

• Sort your content for better management.
• Highlight notes with tags.
• Add audio notes.
• Share your notes with your colleagues.

So, these were the essential, best, and must-have apps for Windows 10 PC. You can easily download the best free PC software from the list and perform your daily tasks more conveniently than ever.