Summary
- Microsoft crowns Copilot as Windows' top productivity app—company heavily promotes it.
- The "best apps" list includes only Microsoft apps and services; no third‑party tools appear.
- Ranking feels self‑serving; consider an alternate 9‑tool list that mixes Windows and third‑party apps.
There's a meme that makes its rounds around the internet. It's an edited image of ther 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, giving a Presidential Medal of Freedom to someone. The edit changes the recipient to also be Barack Obama, thus depicting him giving himself a medal, and is often used whenever a business or person give themselves a morale boost.
Well, I couldn't help but remember this meme when Microsoft published a list of the best productivity apps on Windows. And right at the top, taking the number one spot, is Copilot. I'm not sure if many people would agree, but Microsoft seems to believe it.
Microsoft is reportedly backing down on its AI-first plan after people made their voices heard
If true, it may mark the end of an era.
Microsoft lists Copilot at the top spot of the best Windows productivity apps
A pretty contentious choice
As spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft published a post titled "Best productivity apps in Windows for getting more done." And if you're hoping that even one third-party app managed to make the list, then I'm, unfortunately, going to have to dash your hopes. Every single one of them is a Windows app or service, and the company is keen to tell you why its own offerings are the best out there.
It's also interesting to see what order the company put each entry in. It never explicitly states that it's ranked from best to worst, but it's kind of implied with the numbering and the fact that Microsoft would likely lead with its strongest entry that the number one spot is its best offering. No prizes for guessing what's at the top:
1. Microsoft Copilot, your AI assistant
Microsoft Copilot (your AI assistant) is ready to help you think, plan, and get things done right from your desktop. Available on Windows, Copilot helps you handle tasks more efficiently. Use Copilot to summarize emails, turn scattered notes into checklists, draft messages, or help organize a project.
It's quite easy to see why Microsoft gave it the top spot. The company has been going full bore on adding Copilot to its products, and is pushing Copilot+ devices as the next step for Windows devices. However, I'm not sure if Windows' users would agree with Microsoft's rankings here.
If you'd like a more general opinion on which apps to grab, check out our list of these 9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows. It's a good mix of both Windows-based and third-party apps that have stood the test of time.