Top alternative apps for windows that I use and recommend
Top Alternative Apps for Windows That I Use and Recommend Windows comes packed with a variety of built-in apps, but sometimes, third-party alternatives offer better functionality, user experience, and customization. Over the years, I’ve explored several alternative apps that have significantly improved my workflow and productivity. Here are four apps that I highly recommend as replacements for the default Windows options. Process Explorer – A Better Task Manager If you often find yourself using the Windows Task Manager to monitor running processes, Process Explorer is a must-have upgrade. Developed by Microsoft’s Sysinternals team, this tool provides much more in-depth details about processes, active threads, and open files. With its powerful search capabilities and hierarchical tree view, you can easily track which processes are consuming the most resources. It’s an essential tool for power users and developers who want more insight into their system’s performance. Files – A Modern File Explorer Alternative The default Windows File Explorer has improved over time, but it still lacks the polish and customization power users crave. Files, developed by the Files Community, offers a sleek and modern design with tabbed browsing, dual-pane views, and a more intuitive UI. It integrates beautifully with Windows 11, supports themes, and provides additional functionality like file tagging. If you want a smoother and more customizable file management experience, this app is a fantastic choice. FlyGallery – A Lightweight Photo Viewer Windows Photos app can be sluggish and sometimes unresponsive, which is why FlyGallery by FourSoft is an excellent alternative. It’s a fast and lightweight photo viewer designed to open images quickly without unnecessary bloat. With a simple interface and smooth navigation, FlyGallery is a great replacement if you frequently browse through images and want a hassle-free experience. Calculator² – More Than Just a Calculator The built-in Windows Calculator does the job, but if you need advanced functionality, Calculator² is the way to go. This app provides scientific, financial, programmer, and unit conversion tools in one seamless interface. Whether you're crunching numbers for work, school, or programming, this app delivers far more than the standard calculator. Final Thoughts These alternative apps have vastly improved how I interact with Windows daily. Whether you need a better task manager, a more powerful file explorer, a lightweight image viewer, or an advanced calculator, these apps will enhance your experience. If you haven’t tried them yet, give them a shot—you might never go back to the default Windows apps!

Top Alternative Apps for Windows That I Use and Recommend
Windows comes packed with a variety of built-in apps, but sometimes, third-party alternatives offer better functionality, user experience, and customization. Over the years, I’ve explored several alternative apps that have significantly improved my workflow and productivity. Here are four apps that I highly recommend as replacements for the default Windows options.
Process Explorer – A Better Task Manager
If you often find yourself using the Windows Task Manager to monitor running processes, Process Explorer is a must-have upgrade. Developed by Microsoft’s Sysinternals team, this tool provides much more in-depth details about processes, active threads, and open files. With its powerful search capabilities and hierarchical tree view, you can easily track which processes are consuming the most resources. It’s an essential tool for power users and developers who want more insight into their system’s performance.
Files – A Modern File Explorer Alternative
The default Windows File Explorer has improved over time, but it still lacks the polish and customization power users crave. Files, developed by the Files Community, offers a sleek and modern design with tabbed browsing, dual-pane views, and a more intuitive UI. It integrates beautifully with Windows 11, supports themes, and provides additional functionality like file tagging. If you want a smoother and more customizable file management experience, this app is a fantastic choice.
FlyGallery – A Lightweight Photo Viewer
Windows Photos app can be sluggish and sometimes unresponsive, which is why FlyGallery by FourSoft is an excellent alternative. It’s a fast and lightweight photo viewer designed to open images quickly without unnecessary bloat. With a simple interface and smooth navigation, FlyGallery is a great replacement if you frequently browse through images and want a hassle-free experience.
Calculator² – More Than Just a Calculator
The built-in Windows Calculator does the job, but if you need advanced functionality, Calculator² is the way to go. This app provides scientific, financial, programmer, and unit conversion tools in one seamless interface. Whether you're crunching numbers for work, school, or programming, this app delivers far more than the standard calculator.
Final Thoughts
These alternative apps have vastly improved how I interact with Windows daily. Whether you need a better task manager, a more powerful file explorer, a lightweight image viewer, or an advanced calculator, these apps will enhance your experience. If you haven’t tried them yet, give them a shot—you might never go back to the default Windows apps!