You just bought a new PC, or maybe you’re trying to breathe new life into an old one. Finding the Best Free PC Programs 2026 has to offer is the smartest way to upgrade your experience without spending money. While paid subscriptions are everywhere, the open-source community provides incredible alternatives.
While paid subscriptions are everywhere, the open-source and freeware community has never been stronger. In 2026, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get professional-grade tools. From advanced system searchers to privacy-focused browsers, here are the top 10 free PC programs that belong on every computer this year.
Table of Contents
The List: Best Free PC Programs 2026
1. Microsoft PowerToys | Download from Microsoft
Category: System Utility
“While software helps optimize your workflow, knowing your hardware is just as important. If you are a Linux user, check out our guide on How to Check Which GPU Is Installed on Linux.”
If you install only one program from this list, make it Microsoft PowerToys. Originally a cult favorite in the Windows 95 era, it has been revived for Windows 10 and 11 as an essential suite of utilities.
- Why you need it: It adds features that Windows should have by default.
- Key Features:
- FancyZones: Create custom window layouts for easy multitasking (drag and drop windows into designated zones).
- Text Extractor: Copy text from any image or video on your screen instantly.
- PowerToys Run: A spotlight-like search bar (Alt + Space) to launch apps faster than the Start menu.
2. Bitwarden | Get Free Account
Category: Security / Password Manager
In an era of constant data breaches, using “Password123” isn’t an option. Bitwarden is widely considered the best free password manager available. unlike its competitors, it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can use on the free plan.
- Why you need it: It generates and stores complex, uncrackable passwords for all your accounts so you only have to remember one master password.
- Key Features:
- Syncs across PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Open-source encryption (no one, not even Bitwarden, can see your data).
- Built-in username and secure password generator.
3. Everything | Download from voidtools
Category: Productivity / Search
Windows Search can be slow and often pushes web results when you just want to find a file. Everything lives up to its name—it indexes your entire computer in seconds.
- Why you need it: It locates any file on your hard drive instantly. No loading bars, no waiting.
- Key Features:
- Real-time updating (finds files the moment they are saved).
- Minimal resource usage (uses very little RAM).
- Advanced search filters for power users.
4. VLC Media Player | Download Official
Category: Entertainment / Video
VLC is the Swiss Army Knife of media players. It is famous for being able to play virtually any video or audio file format you throw at it without needing to install extra “codecs.”
- Why you need it: Windows’ default media player often struggles with obscure file formats. VLC plays them all.
- Key Features:
- Plays MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.
- No ads, no spyware, no user tracking.
- Can boost audio volume up to 200% (great for quiet laptop speakers).
5. Brave Browser
Category: Web Browser
While Google Chrome is the standard, Brave is the upgrade. Built on the same engine as Chrome (Chromium), it supports all Chrome extensions but comes with a heavy focus on speed and privacy.
- Why you need it: It loads websites 3x faster than Chrome by blocking ads and trackers by default.
- Key Features:
- Built-in Ad Blocker (no extensions required).
- Prevents cross-site tracking.
- Uses less RAM than Chrome, making your PC feel faster.
6. PDFGear
Category: Productivity / PDF Editor
For years, editing a PDF meant paying for Adobe Acrobat. PDFGear has changed the game. It is a completely free, AI-powered PDF editor that lets you do everything paid software does.
- Why you need it: You can sign, edit text, convert, and merge PDFs without watermarks or hidden fees.
- Key Features:
- Direct text editing within PDF files.
- Convert PDF to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
- Built-in AI Chatbot to summarize long PDF documents.
7. ShareX
Category: Screen Capture
The “Snipping Tool” is fine for basics, but ShareX is for anyone who shares content online. It is a powerful screenshot and screen recording tool that automates your workflow.
- Why you need it: It captures your screen and automatically uploads the image to your host of choice, copying the URL to your clipboard instantly.
- Key Features:
- Capture scrolling screenshots (great for long web pages).
- Record screen GIFs or videos.
- Includes a built-in image editor for quick annotations and blurring sensitive info.
8. LibreOffice
Category: Office Suite
If you don’t have a subscription to Microsoft 365, LibreOffice is the best alternative. It is a full-featured office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- Why you need it: It provides professional document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools for free.
- Key Features:
- Writer: A robust alternative to Word.
- Calc: A powerful spreadsheet tool alternative to Excel.
- Completely open-source and free for commercial use.
9. 7-Zip
Category: File Compression
Eventually, you will encounter a .rar or .7z file that Windows cannot open. 7-Zip is a tiny, lightweight program that handles these archives effortlessly.
- Why you need it: It is faster and supports more formats than the built-in Windows zipper.
- Key Features:
- High compression ratio (saves disk space).
- Supports ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZIP, and dozens more.
- AES-256 encryption for securing your file archives.
10. Revo Uninstaller Free
Category: System Maintenance
When you uninstall a program using Windows Settings, it often leaves behind “junk” files and registry keys that clutter your system over time. Revo Uninstaller removes the program and then scrubs the leftovers.
- Why you need it: It keeps your PC clean and fast by ensuring uninstalled programs are truly gone.
- Key Features:
- “Hunter Mode” allows you to uninstall apps just by clicking on their open window.
- Scans for leftover files after the standard uninstall.
- Includes tools to manage startup programs.
“Now that your software is sorted, make sure your hardware is keeping up. Read our latest insights on PC Gaming and Hardware Optimization to get the most out of your machine.”
Conclusion
Optimizing your PC doesn’t require a credit card. By installing these 10 free programs, you cover all the bases: security (Bitwarden), productivity (LibreOffice, PDFGear), and system speed (Everything, Revo).
Did we miss your favorite free app? Let us know in the comments below!