10 Lightweight Alternatives to Heavy Modern Windows Apps That I Use

Modern Windows applications can consume excessive resources over time, leading to a sluggish computing experience. Fortunately, there are lightweight third-party alternatives available that are designed to be more efficient. By using these alternatives, users can significantly reduce resource consumption, resulting in faster loading times and an overall improved computing experience.

Assessing Application Resource Usage

Before diving into the list of recommended applications, it’s critical to understand how to assess their resource usage effectively. The Processes tab in the Task Manager provides an overview, but it primarily reveals two distinct types of memory utilization:

Working Set: This represents the RAM utilized by an application as indicated in the Processes tab. If an application is minimized, the system may relocate its data temporarily to the ‘Modified Page List’ or pagefile to conserve RAM. However, this perspective only scratches the surface.
Commit Size: This refers to the total memory that the operating system has allocated for an application, preventing other apps from utilizing it. To view this, navigate to the Details tab in Task Manager, select Commit Size from the right-click Select Columns menu, or use advanced utilities like SysGauge for better insights.

The focus will be on the commit size for these comparisons since if the total commit size of applications becomes excessively large, it can lead to performance issues, even if Task Manager indicates available RAM. This discrepancy arises from the reliance on the working set metric for calculations.

1.IrfanView as an Alternative to Photos

When comparing resource consumption, IrfanView stands out for using just 18.1 MB of memory versus the 429.4 MB utilized by the Photos app while managing the same image set. Additionally, Photos uses a larger number of threads and handles, often opening two instances for a single operation.

In addition to its lightweight nature, IrfanView includes advanced editing tools and gallery management, such as color correction, sharpening, and batch renaming capabilities, making it a comprehensive option compared to the cluttered Photos app.

2.VLC Over Media Player

When playing a video, VLC consumes 141.1 MB of memory, in contrast to Media Player’s 202.4 MB. It’s worth noting that Media Player also runs an accompanying process called Runtime Broker, contributing to its higher resource usage.

Beyond speed, VLC excels in features, supporting a plethora of video formats without requiring additional codecs, unlike Media Player. Its superior subtitle capabilities and ability to boost audio levels make it a powerful choice for media playback.

3.AIMP Instead of Media Player

While using an audio file, AIMP only requires 29.9 MB of memory, in stark contrast to Media Player’s 145 MB, which includes the resource-hungry Runtime Broker process.

AIMP’s features extend beyond simple playback, providing robust library management and built-in tools for file conversion, tagging, cloud integration, radio streaming, and podcast support.

4.SumatraPDF in Place of Edge

Even after ending several background processes in Edge, initiating a PDF document triggered the re-launch of these processes, creating a cumbersome experience. Edge’s resource requirements are staggering compared to SumatraPDF, which only consumes 54.1 MB.

SumatraPDF is a streamlined PDF reader that avoids unnecessary resource strains, providing a smooth experience without the extensive background activity noted in Edge.

5.Revo Uninstaller instead of System Settings

Windows 11’s built-in uninstallation process via Settings is often slow to load, consumes excess resources, and, at times, fails to detect installed apps accurately. In comparison, Revo Uninstaller offers a snappier, more efficient alternative.

Revo Uninstaller excels by mitigating issues prevalent in system settings, providing a fast experience while effectively cleaning up residual files left behind after uninstallation.

6.Everything instead of Windows Search

The default Windows File Explorer suffers from sluggish search capabilities due to its reliance on indexing. In contrast, Everything offers immediate and detailed search results, streamlining file searches.

Whereas Windows Search relies on a content indexing system, Everything directly reads the file system’s Master Table, ensuring a blazing-fast and lightweight search experience—an invaluable tool for those needing quick file retrieval.

7.HWiNFO Instead of Windows About

For users seeking comprehensive specifications of their PC, navigating to Settings -> System -> About yields basic details at best. For thorough technical insights, HWiNFO is the answer:

HWiNFO provides detailed hardware specifications essential for buyers or users looking to verify their equipment’s specifications, enhancing the ease of diagnostics and system monitoring.

8.WizTree Over Windows Storage Manager

Managing disk usage through Windows Storage Manager requires navigating a convoluted path, often without the functionality needed for efficient file management. In this scenario, WizTree proves to be an invaluable resource analysis tool.

Although WizTree consumes slightly more RAM, it presents crucial storage information instantaneously, eschewing lengthy navigation while offering customizable options and data visualizations that enhance the user experience.

9.ShareX as a Replacement for Snipping Tool

While the Snipping Tool serves its purpose, it lacks the comprehensive features needed for regular screenshot users. Enter ShareX, which surpasses Snipping Tool significantly in terms of functionality.

ShareX not only takes fewer resources but also incorporates advanced features such as customizable screenshot options, robust editing tools, and seamless organization features, making it an essential tool for productivity.

10.Notepad++ over Notepad

While the basic Notepad was once a favorite for its simplicity, Microsoft’s recent updates have overloaded it with unnecessary features that dilute its original purpose. In contrast, Notepad++ remains lightweight while offering advanced functionality.

Notepad++ not only consumes substantially less memory but also provides essential features like custom themes, distraction-free modes, and performance tips to personalize the writing experience fully.

Why Windows Default Apps Are Resource-Intensive

Modern Windows applications rely on frameworks such as UWP and WinUI 3, which make them perform additional background tasks. This leads to increased resource consumption due to the added complexity of processes like Runtime Broker. In contrast, the traditional Win32 applications discussed here communicate more directly with the operating system, avoiding the added bloat and enabling a snappier performance.

For users experiencing performance issues, considering these lightweight alternatives can lead to a smoother and more efficient computing experience. Explore our curated list of applications, which promises to enhance your Windows performance.

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