As a dedicated Windows user, I often find myself grappling with certain frustrations that persist despite improvements in Windows 11. While the operating system offers many enhancements, it still presents limitations. Issues like a sluggish Start menu, a taskbar with minimal customization options, and restrictive default applications such as File Explorer, Task Manager, and Phone Link can accumulate over time, creating an overall frustrating experience.
The silver lining is that there’s a plethora of applications available that can alleviate these irritations. Whether you’re looking to replace the Start menu with a more efficient alternative or streamline file sharing and device integration, these carefully chosen tools can transform your interaction with Windows from taxing to seamless.
1.PowerToys Run
An Advanced Replacement for the Start Menu
PowerToys Run, part of Microsoft’s PowerToys suite, is an excellent alternative to the traditional Start menu. Simply press Alt + Space to unveil a sleek, minimalist search bar reminiscent of macOS Spotlight. This tool allows you to instantly launch applications, access folders, or run shell commands with ease.
Further enhancing its utility, you can use PowerToys Run to visit websites by entering // followed by the URL, or perform quick web searches by typing ?? along with your query to receive instant results in your preferred browser.
Its plugin system is the real game-changer, enabling functionalities such as the Winget plugin that allows direct application installations, the Everything plugin for rapid file searches, and a ChatGPT integration that provides answers directly within the tool. These features have rendered my use of the Start menu significantly lower.
2.Files
File Management Redefined
While Windows File Explorer serves its purpose, it lacks a certain charm. The Files app steps in as a comprehensive upgrade, offering all the functionality of File Explorer plus a host of additional features that Microsoft never incorporated. With dual-pane views for effortless drag-and-drop functionality, tagging for better organization, and built-in integrations for cloud services like Google Drive and iCloud, it elevates your file management experience.
Its column view presents folder contents in an organized layout for easy navigation. Keyboard shortcuts abound, and you can customize them to suit your preferences, making the Files app a joy to use.Priced at $8 on the Microsoft Store, it’s worth noting that you can access it for free from the official website.
3.Windhawk
Tailor Your Taskbar Experience
Windows 11’s taskbar may look sleek, yet it can feel overly limiting. With Windhawk, a customization mod, users can overcome these restrictions. The tool offers various modifications, and I’ve particularly used it to redesign my taskbar. The Windows 11 taskbar styler allows for complete transformation, whether you prefer a transparent background, a dock-style interface reminiscent of macOS, or an homage to the classic Windows 7 design.
Beyond aesthetics, Windhawk enables adjustments to the taskbar clock, presenting live statistics such as CPU, RAM, and network usage—effectively turning your taskbar into a performance monitor. Additionally, its module for Taskbar tray system icon tweaks makes it simple to declutter by hiding unneeded icons.
4.Task Manager DeLuxe
Enhanced Control Over Applications
Traditional Task Manager in Windows holds its own, but Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX) provides an enriched experience that power users will find compelling. It retains core features like CPU, RAM, and disk activity monitoring but adds depth, allowing exploration of running processes through a tree-style view, real-time network monitoring, and detailed insights into process activities.
Despite its comprehensive features, TMX remains lightweight and user-friendly. No installation is needed, and it can even run portably from a USB drive, making it a practical choice for on-the-go troubleshooting.
5.LocalSend
A Superior File Sharing Alternative
File sharing remains a common task, yet relying on outdated cables is cumbersome. While Windows features Nearby Sharing, it is limited to Windows devices, which can pose issues when transferring files to phones, tablets, or non-Windows computers. LocalSend emerges as a robust solution, facilitating effortless file transfers among all of your devices.
I consistently install LocalSend on devices I frequently use, making it incredibly simple to share documents, images, or videos in just a few clicks. The app automatically detects other LocalSend devices on the network, ensuring quick and efficient file sharing. It maintains privacy and operates completely offline, meaning shared files remain within your local network. Notably, LocalSend is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Google TV.
6.KDE Connect
Greater Flexibility Than Phone Link
While Microsoft’s Phone Link has seen significant improvements over time, I find KDE Connect to offer superior functionality for several reasons. Like Phone Link, it allows for notification synchronization, calls, text messages, and photo viewing. However, KDE Connect isn’t restricted to specific brands—cross-device clipboard functionality works seamlessly with any Android smartphone instead of being limited to Samsung devices.
Add to that the fact that KDE Connect operates independently of a Microsoft account, making it a great option for those who prefer local accounts. This lightweight application comes loaded with useful features, including the capability to use your mobile device as a keyboard or mouse for your PC and media controls for managing music or video playback directly from your phone.
7.QuickLook
Instant File Previews at Your Fingertips
Sometimes, small conveniences can dramatically enhance the Windows experience, and QuickLook is a perfect case in point. Modeled after the macOS feature, it allows users to preview files instantly without launching their corresponding applications. By simply selecting a file in File Explorer and pressing the spacebar, you can view the contents without delay.
The application handles a wide variety of file types, enabling you to peek into PDFs, skim through Office documents, view images, listen to audio files, or play videos—all without the need to wait for the associated apps to fully load. This functionality simplifies quick look-ups of files, allowing me to use applications like Photos and Adobe Acrobat less frequently.
While switching from Windows to another operating system isn’t in my plans, it can, at times, feel as though the system challenges your patience. Fortunately, these free applications have made a significant difference for me. Tools like PowerToys Run rejuvenate the Start menu, Files revitalize file management, and Windhawk finally enables customization of the taskbar—each tool contributes to a more enjoyable Windows experience.
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