Awesome Windows

- Personal favorites
- Open source
- Paid

> [!IMPORTANT]

> Star this list, So you don’t miss out on the latest apps ~ ⭐️

> discord - pandadev.net

###### Check out my projects

Ziit | The Swiss army knife of code time tracking.
Qopy | The fixed clipboard manager for Windows, macOS & Linux.
Vleer | Free & open source alternative to Spotify, Apple Music etc.

## Contents

- API Development
- Application Launchers
- Audio
- Backup
- Browsers
- Cloud Storage
- Command Line Tools
- Communication
- Compression
- Customization
- Data Recovery
- Databases
- Developer Utilities
- Email
- File Management
- Games
- Graphics
- IDEs
- Networking
- Office Suites
- Password Managers
- Productivity
- Proxy and VPN Tools
- Remote Access
- Screen Capture
- Screenshot
- Security
- System Utilities
- Terminal
- Text Editors
- Version Control
- Video Utilities
- Virtualization
- Window Management

## API Development

- Bruno - Tests APIs with Git version control integration.
- Hoppscotch - Tests APIs with real-time collaboration features.
- HTTP Toolkit - Intercepts and modifies HTTP traffic.
- Insomnia - Tests APIs with GraphQL support.
- Postman - Tests APIs with automated test scripts and monitoring.
- Yaak - Modern lightweight tauri based API testing application.

## Application Launchers

- Flow Launcher - Searches files and launches apps with plugin extensibility.
- Keypirinha - Launches apps through fuzzy search and keyboard shortcuts.
- kunkun - Raycast/Alfred-like launcher with sandboxed extensions
- Listary - Searches files with advanced filters and indexing.
- ueli - Powerful keystroke launcher.
- Wox - Launches apps with web search integration.

## Audio

- Audacity - Records and edits audio.
- AudioNodes - Produces music with mixing, effects, MIDI and synthesis.
- Cider - Streams Apple Music.
- Dopamine - Plays and organizes music.
- Foobar2000 - Plays audio with customization options.
- Mixxx - Mixes music for DJs.
- Mp3tag - Edits music metadata and tags.
- MusicBrainz Picard - Identifies and tags music files.
- musikcube - Plays music through terminal.
- Nora - Plays and manages music.

## Backup

- Duplicati - Stores encrypted backups online.
- Kopia - Creates incremental backups with client-side encryption and cloud support.
- Restic - Backs up data to various storage types.

## Browsers

- Arc - Organizes tabs vertically for improved productivity.
- Brave - Privacy focused browser with build in adblock.
- Firefox - Browser with privacy and customization.
- Floorp - A Browser built for keeping the Open, Private and Sustainable Web alive. Based on Mozilla Firefox.
- Ladybird - Built with a new browser engine from scratch.
- Librewolf - A custom version of Firefox, focused on privacy, security and freedom.
- Orion - Lightweight WebKit browser with Chrome/Firefox extension support.
- Tor Browser - Privacy browser routing traffic over the Tor network.
- Ungoogled Chromium - Removes Google integration and tracking.
- Zen Browser - Firefox-based with community modifications.

## Cloud Storage

- Dropbox - Syncs files across devices with version history.
- Google Drive - Enables real-time collaboration on Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
- Mega - Encrypts files before they leave your device.
- Nextcloud - Lets you host your own cloud storage and communication server.
- OneDrive - Integrates with Microsoft Office for document collaboration.
- Proton Drive - End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Proton.
- Streamshare - Provides 1.5 TB storage with focus on media streaming.
- pCloud - Offers one-time payment for lifetime storage access.
- Sync - Stores data exclusively in Canadian data centers for privacy compliance.

## Command Line Tools

- btop4win - Windows port of the famous btop resource monitor.
- Chocolatey - Package manager for Windows.
- gallery-dl - Command-line program to download image galleries and collections from several image hosting sites.
- Scoop - Command-line installer for Windows.
- winget - Official Windows package manager from Microsoft.
- yt-dlp - A feature-rich command-line audio/video downloader.

## Communication

- LegCord - Discord client with Vencord and shelter integration.
- Beeper - Combines WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram, Signal, X, Instagram, SMS into one app.
- Discord - Voice and text chat platform.
- Equicord - Fork of Vencord with additional plugins and features.
- Franz - Combines multiple chat services into one app.
- Matrix - Network for secure, decentralized communication.
- Revolt - Chat platform built with modern web tech.
- Element - Client for the Matrix protocol.
- Telegram - Messaging platform focused on speed and security.
- Threema - Swiss messaging platform with open source code.
- Unigram - Telegram client optimized for Windows.
- Vencord - The cutest Discord client mod with lots of plugins.
- Waow - WhatsApp Web client with extra features.

## Compression

- 7-Zip - File archiver with multiple format support.
- Bandizip - Archive manager with multiple format support.
- NanaZip - Windows-optimized 7-Zip variant.
- PeaZip - Archive manager with compression format support.
- Riot - Compresses images with multiple optimization options.
- WinRAR - Compresses, backs up and splits files.

## Customization

- 7+ Taskbar Tweaker - Modifies Windows taskbar behavior.
- OpenShell - Restores traditional Start Menu interface.
- EarTrumpet - Controls volume per application.
- QTTabBar - Adds tabs to Explorer.
- Rainmeter - Displays customizable skins and widgets.
- Sucrose Wallpaper Engine - A live wallpaper app, a free and opensource alternative to Wallpaper Engine.
- TranslucentTB - Makes taskbar transparent.
- Wallpaper Engine - Animated wallpapers for you dekstop.
- WindHawk - A list of useful software Tweaks.
- YASB - Creates customizable status bars.
- ZBar - Manages taskbars across multiple monitors.

## Data Recovery

- Data Rescue - Professional recovery solution for photos, videos, and documents.
- IsoBuster - Multi-format data recovery tool supporting various storage media.
- Ontrack EasyRecovery - Advanced recovery tool with comprehensive filtering capabilities.
- PartitionGuru ｜ Eassos Recovery - Specialized recovery tool for partitions and file systems.
- TestDisk - Free recovery utility focused on partition restoration and disk repair.

## Databases Clients

- Another Redis Desktop Manager - Fast and stable Redis GUI client with cluster, sentinel, SSH support.
- Beekeeper Studio - A modern, easy to use, and good looking SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more.
- DataFlare - Modern, lightweight database GUI for SQLite, MySQL and PostgreSQL.
- DB Browser for SQLite - Visual tool for creating and editing SQLite database files.

## Developer Utilities

- Cacher - Syncs and organizes code snippets with Gist integration and IDE plugins.
- Mamp - Runs Apache, MySQL and PHP stack locally.
- Pieces - Uses AI to help capture, organize and reuse code snippets and dev resources.
- Velocity - Browses and searches API documentation without internet connection.
- Xampp - Bundles Apache, MariaDB, PHP and Perl for local development.

## Email

- BlueMail - Cross-platform email client with modern interface.
- Mailbird - IMAP and POP3 email client with customization and multi-language support.
- Mailspring - Modern email client built on web technologies.
- Postbox - Advanced email management application.
- ProtonMail - Encrypted email service with end-to-end encryption.
- Thunderbird - Feature-rich email client with minimalist design.
- Wino Mail - Modern mail client with integrated calendar.

## File Management

- Everything - Instant file search utility.
- File Converter - A simple tool to convert and compress files using the context menu in windows explorer.
- FileOptimizer - Lossless file size optimizer for multiple formats.
- FileZilla - FTP, FTPS and SFTP client.
- FreeFileSync - File and folder backup with multiple sync modes.
- fselect - SQL-like file search utility.
- One Commander - Modern file manager with miller columns.
- Spacedrive - Cross-platform file manager with cloud integration.
- TeraCopy - Faster than windows file transfers.
- WinSCP - Free open source SFTP, FTP, WebDAV and SCP client.
- Xftp 7 - Flexible SFTP/FTP client with advanced features for efficient file transfers.
- Files - A modern file manager that helps users organize their files and folders.

## Game Stores

- Awesome Games - List of games hosted on GitHub.
- Epic Games - Digital game storefront for PC and Mac.
- Freeciv - Free empire-building strategy game inspired by human civilization.
- Gale - Modern and lightweight mod manager for Thunderstore.
- Godot Engine - Free and open source game engine with beginner-friendly workflow.
- GOG - DRM-free game store featuring classic and modern titles.
- Itch.io - Platform for discovering and distributing indie games.
- LuaStudio - Free game development tool using Lua/LuaJIT with multi-platform export capabilities.
- Origin - EA’s digital game distribution platform.
- Playnite - Playnite is an open-source video game library manager that unifies game collections from various platforms.
- Steam - Leading digital game distribution platform with extensive library management.
- Unity - Popular game engine with comprehensive learning resources.
- Unreal Engine - Professional game engine with 5% revenue share model.

## Graphics

- Aseprite - Professional pixel art and animation tool.
- Aspect - Photo organizer with peer-to-peer synchronization.
- Blender - Professional 3D creation suite.
- Figma - Collaborative interface design tool.
- GIMP - Feature-rich image editor.
- Inkscape - Professional vector graphics editor.
- Krita - Professional digital painting program.
- Lunacy - Free design tool with built-in resources.
- Oculante - Lightweight, fast and simple image viewer written in rust.
- Paint.NET - Feature-rich image editing tool.
- pngquant - Command-line PNG compression utility.

## IDEs

- Android Studio - Develops and tests Android applications.
- CLion - Debugs and profiles C/C++ code with memory analysis.
- Cursor - AI-powered code editor with codebase understanding and natural language editing.
- DataGrip - Manages multiple databases with query optimization.
- DataSpell - Handles Jupyter notebooks and data visualization.
- Eclipse - Supports plugin-based development workflows.
- GoLand - Specializes in Go debugging and testing.
- IntelliJ IDEA - Focuses on Java enterprise development.
- JetBrains Toolbox App - Controls JetBrains IDE installations and updates.
- NetBeans IDE - Emphasizes modular Java development.
- PearAI - Open source AI code editor with curated integrations of multiple AI tools.
- PhpStorm - Integrates PHP frameworks and debugging tools.
- PyCharm - Provides scientific tools for Python development.
- Rider - Debugs Unity games and .NET applications.
- RubyMine - Tests and profiles Ruby applications.
- Spyder - Open-source Python IDE designed for scientific development and data analysis
- Visual Studio - Builds Windows and cloud applications.
- Visual Studio Code - Customizes development with extensions.
- WebStorm - Debugs client-side and Node.js applications.
- Windsurf - Agentic IDE with AI flows, multi-file editing and deep contextual awareness.
- Zed - A high-performance, multiplayer code editor from the creators of Atom.

## Networking

- Fiddler - Web debugging proxy.
- Sniffnet - Network monitoring tool to help you easily keep track of your Internet traffic.
- Wireshark - Network protocol analyzer.

## Office Suites

- FreeOffice - Reads and writes Microsoft Office file formats with high compatibility.
- LibreOffice - Handles complex document formatting and supports extensive file formats.
- Microsoft Office - Provides real-time collaboration and cloud integration across apps.
- NitroPDF - Converts and edits PDFs with OCR capabilities.
- OnlyOffice - Enables document co-editing with version control.
- OpenOffice - Focuses on stability and legacy format support.
- Sumatra PDF - Opens documents instantly with minimal memory usage.
- WPS Office - Offers mobile-desktop sync with built-in PDF tools.
- PDFGear - Full-featured and free PDF editor, which provides read, edit, annotation, page management, and print PDF documents.

## Password Managers

- 1Password - Premium password manager with secure vault and team features.
- Bitwarden - Open-source password manager with encrypted vault.
- Padloc - End-to-end encrypted password manager.
- Proton Pass - Zero-knowledge encrypted password manager.
- Vaultwarden - Lightweight Bitwarden server implementation.

## Productivity

- AutoHotkey - Automation scripting language for Windows.
- Cold Turkey - Website blocker with strict enforcement mechanisms.
- Easy Window Switcher - Fast application instance switcher.
- f.lux - Automatic screen color temperature adjustment.
- File Juggler - Automated file organization with smart actions and PDF parsing.
- Inkdrop - Markdown-focused note-taking application.
- Jan - Offline private AI assistant with CPU/GPU support.
- Joplin - Open-source note-taking app with Markdown support, cross-device sync and encryption.
- Kaas - Privacy-focused LLM client for multiple AI services.
- KatMouse - Universal scrolling utility for Windows.
- Keywiz - Real-time keystroke visualization tool.
- MultiCommander - Professional file manager.
- Ninite - Streamlined software installation utility.
- Simplenote - Cross-platform note taking app with cloud sync.
- STranslate - A ready-to-go translation ocr tool developed with WPF
- Taskade - Collaborative task management with real-time sync.
- Timelens - Cross-platform time tracking software.
- ToDoList - Feature-rich task management tool.
- WordWeb - Comprehensive English dictionary.
- Saga Reader - A Blazing-Fast and Extremely-Lightweight Internet Reader driven by AI.Supports fetching of search engine information and RSS.

## Proxy and VPN Tools

- Algo - Personal IPSEC VPN in the cloud.
- Cloudflare WARP - Fast, free VPN and DNS.
- ProtonVPN - High-speed Swiss VPN that safeguards your privacy.
- Tailscale - Zero config VPN for building secure networks.
- Twingate - Modern zero trust network access solution.
- WireGuard - Fast, modern, and secure VPN tunnel.

## Remote Access

- AnyDesk - Free and lightweight remote access solution for ease of use.
- Moonlight - Open-source GameStream client for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Steam Link.
- Parsec - High-performance remote desktop solution with 4k streaming at 60fps and low latency.
- RealVNC - Secure remote access for desktop and mobile devices.
- RoyalTSX - Remote access tool for IT professionals, supporting multiple protocols.
- RustDesk - Open-source remote desktop software with a focus on simplicity and security.
- Steam Link - Play your Steam games across devices using the Steam Link app.
- Sunshine - Open-source self-hosted game streaming server for use with Moonlight.
- TeamViewer - Popular remote control software for desktop sharing and file transfer.

## Screen Capture

- Fraps - DirectX/OpenGL game recording utility.
- Greenshot - Screenshot capture and editing tool.
- LICEcap - Animated GIF screen capture tool.
- OBS Studio - Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.
- Snipping Tool - Built-in Windows screenshot utility.
- ZoomIt - Screen zoom and annotation tool for presentations.

## Screenshot

- Capter - A simple screenshot tool made in rust.
- Flameshot - Customizable screenshot tool with an easy-to-use interface and built-in editor.
- Greenshot - Greenshot is a light-weight screenshot software tool for Windows.
- Lightshot - A fast and intuitive screenshot tool that allows capturing and editing images instantly.
- ShareX - Powerful, open-source screenshot and screen recording tool with advanced editing options.

## Security

- AdwCleaner - Removal tool for adware, PUP/LPI, toolbars and hijackers.
- Bitdefender - Comprehensive malware protection suite.
- Cryptomator - Client-side encryption for cloud files.
- ENCRYPTO - File encryption utility.
- GlassWire - Network security monitoring and visualization tool.
- IIS Crypto - Windows encryption protocol configuration utility.
- Malwarebytes - Advanced threat protection and removal.
- NetLimiter - Internet traffic control and monitoring tool.
- SpyBot - Malware and spyware detection and removal.
- System Explorer - Enhanced task manager with advanced system monitoring.
- Tor Project - Anonymous communication network.
- UnChecky - Automated unwanted software offer prevention.
- VeraCrypt - Disk encryption software for multiple platforms.
- Viscosity - Enterprise-ready OpenVPN client.

## System Utilities

- Advanced Renamer - Batch file renamer with support for metadata and regex.
- balenaEtcher - Flash OS images to SD cards & USB drives safely and easily.
- BleachBit - BleachBit is a free and open-source system cleaner designed to free up disk space.
- CleanMyPC - System cleanup and optimization utility.
- CPU-Z - CPU monitoring and information tool.
- CrystalDiskInfo - Open-source utility for monitoring S.M.A.R.T. data, disk temperature and more.
- Fan Control - Highly focused fan controlling software.
- GPU-Z - GPU monitoring and information tool.
- HTTrack - Offline website browser and mirror utility.
- HWiNFO - Comprehensive Hardware Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting for Windows and DOS.
- HWMonitor - Hardware monitoring for temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds.
- IrfanView - Fast and compact image viewer and converter.
- LightBulb - Adaptive screen brightness utility.
- LocalSend - Free, open-source and cross-platform app that allows you to securely share files and messages with nearby devices over your local network without needing an internet connection.
- neohtop - Modern system monitor built with Svelte and Rust.
- Nirsoft - Collection of utility softwares.
- PowerToys - Microsoft’s power user toolkit.
- Process Hacker - Comprehensive system monitoring and management tool.
- qBittorrent - Free and reliable P2P Bittorrent client.
- Rufus - Bootable USB creation utility.
- scrcpy - Easily mirror and control your Android devices on computers via USB or WiFi.
- SDelete - Secure file deletion command-line utility.
- SpeedCrunch - Powerful scientific calculator.
- SyncThing - Peer-to-peer file synchronization tool.
- Twinkle Tray - Easily manage the brightness levels of multiple monitors.
- Waltr - iOS media transfer utility without iTunes.
- WinFindr - Multi-term file and registry search utility.
- WizTree - Fast disk space analyzer.

## Terminal

- Alacritty - Cross-platform, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator.
- Cmder - Console emulator with clink shell integration.
- ConEmu - Customizable terminal with tabs, splits, and quake-style dropdown.
- FluentTerminal - UWP-based modern terminal emulator.
- Hyper - Terminal built on web technologies.
- Kitty - Enhanced PuTTY with additional features.
- MobaXterm - Enhanced terminal with X server and SSH client.
- mRemoteNG - Multi-protocol remote connections manager.
- MTPuTTY - Multi-tabbed PuTTY client.
- PuTTY - SSH and telnet client.
- Terminus - Configurable terminal built on web technologies.
- Warp - AI-powered terminal with IDE-like features and team collaboration.
- WezTerm - GPU-accelerated terminal emulator and multiplexer.
- Windows Terminal - Official Microsoft terminal.

## Text Editors

- GVim - Highly configurable text editor optimized for efficiency.
- LazyVim - Customizable Neovim configuration framework.
- Neovim - Modern, extensible terminal-based editor.
- Notepad++ - Feature-rich source code editor.
- Notepad2 - Lightweight Notepad replacement with enhanced features.
- Sublime Text - Advanced text editor with extensive plugin ecosystem.

## Version Control

- DevHub - GitHub notifications on your desktop as a tray app.
- Fork - Fast and friendly Git client for Windows and Mac.
- Git Extensions - Powerful and user-friendly Git UI.
- GitHub Desktop - Electron-based GitHub client.
- GitKraken - Cross-platform Git client with intuitive interface.
- GitLight - Open-source GitHub & GitLab notifications client.
- Meld - Visual diff and merge tool.
- SourceTree - Free Git & Mercurial client.
- TortoiseGit - Git client with full shell integration.
- Tower - Professional Git client with advanced features.

## Video Utilities

- DaVinci Resolve - Complete video production suite with color grading, VFX, and audio tools.
- HandBrake - Converts videos between formats with compression options.
- Kdenlive - Video editor focused on transitions and effects.
- mpv - Script-based media player with extensive keyboard controls.
- Olive Video Editor - Node-based video editor with real-time effects.
- PotPlayer - Media player with hardware acceleration and streaming capabilities.
- ScreenToGif - Records screen areas and saves as GIF or video.
- Shotcut - Video editor with native timeline filtering.
- Shutter Encoder - Converts between hundreds of media formats with processing options.
- VLC - Plays damaged/incomplete media files and network streams.

## Virtualization

- Docker Desktop - Containerization for Desktop, built on top of WSL2.
- Podman Desktop - Open source desktop containerization alternative to Docker.
- QEMU - Open-source emulator and virtualizer for hardware and system virtualization.
- Rancher Desktop - Open-source application for managing containers and Kubernetes on the desktop.
- Vagrant - Tool for building and managing virtual machines.
- VirtualBox - Powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization software for creating and managing virtual machines.

## Window Management

- AltSnap - Window snapping with keyboard shortcuts.
- FancyZones - PowerToys window manager for multi-monitor setups.
- Komorebi - Tiles windows dynamically.
- GlazeWM - Rust-based tiling window manager.

## Backers

Thanks to all contributors without you this project would not exist.

Please, consider supporting me as it is a lot of work to maintain this list! Thanks a lot.

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