If you’ve been skipping the Microsoft Store thinking it’s just bloatware central—think again. Hidden in plain sight are powerful, free apps that boost your productivity, entertainment, and system performance without costing a cent. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re actually useful.
We’ve handpicked the top 11 free Microsoft Store apps that deliver real value. No filler, no fluff—just the good stuff that should’ve shipped with Windows in the first place.
1. QuickLook – Preview Files Instantly Like on macOS
Want to peek inside a file without launching a heavy program? QuickLook lets you hit the spacebar and get an instant preview. It supports images, videos, PDFs, and even Office docs. It’s fast, lightweight, and way more intuitive than Windows Explorer ever was.
Pro tip: Use the arrow keys to scroll through photo albums without opening a single window.
2. EarTrumpet – Real Volume Control, Finally
The built-in Windows volume mixer is a joke. EarTrumpet fixes that by giving you per-app volume control directly from your taskbar. Adjust YouTube without lowering Spotify. Balance game sounds while keeping Discord quiet. Simple, powerful, and exactly what Windows should’ve had years ago.
3. ShareX – Elite Screen Capture Tool (Without the Price Tag)
Forget Snipping Tool. ShareX captures anything—scrolling pages, active windows, full-screen videos—and exports to GIFs, videos, or image files. Built-in OCR extracts text from screenshots, and you can upload directly to Google Drive or Dropbox. It’s open source, fast, and insanely versatile.
4. IrfanView – Lightweight Photo Viewer That Doesn’t Lag
If the Windows Photos app is lagging or taking forever to open, IrfanView is the fix. It’s a fast, no-frills image viewer that supports virtually every format and opens in seconds. It also offers batch resizing, slideshows, and light editing.
5. Microsoft To Do – Actually Useful Task Management
Microsoft To Do is simple, sleek, and syncs across devices. Set due dates, reminders, subtasks, and categorize with hashtags. Whether you’re managing a full project or your grocery list, this free app keeps your head clear and your tasks in order.
6. Ditto Clipboard – Copy & Paste Without Losing Anything
The standard clipboard forgets everything after one copy. Ditto remembers it all. Store and search every snippet of text, URL, image, or copied item you’ve used in the past day—or week. Boost productivity without thinking twice.
7. MusicBee – Audiophile-Approved Music Player
MusicBee supports every audio format under the sun, offers plug-ins, podcasts, and internet radio. Customize your UI, apply DSP effects, and organize massive libraries without slowdown. It’s everything Groove Music wishes it could be.
8. Simple Minesweeper – The Classic Game, Done Right
Microsoft nuked the original Minesweeper, but Simple Minesweeper brings it back—same visuals, same mechanics. Whether you’re on Easy or Hardcore, this version hits all the nostalgic beats with added themes and customizable grids.
9. F.lux – Reduce Eye Strain and Sleep Better
F.lux auto-adjusts your screen’s color temperature based on the time of day. Ditch the harsh blue light and get a warmer, more natural glow that eases eye fatigue and supports melatonin production. Your eyes (and sleep) will thank you.
10. OneNote – Full-Featured Note-Taking, No Subscription Required
OneNote lets you clip, organize, and write across notebooks with full cloud sync. Unlike the pre-installed version, the Microsoft Store edition doesn’t require a 365 subscription. Ideal for students, researchers, or anyone who lives in organized chaos.
11. CrystalDiskMark – Benchmark Your Hard Drive in Seconds
CrystalDiskMark tells you how fast your SSD or HDD really is—read/write speeds, sequential performance, and more. It’s dead simple and useful whether you’re troubleshooting or selling your PC. No fluff, just performance numbers.
Bonus Mentions
TranslucentTB – Control Windows taskbar transparency.
Codex – Scan QR codes right from your PC.
WhatsApp – Fully integrated desktop version, perfect for older phones or multi-device syncing.
💬 FAQ: What People Are Asking
Q: Are these apps truly free?
Yes. Every app listed here is 100% free with core features unlocked. Some offer optional donations or pro upgrades, but you don’t need them.
Q: Will they slow down my PC?
No. Most of these are lightweight, with minimal impact on system performance—even on older laptops.
Q: How do I install them?
Open Microsoft Store > Search app name > Click Install. Done in seconds.
Q: Can I remove them later?
Absolutely. Just right-click from the Start Menu or use Settings > Apps to uninstall.
Q: Why aren’t these apps more popular?
Because the Microsoft Store has a bad rep. But savvy users know where the gold is—and now, so do you.
Don’t settle for a basic Windows experience. These apps add real functionality with zero cost and minimal setup. Stop missing out—optimize your PC the smart way. Let me know if you want to cluster this with related content like “Best Productivity Extensions for Windows” or “Essential Tools After Fresh Windows Install” for even stronger topical authority.
Dan Warren was a reporter for Freeze Wall, before becoming an editor. Dan has previously worked for Wired, MacWorld, Tech Crunch, and VentureBeat covering countless stories concerning all things related to tech and science. Dan studied at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
