The best Windows 10 apps for your new PC will provide you with the fundamentals to turn your PC into a powerhouse. Whether you need apps for productivity, entertainment, or somewhere in between, the Microsoft Store has all the apps you need. Here are some of the best for your new Windows 10 PC.
Take Control Of Windows 10
PowerToys is actually an eight-piece collection of utility tools that lets you do more with Windows 10. Pick colors for apps, create zoned windows layouts, preview files in File Explorer, resize images quickly and easily, change the layout of your keyboard, rename bulk batches of files, launch apps faster, and gain access to a Windows 10 shortcut guide. There are also some experimental tools available, but the full release stuff is great on its own.
Keep Passwords Secure
Enjoy AES-256 encryption, a password generator, password auditor, and easy backups, plus take advantage of cloud sync with services like Dropbox and OneDrive. If you use multiple devices, you'll be able to take advantage of cross-platform compatibility, and don't forget about the free Edge extension.
For TweetDeck Fans
Those who spend a lot of time on Twitter might be looking for a stellar third-party Windows client that's close to what TweetDeck has to offer. Fenice is absolutely stacked with features, including a column layout, quick jump bar, tweet composer, tweet delays to unsend tweets, deep personalization, and more. Fenice 5 recently got a huge update and there's no better time to give it a try.
Browse Reddit
Readit is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that lets you browse Reddit through a nearly flawless UI. Scroll through posts on the left side and read and comment on the right side, and get it all working how you want thanks to plenty of settings. If you spend long hours on Reddit, give up the browser and start again with this great app.
Watch YouTube Videos
myTube has a simple layout that lets you easily browse and save videos, as well as read and make your own comments, all while a video is playing. You can even listen to videos while you use other apps, which is great if you're a multitasker.
Chill With This
Netflix has been turning out some pretty incredible original shows lately on top of its enormous collection of beloved movies and hit TV shows. With the intuitive Windows 10 app, you get easy access to the entire lineup without opening a web browser. Way easier to binge this way. The app is free, but Netflix subscriptions start at about $9.
Stream Music
Spotify's app is free, and you can indeed enjoy some parts of the services without paying anything. However, if you'd like to stream music ad-free and on-demand, if you'd like to listen offline, and if you prefer something with better quality, you'll want to look into a premium subscription for about $10 a month.
Work Smarter
Office 365 is a subscription-based model that delivers all of your favorite Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You can choose from personal, home, and business suites depending on user requirements, and pick from a yearly or monthly subscription. All subs also come with 1TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Fix Your Photos
Affinity's suite of tools, including Photo, Designer, and Publisher, are now up to 10 times faster on Windows 10, making them a top choice for anyone with productivity in mind. Photo is no doubt what most will need first, as it provides strong editing tools for a modest price.
Protect Yourself
ExpressVPN is a top-tier paid VPN service that will bolster privacy and security while navigating the online world. There are more than 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ensuring you're protected no matter where you go. The Windows 10 app is free, though you will have to subscribe to a monthly plan.
If we're making some suggestions
All of the above apps will make a great addition to the best Windows laptops and PCs out there, but there are a couple we'd recommend you get first. If you're looking to take better control over Windows 10, PowerToys is a great place to start.
Enpass is especially important when it comes to your digital security, so getting it early is a great idea. If you're using your PC for productivity purposes, Office 365 should quickly prove itself invaluable, and don't forget to add Netflix, Readit, and Fenice to the mix for when you want to kick back and relax.
If you're looking for more apps to accompany a Windows 10 PC with touch display and inking, have a look at our roundup of the best apps for an active pen.
As an extra tip, check out Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's guide on how to install Disney Plus as a Windows 10 app. Alongside instructions for getting started with Disney, it outlines what Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are, how they work within a browser, and how they can be "installed" as an app even when there's no official software available. It's a great trick that can net you quicker access to some of your favorite services.
Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
