I fell out of love with Windows a few years ago—not because it stopped working, but because the small, repeated frictions of everyday use began to add up: sluggish Start searches, a stubbornly limited taskbar, a File Explorer that felt like it was designed for file storage rather than quick work, and phone‑to‑PC tools that often favored a single vendor. A recent roundup of free utilities—highlighting PowerToys Run, Files, Windhawk, Task Manager DeLuxe, LocalSend, KDE Connect, and QuickLook—reminded me that the Windows experience can be rescued without spending a dime, if you pick the right tools and treat them responsibly. The piece I’m responding to (which I reviewed) makes a practical case for each tool and why these particular apps matter today.
Windows 11 cleaned up a lot of rough edges, but several core UI/UX pain points remain. Microsoft’s official PowerToys utilities continue to provide the most polished, officially sanctioned power‑user features, while a thriving open‑source ecosystem fills gaps Microsoft hasn’t prioritized. The examples below show how the right combination of lightweight system utilities, open‑source apps, and careful configuration can make Windows feel more productive and pleasurable—without replacing the OS.
PowerToys Run (now evolving into a more modern Command Palette) is a Microsoft‑backed tool that behaves like macOS Spotlight but with plugins and power‑user features. Microsoft documents the core features and keystroke (Alt+Space), and recent updates have introduced the idea of a new "Command Palette" interface in PowerToys that expands Run’s capability.
Files is a community‑driven file manager that adds dual‑pane, column view, tags, themeing, and built‑in cloud drive support—features many users have long wanted in File Explorer. It’s open source, available from the developers’ site and optionally purchasable through the Microsoft Store to support the project.
Windhawk is a mod platform with a collection of highly focused tweaks for Windows 11, including taskbar styling, clock customization, and tray icon tweaks. It’s explicitly designed to run in the background with minimal overhead but does modify Explorer behavior, so it’s powerful—and worth treating with caution.
Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX) is a mature, portable process and system monitor from MiTeC that adds deep insights and a rich set of discovery tools for running processes, services, and network connections—an excellent power‑user replacement for Task Manager.
LocalSend is a modern, peer‑to‑peer file‑sharing app focused on local networks, end‑to‑end encryption, and cross‑platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). It’s designed to be a fast, private alternative to cloud‑backed sharing or vendor‑locked “nearby” features.
KDE Connect brings a full suite of device‑integration features—clipboard sync, notification mirroring, remote input, media controls, and file transfer—to desktops and phones. Originally a KDE/Plasma project, it’s been ported to Windows and remains a broadly useful cross‑platform tool that doesn’t lock you into a single phone vendor.
QuickLook brings macOS‑style instant file previews to Windows: hit Spacebar on a selected file in Explorer and see a fast, lightweight preview for images, PDFs, Office documents, audio, and video without waiting for full apps to load. Multiple community forks and releases implement plugin support for expanded file types.
All tools here are well‑maintained and widely used, but none is risk‑free. The biggest operational hazards are:
Conclusion
Windows is at its best when it’s flexible. The combination of Microsoft‑backed utilities (PowerToys) and vibrant open‑source projects (Files, QuickLook, LocalSend, KDE Connect, TMX, Windhawk) proves that you can modernize your workflow without jumping ship to a different OS. These apps remove repeated friction, restore choice, and add features people actually use—so long as you install them carefully, respect network and permission boundaries, and keep both Windows and the apps up to date. The net result: a Windows machine that behaves less like a generic operating system and more like a finely tuned productivity environment.
Source: MakeUseOf These free apps finally made me enjoy using Windows again
Windows 11 cleaned up a lot of rough edges, but several core UI/UX pain points remain. Microsoft’s official PowerToys utilities continue to provide the most polished, officially sanctioned power‑user features, while a thriving open‑source ecosystem fills gaps Microsoft hasn’t prioritized. The examples below show how the right combination of lightweight system utilities, open‑source apps, and careful configuration can make Windows feel more productive and pleasurable—without replacing the OS.PowerToys Run (now evolving into a more modern Command Palette) is a Microsoft‑backed tool that behaves like macOS Spotlight but with plugins and power‑user features. Microsoft documents the core features and keystroke (Alt+Space), and recent updates have introduced the idea of a new "Command Palette" interface in PowerToys that expands Run’s capability.
Files is a community‑driven file manager that adds dual‑pane, column view, tags, themeing, and built‑in cloud drive support—features many users have long wanted in File Explorer. It’s open source, available from the developers’ site and optionally purchasable through the Microsoft Store to support the project.
Windhawk is a mod platform with a collection of highly focused tweaks for Windows 11, including taskbar styling, clock customization, and tray icon tweaks. It’s explicitly designed to run in the background with minimal overhead but does modify Explorer behavior, so it’s powerful—and worth treating with caution.
Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX) is a mature, portable process and system monitor from MiTeC that adds deep insights and a rich set of discovery tools for running processes, services, and network connections—an excellent power‑user replacement for Task Manager.
LocalSend is a modern, peer‑to‑peer file‑sharing app focused on local networks, end‑to‑end encryption, and cross‑platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). It’s designed to be a fast, private alternative to cloud‑backed sharing or vendor‑locked “nearby” features.
KDE Connect brings a full suite of device‑integration features—clipboard sync, notification mirroring, remote input, media controls, and file transfer—to desktops and phones. Originally a KDE/Plasma project, it’s been ported to Windows and remains a broadly useful cross‑platform tool that doesn’t lock you into a single phone vendor.
QuickLook brings macOS‑style instant file previews to Windows: hit Spacebar on a selected file in Explorer and see a fast, lightweight preview for images, PDFs, Office documents, audio, and video without waiting for full apps to load. Multiple community forks and releases implement plugin support for expanded file types.
PowerToys Run (Command Palette): spot, expand, automate
What it does and why it matters
PowerToys Run (invoked by Alt+Space by default) is a keyboard launcher: apps, files, folders, running windows, quick calculations, and shell commands appear instantly. Microsoft documents Run as an open‑source, plugin‑friendly launcher, and the project has evolved to include a more extensible “Command Palette” experience that further targets developers and power users. If you want a fast, keyboard‑centric workflow that minimizes mouse trips, Run is a first‑class choice.Plugins and ecosystem
The real power comes from plugins. Community plugins add:- Winget integration so you can search and install software directly.
- Everything integration for lightning‑fast filename search using an indexer many Windows power users already run.
- Emerging conversational plugins (e.g., a ChatGPT plugin) that can forward a query to a web LLM and show results in a browser—useful, but still experimental in many setups. Tom’s Hardware reported Microsoft approving a community ChatGPT plugin for PowerToys; the plugin uses a special activation sequence and is still being tuned to avoid keystroke collisions and UX surprises. Treat AI plugins as convenience features, not definitive authorities.
Strengths
- Speed and low friction: Instant activation and results make app and file launches feel native.
- Extensible: Community plugins close the gap between launcher and full command palette.
- Official backing: PowerToys is Microsoft‑maintained, which reduces the risk profile compared with random third‑party launchers.
Risks and mitigation
- Third‑party plugins: Install only well‑maintained plugins from reputable repos; inspect code for security‑sensitive integrations (installers, package managers). Verify plugin sources and prefer signed releases when possible.
- Keystroke conflicts: New PowerToys UI updates reassign default shortcuts (Command Palette uses Win+Alt+Space in some builds), so confirm or remap to avoid conflicts with other utilities or system shortcuts.
Files (Files Community): the File Explorer you’ll want to keep
What it brings to Windows
Files is a modern, community‑built replacement for File Explorer with features that have long been requested: tabs, dual‑pane modes (horizontal and vertical), column view, tags, rich previews, Git integration, and built‑in cloud drive support (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud). The project is open source and distributes a free installer, with an optional Microsoft Store purchase for supporters.Practical highlights
- Dual‑pane and column view simplify drag‑and‑drop operations and fast navigation between folders.
- Tags and previews give you a modern filing system for quick sorting and visual context.
- Cloud drive integration reduces context switching for users who work across on‑device and cloud storage.
Strengths
- Polished UI and customization: Fluent‑style theming, remappable key bindings, and views designed for modern workflows.
- Active development and community: Regular releases, changelogs, and an open GitHub repo mean bugs are visible and frequently addressed.
Risks and mitigation
- Maturity and bugs: Feature‑rich apps can introduce regressions (there are documented issues in certain views in past releases). Keep the app updated and consider test‑running major releases before deploying on critical machines.
- Store vs. installer: If you prefer app security boundaries, the Microsoft Store version offers an additional sandboxing layer and automatic updates; alternatively, verify downloaded installers’ checksums and hashes before running.
Windhawk: tame the taskbar and restore missing options
What Windhawk does
Windhawk is a modular customization platform that injects small, reversible mods into Windows components (notably explorer.exe). Its taskbar styler, clock customization, and tray icon tweaks let you resize the taskbar, change icon spacing, show live system stats in the clock, or even create dock‑like appearances. Windhawk emphasizes stability, with mod sources published for inspection.Strengths
- Granular control: Restore vertical taskbars, adjust icon size, or hide system icons you never use.
- Custom themes and styles: Several community themes (Windows7, DockLike, TranslucentTaskbar) are available out of the box.
Risks and mitigation
- Explorer modifications: Any tool that hooks Explorer or replaces system UI behavior can break after major Windows updates. Create a system restore point, have a recovery plan, and uninstall mods before performing big OS updates. Windhawk is designed for stability, but risk is non‑zero.
- Security hygiene: Install mods from the official Windhawk marketplace and review mod changelogs and source code where possible.
Task Manager DeLuxe (MiTeC TMX): process visibility for professionals
What it offers
TMX is a lightweight, portable system monitor that goes far beyond Task Manager: tree views of processes, detailed network‑by‑process connections, disk I/O history, opened/locked files, VirusTotal checks, session journaling, and more. It’s designed to be portable (no installation required) and useful as a troubleshooting Swiss Army knife.Strengths
- Deep diagnostics: Network connections mapped by process, GPU engine usage, and per‑process I/O history help track down resource hogs and suspicious behavior.
- Portable and fast: Excellent for admin work on machines where you can’t install software or need a quick toolkit on a USB stick.
Risks and mitigation
- Permissions and admin rights: Some diagnostics require elevated permissions. Run TMX with care and only when you understand the implications of attached tools (e.g., VirusTotal lookups may upload sample metadata).
- Complement, don’t replace: For regular users, TMX is overkill. Use it for targeted troubleshooting and pair it with safer day‑to‑day monitoring tools.
LocalSend: fast, private local file transfers
What it is and how it works
LocalSend is an open‑source, peer‑to‑peer file‑share app that discovers devices on the same local network and transfers files directly—no cloud intermediary, no vendor lock‑in. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and uses end‑to‑end encryption to keep transfers private. It’s an excellent alternative when you want Airdrop‑like behavior across mixed devices.Strengths
- Cross‑platform: Works between laptops, phones, and even devices like Google TV.
- Private and local: Peer‑to‑peer with encryption keeps files on your network.
Risks and mitigation
- Network configuration: Discovery requires devices to be on the same LAN; guest networks or strict AP isolation can block discovery. Check router settings if devices don’t see each other.
- Use trusted networks: Even with encryption, avoid pushing sensitive files over untrusted public Wi‑Fi.
KDE Connect: a liberating Phone Link alternative
How it compares to Phone Link
Microsoft’s Phone Link has improved significantly, but several cross‑device features are still gated by specific manufacturers (notably Samsung) or require Microsoft account bits. KDE Connect offers parity for many features—clipboard sharing, notification sync, media control, remote input, and file transfer—with no Microsoft account required and broad Android support. KDE Connect is an officially maintained KDE project with Windows builds and community instructions for installation.Strengths
- Vendor agnosticism: Clipboard sync and remote input work across Android devices (subject to Android clipboard restrictions on newer versions).
- Feature depth: Virtual touchpad, presentation remote, and shell command execution are particularly useful for power users and presenters.
Risks and mitigation
- Android privacy/security changes: Recent Android versions have tightened clipboard access; KDE Connect mitigates some of this by providing manual "Send clipboard" actions where necessary. Expect minor friction with platform privacy rules.
- Install source: Use official KDE builds or trusted package distributions; building from source is an option but unnecessary for most users.
QuickLook: small convenience, big daily ROI
What it does
QuickLook gives you instant previews by pressing Spacebar on any selected file in File Explorer. Community releases support images, PDFs, Office files, audio/video and offer plugin extensibility. For anyone who frequently glances at files rather than fully editing them, QuickLook is a huge time saver.Strengths
- Zero friction previews: Replace multiple app launches with a single keystroke and keep your workflow momentum.
- Plugin ecosystem: Extend to more file types (EPUB, fonts, additional Office formats) through plugins.
Risks and mitigation
- Plugin security: Only install plugins from trusted repositories and keep QuickLook itself updated. Community forks are active, so prefer official or widely adopted builds.
Practical deployment checklist (safe setup)
- Create a Windows System Restore point (or a full image) before applying system‑level mods like Windhawk or installing unsigned drivers.
- Prefer Microsoft Store or official project installers when available; verify checksums for downloaded EXEs.
- Run a local antivirus/endpoint scan on any new installer; check community feedback and recent issues on the project’s GitHub/issue tracker.
- For tools that hook Explorer (Windhawk) or run elevated (TMX, PowerToys), keep automatic OS updates off until after temporarily disabling those mods and confirming compatibility.
- Use per‑app settings (or Windows' controlled folder access) to restrict apps that don’t need broad file system access.
- If you rely on device‑integration features, test on one machine first and confirm network configuration (same LAN, multicast allowed) for local discovery tools like LocalSend and KDE Connect.
Final analysis: where these apps shine—and where to be careful
These seven free utilities collectively address the three most common daily frictions in Windows: search and launch latency, file management, and device integration. PowerToys Run (and its modern Command Palette iteration) returns fast, keyboard‑first control to your workflow and is especially powerful when paired with Everything and Winget plugins. Files delivers the File Explorer experience power users have wanted for years. Windhawk restores user agency over the taskbar and small UI pieces Microsoft has locked down; it’s invaluable for customization lovers but comes with modding caveats. TMX is a go‑to diagnostics tool for sysadmins. LocalSend and KDE Connect solve cross‑device friction in complementary ways—LocalSend for private file transfers, KDE Connect for continuous device integration. QuickLook is the kind of tiny convenience that improves every file interaction.All tools here are well‑maintained and widely used, but none is risk‑free. The biggest operational hazards are:
- Installing unsigned or obscure plugins without review.
- Using Explorer‑modding tools without a recovery plan.
- Assuming mobile‑PC features behave identically across vendors (Phone Link remains partially Samsung‑centric; KDE Connect and LocalSend bypass that but need LAN access and sometimes platform workarounds).
Conclusion
Windows is at its best when it’s flexible. The combination of Microsoft‑backed utilities (PowerToys) and vibrant open‑source projects (Files, QuickLook, LocalSend, KDE Connect, TMX, Windhawk) proves that you can modernize your workflow without jumping ship to a different OS. These apps remove repeated friction, restore choice, and add features people actually use—so long as you install them carefully, respect network and permission boundaries, and keep both Windows and the apps up to date. The net result: a Windows machine that behaves less like a generic operating system and more like a finely tuned productivity environment.
Source: MakeUseOf These free apps finally made me enjoy using Windows again