Appearance
Software
Must-have apps for security, productivity, and media.
Essential Apps
Browsers
Brave - inbuilt adblocker, debloat guide
Privacy & Security
MalwareBytes - antivirus
Proton - VPN
One can use package manager(s) like winget, scoop, chocolatey for updating apps like mpv, 7zip, vlc, hugo, etc
package managers automate installation, updates, and dependency handling, saving time and effort + they allow bulk installs and easy version control, which manual .exe or .msi downloads can’t.
if you have to choose one, I would go with scoop, make sure its maintained by genuine source and is updated often.
File Management
7zip - file archiver
Advanced Renamer, Bulk Renamer - bulk renamer
Media Players
Optional/Utility Apps
Adobe Alternatives - list of alternatives for Adobe software
Flameshot - better screenshot tool
YTdlp - installation guide - audio/video downloader
ShareX - screenshot tool with extensive features
Bleachbit - clean your system and disk space
Revo Uninstaller - completely uninstall programs and registry
AB Download Manager - download manager for speeding up download(s)
Jdownloader - another download manager, suitable for batch downloads
Local Send - file sharing to nearby devices
Notepad++ - better notepad
Vesktop - modified discord client
Downloaders & Torrents
Qbittorrent - best torrent client
Nyaa - Anime torrents
Cracks
Turn off antivirus before installation of Cracks software or Game Repacks
It's recommended to turn it off because it may flag the crack and just delete it. Imagine waiting an hour or more for it to install, and having the antivirus delete the crack making the game unplayable.