Windows is a versatile operating system that allows you to install software from official and third-party sources to enhance its usability. Most users only rely on popular apps like MS Office, Photoshop, Chrome, and more for their work or leisure on Windows PCs. However, there are numerous lesser-known apps that can significantly boost your productivity, efficiency, and overall experience of using Windows OS.

Here are the 15 best under-the-radar Windows tools that you should try.

15 QuickLook

Preview files instantly with just the spacebar

If you have used macOS, you might know about the Preview app, which lets you preview the files without actually opening them. QuickLook provides the exact same functionality on Windows. Select the file you want to preview and press the spacebar to glance over it. QuickLook supports various file formats such as PDFs, JPGs, ZIP, RAR, and more.

14 O&O ShutUp10++

Take control of your Windows privacy settings

If you are worried about privacy on your Windows system, ShutUp10++ is the app you'll love to include in your arsenal. It's a lightweight app that allows users to change hidden Windows settings, such as disabling telemetry, preventing app tracking, blocking personalized ads, and more. Instead of manually searching and making changes to Windows settings and registry editing, you can do all that under this little app.

The app also gives the option to reverse the changes it made if anything goes wrong. So, if you are concerned about your data, this is the must-have Windows app.

13 FreeFileSync

Effortless file synchronization and backup

If you are someone like me who likes to back up their crucial data periodically on an external hard disk, FreeFileSync is like a God's gift to you, and it's for free. It's a lightweight open-source tool that simplifies file synchronization between two folders or drives and helps with proper backup.

For example, you back up your work-related files every Friday to your external disk. FreeFileSync will analyze the changes made since last Friday and only sync the new files to the backup folder on the external drive. This makes backup pretty efficient. You don't have to worry about manually backing up newly included folders and files in the last week.

The best thing I like about FreeFileSync is its real-time sync feature, which automatically syncs changes between folders. That way, I don't even have to open the app and click the Synchronize button for backup. The app will take care of it.

12 EarTrumpet

A better volume control for Windows

The native Windows volume control feature is good enough for regular use, but if you want granular control over the output volume of your Windows applications, EarTrumpet can help. It's a simple tool that lets you independently adjust the volume for each application running on your system. It also lets you control the volume of an external output, like an earphone or speaker, attached to your PC.

I find it pretty useful when I'm working on a video/audio editing project and playing music side by side. I don't have to open my music app to lower its volume separately. All I have to do is quickly access the EarTrumpet interface from the taskbar tray and make volume adjustments as needed.

11 TinyTask

Automate repetitive tasks with ease

I absolutely love this fantastic app. It's a simple automation tool that records your actions on Windows and allows you to save and use the recorded action anytime. For instance, if you regularly need to navigate to Settings -> System -> Power & Battery -> Power Mode, you can record this process via TinyTask and save it as an .EXE file. The next time you want to reach Power Mode, simply run the .EXE file you created.

This tool can automate almost anything you usually do manually on your computer, from clicking buttons to typing text. It is best used to automate tedious tasks like filling out forms.

10 Folder Painter

Add a splash of color to your folders

Are you bored with the default folder color on your Windows 10 or 11 devices? If yes, the Folder Painter tool lets you customize the folder icon and add color or a different icon. It helps organize the folders in Windows and also quickly recognizes them when required. It is also suitable for the aesthetics of your drive. For example, you can change the color of all your work-related folders into something unique that makes them easy to spot.

Folder Painter is pretty easy to use. After setting it up, you can change the icons of your folders by simply right-clicking the folder and selecting the suitable color or icon from the context menu.

9 Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller)

Effortlessly remove unwanted programs

If you like to have a lightweight no-nonsense uninstaller tool for your Windows PC, Bulk Crap Uninstaller or BCUninstaller is your answer. This powerful tool helps you declutter your PC by uninstalling stubborn applications, even those whose uninstallers are lost. After uninstalling the apps, it also cleans the leftovers so that no unnecessary data accumulates on your device.

The app allows batch uninstallation, i.e., you can uninstall multiple apps at once with ease. Since I regularly install and uninstall apps on my device, the BCUninstaller helps me to keep my PC clean and spacious.

8 WizTree

Identify what's hogging your storage space

WizTree is a handy disk analyzer tool that basically helps you sort out which large files are taking up space on your hard disk. It quickly analyzes the whole disk from the disk's Master File Table (MFT) and creates a visual tree map. This treemap makes it easy to identify files that are unnecessarily taking up space and quickly delete them. This way, you can easily optimize the disk space and avoid hogging.

7 f.lux

Protect your eyes from screen strain

Spending most of your day in front of your PC screen can impact your eyes and, in the long term, affect your sleep cycle. f.lux helps you fix this issue by adjusting the screen's color temperature based on the time of day, reducing the blue light exposure during the evening. It's pretty easy to set up and works silently in the background. When you open it for the first time, it will ask for your location to adjust the screen's brightness and color based on the sunrise and sunset time of the day. I personally found it a bit too much at first, but I soon got used to it.

6 Paint.net

A free yet powerful alternative to Photoshop

Paint.net is a free photo-editing tool that comes with amazing features that help you perform basic to advanced image editing. Though not as robust as Photoshop, Paint.net is still a powerful alternative, especially if you aren't very involved with image editing work and need a basic tool for occasional editing.

I use it to merge images and create the canvas for my blogs. I love using it because of its short learning curve and simplicity.