Often perceived as mere placeholders, the built-in apps of Windows may fulfill basic functions, but they lack the robust features and usability that today’s users demand. Fortunately, a plethora of lightweight alternatives exists that can significantly enhance your computing experience.
1 VLC and AIMP (Replaces Windows Media Player)
Since Microsoft shifted away from Windows XP, Windows Media Player has stagnated and struggles with contemporary file formats, lacks essential features, and presents a user interface that many find cumbersome. The ideal substitutes? VLC Media Player for videos and AIMP for music.
VLC Media Player stands out as a versatile media player, capable of handling almost any audio or video format without the need for additional codecs or subscriptions. From standard formats like MP4 and AVI to less familiar types such as FLAC and OGG, VLC has it covered.
This software is lightweight, quick to load, and boasts numerous features including subtitle synchronization, various playback effects, and the capability to stream media from local or internet sources. Plus, it’s completely free and frequently updated. For music lovers, AIMP offers a sound-focused experience with 32-bit audio processing for superior sound clarity. Its fully customizable interface allows for skins, while features like volume normalization enhance listening without constant manual adjustments.
Despite its age of 19 years, AIMP continues to excel in music management, supporting over 20 formats, including premium ones such as FLAC and APE. It is also available on Android.
2 Notepad++ (Alternative to Notepad)
Microsoft’s Notepad, though modestly functional, often remains underutilized, primarily due to its limited capabilities confined to simple text notes. While recent updates introduced AI enhancements and Markdown support, the overall user experience can be quite restrictive.
Enter Notepad++, a powerful alternative that revolutionizes text editing. It offers features like syntax highlighting, tabbed editing, macro support, and a viable search-and-replace function, making it suitable for more than just basic text files. Notepad++ supports over 80 programming languages, facilitating smart coding and efficient note-taking.
Moreover, Notepad++ features extensive plugin support, with a GitHub repository containing a comprehensive list of plugins that extend the program’s capabilities to meet virtually any user need.
3 ImageGlass (Replaces Windows Photos)
The Windows Photos app is often criticized for its sluggish performance and resource demands, particularly when users want to preview images before transferring them to more sophisticated editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop. Unfortunately, it falls short, especially with RAW files.
In contrast, ImageGlass delivers on the promise of a streamlined image viewing experience. Featuring a minimal design, it reserves every inch of space for displaying photos or essential navigation controls. Notably, it automatically adjusts the orientation of images, eliminating the need for awkward neck craning to appreciate them.
ImageGlass prioritizes fast loading and smooth navigation, making it an excellent choice over Photos. Users should note there are two versions available: the free ImageGlass Classic from the official website, or the version found in the Microsoft Store. While both are identical, the Store version automatically updates and comes at a cost of $5, depending on your region.
4 SpeedCrunch (Advanced Calculator)
For simple calculations, the default Windows calculator generally suffices. However, more complex mathematical needs will likely lead users to discover its limitations. The scientific mode provided is basic at best.
SpeedCrunch emerges as a superior alternative, featuring a full suite of scientific functions, support for various numeral systems, unit conversions, and a formula book housing templates for common equations. Users can conduct calculations with precision up to 50 decimal places.
Rather than searching for functions with a cursor, you can effortlessly input expressions directly. Though initially, the mostly keyboard-driven interface may take some getting used to, the official documentation provides a comprehensive user guide to help you navigate its features.
5 Paint. NET (Enhanced Paint Alternative)
While Microsoft Paint has gained renewed attention due to recent AI enhancements, its utility remains limited, often relegated to simple image generation tasks.
By contrast, Paint. NET effectively bridges the gap between simplicity and complexity in image editing. The user-friendly interface is complemented by powerful features like layer support, unlimited undo capabilities, special effects, and text editing tools.
Paint. NET packs a punch that competes with much more robust editing programs. Users can also take advantage of a thriving community that offers a wide variety of over 1, 000 plugins for new effects and enhancements. It features both a classic version and a Microsoft Store version, with the latter applicable for automatic updates at a premium price.
6 PowerToys Run (Improving Windows Search)
Users frequently find that Windows Search is slow, inaccurate, and a drain on battery life due to the constant operation of the Windows Search Indexer. This service runs in the background, consuming valuable resources.
PowerToys Run offers a streamlined solution, enhancing the search functionality in Windows. Surprisingly, this effective tool has yet to become a standard part of the operating system. It is included within the Microsoft PowerToys suite, which you can download to customize your Windows experience.
Think of it as the equivalent of macOS’ Spotlight search, featuring an intuitive layout that enables a variety of tasks: search for files, run terminal commands, perform basic calculations, convert units, locate open windows, and even conduct internet searches. Users can customize search settings such as delay and priority, ensuring alignment with their specific workflow.
If you find yourself growing impatient with Windows’ sluggish built-in apps or their limited functionalities, consider these alternatives. Embracing them could dramatically uplift your productivity and user satisfaction.
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