How to make Windows awesome
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 are packed with features, many of them honed over years of development, so you could be forgiven for thinking that Microsoft must have covered every base and satisfied every need by now.
The reality is rather different, as anyone who's had to spend extra on an additional antivirus package will appreciate. People tend to forget that essential virus protection, along with programs like Word and Excel, aren't included with Windows, but are actually pricey upgrades.
Don't worry though, because the free alternatives out there are just as good. While Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player are both great programs, they're fending off several third-party web browsers and media players that are brimming with innovation.
Likewise, Windows' updated Paint app may be streets ahead of previous versions, but it's still no match for a dedicated photo-editing package such as Paint.NET.
Extra programs like these are a tempting way to improve Windows 10, 8.1 and 7, but there are plenty of improvements you can make to the core Windows tools.
So, as well as sharing the best free software, we'll show you tricks to fine-tune the tools Windows already has. Stop putting up with a disorderly desktop and struggling to find errant files. Here's our guide to the best upgrades, gadgets and tweaks to help you get the best experience, whatever your version of Windows.
Internet and Security
Try a new web browser
When you're browsing the web, the chances are you'll be using one of the 'big three' browsers. That is: Internet Explorer, which comes pre-installed with Windows; Chrome; or Firefox.
But, if none of these browsers hits the spot, why not give Opera a try? It uses the same browser engine as Chrome, which means each tab runs independently, so if a website crashes one tab it won't bring down your entire browser.
But Opera also boasts some nifty unique features of its own: Opera Turbo compresses web pages before they're delivered to your PC to speed up browsing and reduce bandwidth usage, for example.
Also, bookmarks are easy to manage – you can even share them with others.
Ensure virus immunity
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 all offer Windows Defender for protection against malware, but confusingly they're not the same product.
Windows 7's iteration offers basic protection against spyware only, while the Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 build is a rebadged version of Microsoft Security Essentials.
While it offers some protection, it's still not as good as other free solutions. The problem with free antivirus and firewall tools is that many bundle other software with them – even previously reputable tools such as AVG and Avast!
If you're looking for strong free antivirus software that won't attempt to sneak anything else onto your system, try BitDefender Free.
Set up a firewall
Windows comes with its own firewall to help protect you from cyber intruders, and the likelihood is your router also comes with a built-in hardware firewall for additional protection.
The problem with the Windows Firewall is that it's not – by default – set up to block outgoing connections, so while it protects against attacks originated on the internet, it won't block malware from 'phoning home' to wreak more havoc.
Again, there are plenty of free, third-party firewalls that close this gap, but the same warning applies as with free antivirus software – many now attempt to install extra programs and make changes to your browser settings.
Advanced users may like to try Privatefirewall instead, but be warned – it has a steep learning curve.
Protect from malicious software
A powerful firewall and up-to-date antivirus package are the two cornerstones of a well-protected PC, but your antivirus tool isn't infallible.
Therefore, it's best to gain a second opinion – as well as the ability to remove browser hijackers and other PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) – by downloading and installing the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
It's designed to sit alongside your antivirus tool, but the free version offers no real-time protection, so remind yourself to use it to scan for possible threats at least once a month.
It'll let you review its findings, and all suspicious items are quarantined, so you can restore them if it wrongly flags any entries.
Encrypt important files
What if your laptop and documents it contains were to fall prey to a light-fingered lout? A Windows password may give some intruders the slip, but it's easily foiled.
Microsoft's answer is BitLocker – a brilliant tool that encrypts all the data on your hard drive. Unfortunately, it's only included with the most expensive versions of Windows 7 and 8.1, but there are alternatives.
DiskCryptor is a free app that will protect internal or external hard disks, and even USB flash drives. It's not the easiest software to use though, so take some time to read through the Wiki on the main page, and take a full system backup before you begin – just in case disaster strikes.
Install specialist email software
Are you still logging onto a web-based email inbox to read your email? A third-party mail client can not only speed up your communication, but will give you plenty of other time-saving features too.
The obvious choice is Mozilla Thunderbird, which supports a range of email accounts (including Microsoft, Gmail and Yahoo!).
Alternatively, eM Client provides you with an Outlook-style user interface as well as built-in support for calendars and contacts.
And if you're juggling multiple email accounts, it's also worth taking a look at Inky, which offers a super-minimalist interface that puts the email you want right at your fingertips.
Take remote control of your PC
Wouldn't it be great if you could access your PC remotely from anywhere with an internet connection? That's exactly what TeamViewer lets you do.
It allows you to browse your computer from another Windows PC, Mac or mobile device, wherever you are. You don't even need to leave your PC powered up all day either, as most can be woken up remotely from sleep mode.
With a fast internet connection, this nifty app will have you zipping around your files as if you were at your desk.
Share files quickly and easily
What do you do if you want to send a big batch of photos – or even a video – to a friend? Free image-sharing websites often impose strict upload restrictions, and most videos will simply be too large to send as email attachments.
Uploading to the cloud is the answer. In this sense, the 'cloud' just refers to internet-based storage, and Microsoft's OneDrive is one of the most convenient providers. The client's built into Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, while those using Windows 7 or earlier can download it .
You get 15GB of free storage, which is more than enough to share a large number of videos or full-resolution photos – and you can always upgrade for more storage. Just log in with your Microsoft username and password at onedrive.com, and you're ready to go.
How to create a Microsoft account
Make free phone calls
Skype is an excellent way to chat with other Skype users for free via your internet connection. And it's now owned by Microsoft. Although it's included with Windows 10, it's not included with Windows 7, so you'll need to download it first.
Then it's just a matter of setting up a Skype account so you can connect to friends and family who use Skype too. You will of course need a PC microphone to be heard, plus an optional webcam if you'd like to be seen too.
Back up files and programs
Backing up your files is the best way to protect them from viruses, as well as hard drive failure. Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 comes with File History for file-based backups – switch it on by pressing Win + Q, typing 'File History' and clicking 'File History'.
If you'd like to take an exact image-based backup of your PC, you'll find the 'System Image Backup' option available here too, but a more flexible tool for taking complete backups is Macrium Reflect Free.
It's very easy to use, and not only allows you to back up and restore your entire drive, you can even browse drive images to recover individual files and folders too.
Entertainment and Media
Consider your codecs
Does Windows throw a wobbly when asked to play a DVD or downloaded video? Chances are Windows Media Player isn't to blame – the issue is more likely down to missing codecs.
These little files tell Windows how to decode the compression methods used to reduce the size of video files.
Thankfully, Windows can be upgraded with a huge range of codecs to ensure slick playback of even the most modern or obscure video file formats. Just download and install the Combined Community Codec Pack.
Windows Media Player alternatives
Once you've installed copious codecs, you'd think Windows Media Player would be up for anything, but even with these upgrades, it's still not immune to issues. Windows 8.1 users will note it can no longer play DVD movies, for example, while Windows 10 users will find it's not included at all!
So supplementing it with other video players such as Media Player Classic or VLC is a wise move.
Both players will handle pretty much any video file format, including DVDs, and – in the case of VLC – some Blu-ray discs too.
But it's their extra features that give them the edge. Extensive subtitle, video aspect ratio and frame rate options are all useful tools, as is VLC's ability to alter audio synchronisation so you don't have to put up with inaccurate lip-syncing.
Grow your thumbnails
Even though you can now play most video files, you might find that Windows Explorer still runs into problems when you're browsing through your video collection.
It will only generate previews for certain file types, and will turn its nose up at more recent video file formats, such as the MKV standard.
You can broaden Windows' thumbnail-generating horizons using Icaros. Simply install the software, open it and select the video formats that you'd like to generate thumbnails.
Once that's done, click the large 'Activate Icaros' button and hey presto, extra video thumbnails in Windows Explorer!
Edit your photos for free
Windows' built-in image-editing tool, Paint, gains small improvements with every release, but even in Windows 10 it's still not really fit for purpose, particularly when it comes to editing photos.
Thankfully, there are a whole host of free tools jostling for attention. One of our favourites is Paint.NET, which offers a host of powerful image editing tools.
It also has support for plug-ins, allowing you to add plenty of extra tools, such as a Shadows and Highlights recovery tool or the BoltBait Plugins Pack.
View photos in style
It's easy to take Windows Explorer for granted. After all, it's basically the folder windows you use to browse your files and folders. Trouble is, even with customisable thumbnail sizes, it's not really the best way to view things such as photographs. Google's Picasa is much more impressive.
Its file browser makes it far easier to customise your viewing preferences and organise photos and videos, and there's seamless integration with some nifty photo-editing tools.
Picasa also includes a dedicated photo viewer, which offers an improvement in speed and usability compared with the version included with Windows.
Take screenshots easily
When it comes to capturing screenshots of your PC desktop, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 introduces new improvements – hold Win + PrtScr to save a grab to your PicturesScreenshots folder.
The Snipping Tool offers a few more options, but it's a faff to use.
Evernote users should take a look at Skitch, which dovetails perfectly with the note-taking app and functions as a serviceable screen capture tool in its own right.
If you want more flexibility with your screen captures – such as being able to grab specific windows or parts of the screen, save images to a specific folder or edit your image after capturing it – then PicPick is the tool to go for.
Record, organise and share notes
Got a great idea? Forgotten it a day later? Install Evernote and you'll never have to worry about your sketchy memory again.
This brilliant note-taking tool stores your notes securely in the cloud, so you can access them on the go from your mobile or any internet-connected computer's web browser.
Notes can consist of text, images and other file attachments, and can be tagged and organised into notebooks for easy retrieval.
Install the web clipper plug-in in your browser to capture useful web pages, and even share your notes with friends, family and colleagues too.
Get productive with improved office apps
Getting a free alternative to Microsoft's Office package is never going to be a bad thing. Windows comes with the WordPad app as standard, which sadly isn't much good if you're used to more comprehensive word-processing software.
If you're a fan of the ribbon-based interface found in Windows 8.1, then Kingsoft Office Free, also known as WPS Office, gives you powerful, free alternatives to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
If you need additional tools – including a database and drawing tool – and prefer the old menu-based interface of Office 2003 and earlier, then it's worth checking out LibreOffice instead.
Disc-o inferno
Writable CDs and DVDs simply aren't a match for a USB flash drive when it comes to carrying files and folders around with you nowadays, but there are times when you'll need to burn an audio CD, or even a replacement Windows installation DVD.
But Windows' own disc-burning tools are somewhat rudimentary. Next time you need to make a disc, give ImgBurn a go. It's a free, uncluttered tool that makes light work of burning all kinds of disc content.
Check out the ImgBurn forums for detailed guides explaining how to get the best out of it.
Watch your favourite programmes on your PC
Once upon a time, Windows Media Center provided the perfect TV-friendly tool for browsing your media (music, photos or movies) and watching and recording live TV through your PC.
Sadly, it's been dropped from Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, but there's no need to shed a tear just yet.
Instead, install Kodi, which is a more than adequate replacement.
You can alter its appearance to match your personal tastes and extend its functionality with add-ons, such as BBC iPlayer. Pair it with Next PVR and a USB TV tuner if you want to watch and record live TV through it.
Zip it
When you're downloading files from the internet, sooner or later you'll come across a compressed file archive, commonly known as a ZIP file. However, there are many ways of compressing files together and compressing them for internet transfer, and not all forms can be extracted by Windows alone.
To access them you'll need to upgrade to something smarter, such as 7-Zip. This will extract files contained not just in ZIP archives, but also the popular RAR format, plus many other compression formats.
Once you've got 7-Zip you'll be able to zip up your own files, often with the output archive being compressed into a smaller space than Windows could manage.
Improve performance
Make sure you have the latest hardware drivers
Drivers are pieces of software that tell Windows how to communicate with each item of hardware in your computer, but Windows Update doesn't always give you the latest driver versions, so you might need to do it yourself.
You might also struggle to source drivers for older hardware too – often, drivers for older versions of Windows will work fine in Windows 10, just make sure you source the right type (32-bit or 64-bit depending on your current version of Windows).
If you're struggling to track down updates or even compatible drivers, employ the services of DriverEasy. The free version has all the functionality you should need – make sure you choose 'Custom' during setup to avoid any potentially unwanted programs being installed.
Free up space and resources by removing bloatware
Removing unnecessary software (known as 'bloatware' because of the effect it has on your computer) is a great way to free up precious power reserves for an instant performance boost.
The 'Programs and Features' control panel is the usual port of call for uninstalling programs, but it sometimes leaves a few files behind. Not to worry, though, because Revo Uninstaller Free is a useful app that removes traces of software Windows might miss.
When you're looking through your PC for any programs to uninstall, unused web browser toolbars, expired antivirus trials and other freebie apps that came pre-installed on your computer should be at the top of your list.
Don't worry if you mistakenly uninstall something useful, because Revo automatically creates a System Restore point when it removes an app so you can undo any mistakes.
Unleash ReadyBoost to give your PC more virtual RAM
Lower powered PCs – those with 2GB or less of RAM, and are not powered by a solid-state drive (SSD) – may benefit from this tweak. You'll need a spare USB drive to make it work.
The ReadyBoost feature stores frequently used files on the USB flash drive rather than on your PC's hard drive, helping to speed up loading times. Not just any old flash drive will do, though – you'll need a fairly nippy one with a capacity of at least 256MB for ReadyBoost to work.
To see if you've already got something suitably quick for the job, first make sure the drive is blank, then click 'Start > Computer' and right-click on the drive's icon. Select 'Properties', followed by the 'ReadyBoost' tab.
Defrag your drive for more speed
As files are copied, moved and deleted on your hard drive, they end up scattered about the drive. Defragmentation is the process whereby these files are then tidied up to improve performance and reduce wear on your hard drive.
The Windows defrag tool is more than capable of keeping your files in order, but if you'd like more options – such as being able to defrag individual files or folders – then check out Defraggler.
Note fragmentation has no effect on SSD performance, and defragging can actually reduce the drive's life, so never defrag your SSD drive.
Tweak the Registry for faster Taskbar previews
Let's reduce the delay between you hovering over a taskbar icon and a preview window appearing. Click 'Start', type 'regedit' in the search box and press [Enter].
Using the folder menu pane on the left, double click 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER', then select 'Control Panel' and click 'Mouse'.
Now find 'MouseHoverTime' in the list displayed in the right-hand pane and double click it to reveal a new window. The number 400 in the 'Value data' box defines the delay until a preview window pops up, so decreasing this to 100 will speed things up nicely.
Click 'OK', then restart your computer and things should be much snappier.
Partition your hard drive to protect your precious data
It's no substitute for storing your data on a separate drive to Windows, but partitioning your drive does add an extra layer of protection for your documents and other files.
While Windows is capable of constructing a partition, upgrading to a free app such as MiniTool Partition Wizard will make the job easier and give you more options to play with.
Just be sure to back up any important files before you start the partitioning process, as messing with the layout of your hard drive does carry a small risk of potential data loss.
Download the all-in-one Windows repair gadget
Fill in the troubleshooting gaps with Windows' built-in repair tools with the essential Tweaking.com Windows Repair tool, which can fix both minor and major problems. It could speed up the time it takes getting your PC back into working order by saving you the time and hassle of a full-blown reinstall.
A step-by-step tabbed interface guides you through initial scans and essential backups before proceeding to the Start Repairs tab. Review the list of available repairs by clicking on each one for a description, then choose those relevant to your problem before hitting 'Start' to set the wheels in motion.
Beat the heat by keeping fans and vents clear
You can upgrade Windows and your other software as much as you like, but it's important to also give your computer's hardware some love and attention.
You don't necessarily need to throw money at it in the form of component upgrades either – all you really need is some common sense, and maybe a vacuum cleaner!
Excessive heat can slow a computer down and even damage its sensitive components, so try not to run your laptop nestled in a cushion or duvet where its air intake vents will be blocked.
Likewise, it doesn't take long for the fans in a desktop PC to become clogged with dust and gunk, so it's worth vacuuming the dirt from its vents from time to time.
Downgrade appearance to upgrade performance
On the following page you'll discover some clever ways to make Windows look more beautiful. That's all well and good, but older computers won't thank you for slowing them down with additional visual frills.
In fact, if your PC is getting on in years, you're better off losing some style to gain some speed. Press Win + Q, type 'windows performance' and press Enter.
Selecting the 'Adjust for best performance' option will disable all visual effects to give you the biggest performance boost. Click 'Apply'. If you come across something that looks a little too crude, like jagged font edges, you can always return to this menu and readjust the offending the option.
Customisation
Calibrate your monitor for better colour reproduction
Calibrating your monitor means adjusting its colour output so it's as accurate as possible. You can splash out big bucks on a special device to do the job, but Windows actually includes its own calibration tool.
It's well hidden, though. To find it, press Win + Q, type 'calibrate' and then click 'Calibrate display color'. Follow the simple wizard to adjust your monitor's brightness and contrast, plus the all-important colour balance.
Don't expect dazzling image quality improvements, but if you're a keen photographer and want to view your snaps at their best, calibration is essential.
Ditch the Taskbar for the dock
The Windows Taskbar is perfectly functional, but if you're yearning for something a little more dynamic and attractive on the eye, why not replace it with a dock?
Winstep Nexus is one of the best free ones out there – it floats on top of the desktop, allowing you to place it anywhere on-screen and it works in a similar way to the Taskbar with easy access to your programs, files and Taskbar Notification area.
You can also populate it with plenty of widgets offering extra features such as clock, local weather forecast and network activity.
Create a desktop slideshow
Windows allows you to replace your single desktop background with a slideshow of photos, but you need to provide the images yourself. Wally is a free tool that allows you to pull images based on keyword searches direct from a variety of web services.
Once installed, right-click its Taskbar Notification area icon to get started. Select one of the online sources, such as Flickr, Yahoo or Google, then click the '+' button to type in your keywords.
Wally changes the background every two minutes – use the 'Interval' settings to alter this. Click the 'Centred' button to tile or scale your images rather than place them centrally.
Finally just click 'OK' to transform your desktop.
Faster filing
Ah, filing. It's a chore in the real world, and not much fun in Windows either. At least MyFolders can simplify the process for you.
Install the app, then right-click on a file you'd like to organise and find the menu entry entitled 'MyFolders'. Click it to reveal 'Copy to' and 'Move to' options, from where you can specify the folder you'd like to shift the file to.
It's also a good idea to accept MyFolders' suggestion to add this folder of choice to its favourites list, making it even easier in future to move files favourite locations.
Copy files faster
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10's file copy dialogue is a huge improvement on what went before – the ability to pause and resume file transfers being one obvious advantage.
But there's always room for improvement, so if you want to take things to the next level, you need to get your hands on Copy Handler.
Copy Handler's Advanced features include being able to queue up multiple file transfers, support for restarting file transfers after cancelling them (or even rebooting Windows), and also the promise of faster file transfers, particularly when moving data between two partitions on the same physical hard drive.
You can use it alongside Windows' existing copy tools for occasional use, or use it in place of the native tools.
Build your own Jump List
The Jump List is a great time-saving feature, giving you access to recently opened documents via application shortcuts on the Taskbar and in the Start menu.
It's just a shame you can't build your own custom Jump List with all the apps and files you frequently accessed… Except you can, with Jumplist-Launcher.
Use 7zip to extract JumplistLauncher.exe to a suitable location, then launch the program. Right-click the new Taskbar icon and choose 'Pin this program to taskbar', then click it to start adding your choice of file or folder shortcuts (up to a maximum of 60), which can be organised into groups to make them easier to access.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker
What if you're not a fan of those mini-preview thumbnails that appear whenever you hover over a taskbar icon, or you'd like more control over how IE uses tabs?
Easy, just search The Windows Club website for Ultimate Windows Tweaker. Download the program and you'll be able to install and tweak settings like these and many more using one simple program.
Many of these settings can of course be altered using the standard Windows Control Panel, but finding the right section can often be frustratingly slow. Although most tweaks can be easily disabled, steer clear of altering anything you're not familiar with.
Brush up on the basics
It's easy to overlook Windows's own customisation features. One of the most useful is Snap. Drag a window to the side of your screen and it'll expand to fill half the screen. Or drag it to the top to fully maximise the window.
On the other hand, if you're swamped with open windows, give the one you'd like to focus on a quick shake by clicking and holding on to its uppermost title bar, and watch as the other windows minimise.
Another shake will restore their former glory.
For even more tips on how to get the most out of your operating system, check out our collection of guides on how to use Windows 10.
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