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- If Windows is your OS of choice, consider these open-source apps.
- There are plenty of open-source apps for just about any task.
- All of these are free to install and use on Windows.
I have been using open-source software for a very long time. Actually, last time I was not Use open-source software, Bill Clinton was President of the US.
Open-source software is available for almost every operating system on the market, from desktops to phones, and I often find that open-source apps are better than their proprietary counterparts. If you’re a Windows user, you don’t have to be locked into closed-source software, as there are many options you can choose from.
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Let me introduce you to some of my favourites.
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice has been my favorite office suite ever since it was a twinkle in StarOffice’s eye, and I haven’t looked back since. LibreOffice includes all the tools you’re used to in an office suite and even includes a database component (similar to MS Access). And with a customizable user interface, you can work with a modern UI or a UI reminiscent of the old days.
Also: 6 Ways LibreOffice Is Better Than Google Docs for Serious Writing Work
LibreOffice is installed locally, so you don’t have to worry about a third-party cloud service accessing your information. You can set LibreOffice to automatically save in MS Office default formats, so collaborating with others using Microsoft’s tools is no easy task.
libre office It’s free to download and install for Windows.
2. Flow Launcher
flow launcher There is a quick file search and app launcher for Windows. With Flow Launcher, you use a customizable hot key to launch the tool and then find whatever you’re looking for. You can open apps, search files, and browse the Internet with your default search engine. Flow Launcher includes themes, animations, and sounds, and even allows you to create your own customizations. There are also community-created plugins to extend the feature set.
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Flow Launcher is free to download and install.
3. Duplication
Duplicate is a zero-trust backup solution that can backup from Windows (or any OS) to any destination you need. You can back up to Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, or you can back up to other machines on your LAN for more privacy. Duplicati allows scheduling and remote management, and its setup is straightforward. Your backups are fully encrypted, and you can easily monitor them for real-time information through a well-designed dashboard.
Also: Your Windows PC has a secretly useful backup tool – here’s how to access it
Duplicati is free for personal use.
4. NextCloud
If you’re tired of using cloud-based offerings from Google or Microsoft (especially out of fear that they’re using your data to train LLMs), there’s always NextCloud, which is open-source, runs locally on par with the cloud offerings. NextCloud includes everything you need for file storage, sharing, collaborating, communicating, organizing, and more. There’s also an app store where you can install plugins to extend the feature set.
Also: Best Cloud Storage Services of 2025: Expert Tested
You can install and use NextCloud for free on Windows and even install NextCloud Desktop Client For even easier use.
5. Franz
If you use multiple messaging apps and services, you might want to consider FranzBecause it brings all those messaging apps into one user-friendly GUI. Franz allows you to connect WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Slack, Telegram, Google Calendar, Discord, LinkedIn, Trello, Office 365 Outlook, Google Keep, and more at once, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps. You can add as many accounts as you want and easily switch between them without leaving the Franz UI.
Also: 5 tools I trust to keep my online conversations private and anonymous
Franz is free to install and use.
6. Yazb
YAZB (aka YAZB Reborn) makes it possible to create a custom Windows top bar (similar to MacOS) that can display useful system information, such as battery status, internet speed, weather and more – all with a clean, minimal, elegant style.
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YAZB also gives you quick access to shutdown/restart controls, customizable themes/icons/layouts, and allows you to add as many useful widgets as needed.
7. File Converter
If you’ve ever needed to easily convert or compress a file in Windows, file converter Have your back. Using the right-click context menu entry (within the File Manager), you can convert audio, video, images and documents from one format to another. In the case of documents, you can convert almost any format to PDF. You can also compress files in a similar manner.
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The only caveat is that, to convert MS Office files, you need to have MS Office installed. You can customize the application order within the context menu and also add or remove presets.
File Converter is free to install and use on Windows.
8. Bitwarden
If you don’t use a password manager, you should start immediately. If you need a password manager, you should put Bitwarden at the top of your list. Bitwarden is not only open-source, but it is also one of the best password managers on the market.
With every feature you need (including a web browser extension), Bitwarden can do more to help keep you secure by simplifying the process of using strong, unique passwords. This open-source password manager includes a password generator (which can pass both passwords and phrases), Bitwarden Send (for securely sending files and text), and more.
Also: NordPass vs Bitwarden: Which Password Manager is Best?
Bitwarden can be installed and used for free on Windows. You may also consider purchasing a license, as it gives you more collaboration features, which may come in handy with a larger family or organization.
9. AutoHotkey
autohotkey is an automation scripting language for Windows that allows you to define hotkeys, remap keys or buttons for both mouse and keyboard, and more. With AutoHotKey, you can automate almost any desktop task.
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Essentially, this app makes it easier to work with hotkeys and macros, helping you work more efficiently. AutoHotKey does have a learning process, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be glad you took the time to do so.
AutoHotKey can be installed and used for free on Windows.
10. Olama
If you want to use AI but don’t like the idea of a third party using your questions or data to train their OLMA, consider the open-source OLMA, which is easy to use and even includes a well-designed GUI for connecting and interacting with models.
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With Olama you can work on a large scale selection of modelsFrom small to very big. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the larger the model, the more system resources it will require. You would also be best off using Olama on a Windows machine with a dedicated GPU.
Olama can be installed and used for free on Windows.
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