Are Third-Party Windows Apps Still Essential in 2025

For years a clean Windows install began with the same ritual: install a handful of third‑party utilities that felt like essentials. Those small programs filled real gaps—turning phones into webcams, rescuing awful screenshots, taming compressed archives, and providing the kind of real‑time malware protection that made you sleep better. Over the past several Windows feature updates Microsoft has quietly closed many of those gaps. That shift doesn’t mean third‑party tools are dead; it means the baseline Windows experience is far less raw than it used to be. This article examines five categories of formerly indispensable apps, explains what Microsoft added, assesses what’s still worth keeping, and gives practical guidance for users and power users deciding whether to rip out legacy utilities or keep them around.

Background: why third‑party apps were once indispensable​

Windows’ extensibility has always been a strength. Independent developers built tools to do things Microsoft hadn’t prioritized: richer screenshot capture, flexible archive handling, seamless phone‑to‑PC workflows, lightweight but powerful editors, and aggressive anti‑malware suites. Those apps succeeded because they solved pain points immediately and often with better ergonomics than Microsoft’s own solutions.
Over time Microsoft responded. Some of those capabilities migrated into core Windows features, sometimes via major releases and sometimes through incremental updates. The result: the everyday user now has access to many of the same conveniences without adding extra software. That raises three practical questions every Windows user should ask:

• Does the built‑in tool meet my day‑to‑day needs?
• Does the third‑party app offer unique features I rely on?
• Are there security, privacy, or performance trade‑offs to using extra software?

Answering those questions is the core of this article.

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1. Phone‑to‑PC bridging: DroidCam, Pushbullet, and the rise of Phone Link​

The old workflow: bridging the phone and PC​

A few years ago apps like DroidCam and Pushbullet felt magical. DroidCam turned an Android or iPhone camera into a webcam in minutes—transforming low‑quality laptop webcams into usable video for meetings. Pushbullet was the classic multi‑device glue: notifications, message replies, and quick file/link transfers between phone and PC without rooting or messy cloud steps.
Those apps solved practical pain points: poor laptop webcams, clumsy file transfers, and fragmented notifications. They were fast to set up and platform‑agnostic enough to become a standard post‑install tool for many users.

What Windows added​

Microsoft’s Phone Link (formerly Your Phone) absorbed many of those features and deepened platform integration for Android. On capable devices Phone Link now supports:

• Notification mirroring and quick replies on the PC.
• Drag‑and‑drop photo transfers and file access.
• Native SMS and RCS messaging from desktop apps.
• Running Android apps directly on Windows (on supported hardware and OS versions).
• Using the phone camera as a webcam in select scenarios.

For users with compatible phones and Windows builds, those features remove much of the friction that third‑party bridging apps once addressed.

Strengths and limits of the built‑in approach​

Phone Link’s strengths are obvious: it’s integrated, supported at the OS level, and designed to respect Windows’ security and permission model. It removes dependence on a third app, simplifies updates, and generally offers a smoother “it just works” experience.
But there are still valid reasons to keep specialized apps:

• Cross‑platform parity: Phone Link’s most seamless features favor Android; iPhone integration is still limited compared with Android capabilities.
• Advanced webcam features: DroidCam and similar apps often provide manual exposure control, multiple resolutions, wireless latency tuning, and virtual webcam drivers that appear in every video app. Phone Link’s camera passthrough is convenient but not always a full replacement for dedicated virtual webcam drivers.
• Privacy and alternate ecosystems: Users who prefer not to link device telemetry to a Microsoft account or who use less common phone models may prefer third‑party alternatives.
• Offline or corporate scenarios: Some corporate environments block Phone Link’s required services or network patterns; third‑party solutions that use local Wi‑Fi or USB tethering may still be necessary.

Practical guidance​

• If you use an Android phone and your needs are basic (notifications, messages, photo transfers, and occasional camera use), try Phone Link first.
• Keep DroidCam or similar apps if you rely on advanced webcam settings, need virtual webcam support across apps, or require a solution that works without a Microsoft account or outside of Microsoft’s supported device list.
• For iPhone users, third‑party bridging tools still have more parity for certain features such as universal notification mirroring.

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2. Screen capture and productivity: ShareX vs Snipping Tool​

The evolution of screenshot utilities​

For power users ShareX became a Swiss army knife: region captures, custom workflows, automated uploads, chained actions (OCR, image hosting, URL shortening), deep annotation, scrolling capture, and precise hotkey scripting. It was the go‑to tool for anyone who screenshots as part of their workflow.
Windows’ Snipping Tool was serviceable for simple captures, but it lacked the automation and flexibility many people needed.

The modern Snipping Tool​

Recent Windows updates dramatically expanded Snipping Tool’s capabilities. Today it commonly includes:

• Multiple capture modes (region, window, full screen).
• Simple video recording of the screen and application windows.
• Built‑in annotation and cropping tools.
• Scrolling capture support in some contexts.
• Integrated OCR that recognizes text inside screenshots.
• Convenient systemwide keyboard shortcuts and a modern UI.

For many users these improvements cover daily needs without adding another program.

Why ShareX still matters​

ShareX remains unmatched in several areas:

• Automation: custom upload targets, automated processing pipelines, and scripting make ShareX ideal for repetitive tasks.
• Extensibility: quick actions can be chained—capture → OCR → upload → publish link—in a single hotkey.
• Format and output control: deep configuration of image compression, color profiles, and naming conventions.
• Community plugins: integrations and advanced options contributed by the open‑source community.

If your work involves frequent captures, technical documentation, bug reporting, or publishing screenshots at scale, ShareX continues to provide a productivity advantage.

Recommendation​

• Casual users and office workers will find Snipping Tool fully sufficient and less cognitively taxing.
• Professionals, technical writers, streamers, and developers who rely on automation and advanced export options should keep ShareX or an equivalent.

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3. Archive management: WinRAR and the built‑in File Explorer​

Why compression tools were essential​

WinRAR and 7‑Zip became reflexive installs because they handled archive formats Windows could not: RAR, 7z, multi‑part archives, and password‑protected containers. They also provided advanced compression ratios, batch operations, and command‑line integration.
Windows historically had limited built‑in support—ZIP only—and extraction tools were clunky for complex archives.

Windows’ improved archive support​

Microsoft has upgraded File Explorer’s compressed file handling in recent updates, making it easier to open and extract common archive types without installing extra software. The built‑in behavior now feels less like a half‑measure and more like a practical default for everyday use.

Where third‑party compressors still lead​

There are several important distinctions where WinRAR/7‑Zip continue to excel:

• Format breadth and fidelity: full creation and manipulation of RAR and 7z archives, advanced compression settings, and support for nuanced archive features.
• Encryption and archive integrity: mature handling of password protection, AES encryption schemes, and recovery records.
• Performance and compression ratios: 7‑Zip’s LZMA2 and other algorithms can outperform built‑in ZIP for large archive tasks.
• Batch automation and CLI: heavy users and sysadmins rely on command‑line tools and scripts that integrate with CI/CD, backups, or archiving policies.
• File association control: detailed context menu actions, shell extensions, and archive testing tools.

Practical advice​

• For opening occasional downloads and simpler ZIP files, rely on File Explorer’s native support.
• Keep 7‑Zip or WinRAR if you regularly create archives, need high compression efficiency, handle multi‑part or RAR archives, or require command‑line automation.
• Use built‑in tools for quick extracts and third‑party tools for anything that must be robust, scripted, or secure.

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4. Text editing: Notepad++ and the modern Notepad​

The original gap​

Notepad was a reliable but minimal tool. Developers, sysadmins, and power users turned to Notepad++ for syntax highlighting, tabs, plugins, advanced search/replace, and workflow features that made text editing faster and less error‑prone.
Notepad++ was small, fast, and extensible—an obvious must‑install for many.

Windows’ updated Notepad​

Windows updated Notepad with features that change the calculus:

• Tabs for simultaneously editing multiple files.
• Dark mode and improved theming.
• Auto‑save and recovery features to protect against crashes.
• Basic search/replace enhancements and layout improvements.
• Experimental integrations and AI‑adjacent capabilities in some preview or insider builds.

For many casual editing tasks, the new Notepad covers the need to edit configuration files, make quick edits, or take notes.

Why Notepad++ endures​

Notepad++ still holds important advantages:

• Rich plugin ecosystem that adds linters, formatters, code snippets, FTP/SFTP, and more.
• Advanced editing features: column mode, macro recording, multi‑cursor editing, and regex replace across multiple files.
• Lightweight performance for large files that can bog down heavier editors.
• Customizable syntax highlighting for niche languages and file types.

For developers, sysadmins, and power users who rely on these extensions and advanced capabilities, Notepad++ remains a superior choice.

Which to use​

• Use built‑in Notepad for casual editing, quick tweaks, and when a minimal, stable editor is all you need.
• Keep Notepad++ (or a full IDE) when you need plugins, batch editing, complex regex, or language support beyond what Notepad provides.

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5. Antivirus suites: Windows Security vs paid antivirus​

The old security posture​

A decade ago, third‑party antivirus suites were recommended almost reflexively. They provided real‑time scanning, web protection, firewalls, and bundled features like password managers and VPNs. Many users trusted big names because Microsoft’s Defender felt less capable.

Windows Security’s ascent​

Windows Security (Windows Defender) evolved from an adequate baseline scanner to a robust, built‑in security platform. Today it provides:

• Real‑time protection against malware and exploits.
• Cloud‑backed threat intelligence and heuristics.
• Ransomware protection and controlled folder access features.
• Built‑in firewall and browser integration with reputation services.
• Managed security features for enterprise users via Microsoft Defender suite.

For most users, Windows Security now provides effective, low‑overhead protection without paying for third‑party subscriptions.

Reasons to still consider third‑party AV​

Third‑party suites still make sense in several scenarios:

• Specialized features: identity theft protection, advanced VPNs, parental controls, and proprietary web filtering are often better executed by paid vendors.
• Multi‑platform management: families or small businesses that need cohesive cross‑device (macOS, Android, iOS) dashboards may prefer a single vendor.
• Layered detection: some third‑party products specialize in targeted mitigations and forensic tools that go beyond Defender’s baseline.
• Corporate policies: some enterprises require specific AV vendors for compliance, central management, or compatibility with legacy security stacks.

Practical security guidance​

• Rely on Windows Security for baseline defense on most consumer PCs—keep it enabled, update Windows regularly, and use browser hardening.
• Consider a second opinion scanner or targeted tools (anti‑ransomware, exploit mitigation) only if your threat model or work requires them.
• Avoid running multiple real‑time AV engines concurrently; that increases complexity and often degrades performance.
• Combine Defender with good security hygiene: strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and cautious web behavior.

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Cross‑cutting themes: why some apps survive, and why others disappear​

Integration beats features when baseline needs are met​

Software survives when it solves a problem that users repeatedly encounter and when it does so with convenience, reliability, and permissions that match user expectations. When Microsoft integrated features into Windows at a system level, the friction of running an extra app disappeared. Integration often wins over raw feature counts because it reduces configuration, updates, and potential security risks.

Power users still drive the third‑party ecosystem​

Many third‑party tools continue to thrive because they serve power users and niche workflows. Automation, advanced configuration, privacy‑first design, and community contributions are resilient advantages that a generalist OS vendor rarely matches perfectly.

Security and privacy tradeoffs​

Third‑party apps add complexity and potential attack surfaces. Every extra process, kernel driver, or cloud sync service broadens your system’s risk profile. That said, established vendors invest heavily in security features and telemetry that can detect threats Microsoft might miss. The right approach balances convenience, trust, and necessity.

Performance and bloat​

Bundled features reduce the need to install resource‑heavy suites. Modern Windows is more optimized, and relying on built‑in tools avoids redundant services, background updaters, and overlapping functionality that can slow machines—especially lower‑end hardware.

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Decision matrix: keep, replace, or complement?​

Here’s a practical framework to decide what to do with legacy utilities after installing Windows.

• Inventory your needs:
• List workflows you perform daily that depend on a third‑party tool.
• Mark which features are essential, optional, or nice‑to‑have.
• Test the built‑in alternatives:
• Try Phone Link, Snipping Tool, File Explorer extraction, Notepad, and Windows Security for a week under normal use.
• Note missing features that impact productivity.
• Evaluate the tradeoffs:
• Performance cost: Does the third‑party app run background services?
• Security cost: Does it require kernel‑level drivers, extensive permissions, or cloud accounts?
• Productivity gain: Is there a measurable time or quality benefit?
• Decide:
• Replace: If the OS features meet needs and reduce friction, uninstall the third‑party app.
• Complement: If the OS covers the basics but you need advanced options occasionally, keep the third‑party tool but disable auto‑start or set it to manual.
• Keep: If a tool provides essential, irreplaceable capabilities, continue using it and minimize overlap.

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Migration and clean‑up checklist​

If you decide to remove third‑party utilities, follow these steps to keep your system clean and minimize disruption.

• Backup preferences: Export settings, hotkeys, or plugin lists before uninstalling.
• Migrate data: Move custom templates, saved captures, archives, or plugin configurations to a safe folder.
• Disable startup entries: Use Task Manager or Settings to prevent services from autostarting before uninstalling.
• Uninstall cleanly: Use the app’s uninstaller or Windows Settings > Apps > Uninstall; follow with an optional registry cleaner if you’re comfortable.
• Confirm default associations: After removing a compressor/editor, confirm File Explorer and Windows default handlers point to the built‑in app you’ll use.
• Monitor for issues: Keep an eye on event logs and app behavior for a week—some enterprise apps may have hidden dependencies.

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The case for keeping the best of both worlds​

Complete replacement is unnecessary in many cases. A pragmatic approach is hybrid: rely on Windows for general tasks and keep specialized tools for heavy lifting. That hybrid model offers the best of both worlds—simplicity for everyday tasks and powerful tooling when work demands it.

• Example hybrid setups:
• Use Phone Link for quick transfers and DroidCam for high‑quality webcam sessions.
• Use Snipping Tool for ad hoc captures and ShareX for documentation workflows.
• Use File Explorer for quick extracts and 7‑Zip for archive creation and automation.
• Use Notepad for notes and Notepad++ for coding.
• Use Windows Security as primary defense and a specialized tool for identity theft protection or cross‑platform management.

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Risks and caveats​

• Feature parity is fluid: what’s true today may change with the next Windows update. Built‑in features can improve, but they can also be deprecated or limited by hardware or OEM policies.
• Platform lock‑in: deep reliance on Phone Link and other Microsoft‑centric services increases coupling to Microsoft’s ecosystem.
• Enterprise constraints: corporate policies or compliance requirements may mandate specific third‑party vendors despite built‑in alternatives.
• False economy: removing a paid AV suite for Defender might be fine for many, but for high‑risk users or those needing specialized features it could be a downgrade.

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Final analysis: what “essential” means in 2025​

The term “essential” has shifted. Years ago essential meant “you can’t function without it.” In 2025 the meaning leans toward “you can be productive without it.” Microsoft’s steady investments have turned many once‑mandatory utilities into optional powerups. That shift is healthy: fewer required installs means fewer security risks, less bloat, and a more consistent baseline for users.
Yet the third‑party ecosystem isn’t obsolete. It has evolved into a marketplace of specialization: power, automation, privacy controls, and niche features that an operating system can’t—or shouldn’t—bake into every install.
For most users, the recommendation is simple: try built‑in tools first, evaluate the gap, and then choose whether to keep third‑party apps as targeted enhancements. For power users and professionals, keep a curated set of best‑in‑class tools that amplify productivity and provide features Windows doesn’t offer.
Windows has made many apps “pointless” only in the sense that they are no longer universally necessary. They remain valuable—sometimes indispensable—for users with specialized needs. The smarter approach now is intentionality: install what you truly need, and let Windows handle the rest.

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Source: MakeUseOf These apps used to be essential until Windows made them pointless