ZDNET’s compact “five apps I always install first” playbook is an efficient, pragmatic shortcut for getting a fresh Windows PC productive in minutes: install Everything for instant local search, Google Chrome for cross‑device browsing and extensions, VLC Media Player for near‑universal media playback, 7‑Zip for robust compression and AES‑protected archives, and Discord for lightweight, persistent communication — a small toolkit that addresses day‑one gaps Windows leaves open and delivers immediate productivity gains. ows is a capable platform out of the box, but many users, from IT power users to everyday consumers, install a handful of third‑party utilities immediately after setup to close predictable gaps: faster local search, more capable browsers and media players, reliable file‑archiving tools, and lightweight collaboration apps. The ZDNET recommendation condenses that long list to five free apps that cover the most common needs for a general‑purpose machine. The list’s appeal lies in practicality: low friction, broad compatibility, and long maintenance histories for each project — qualities that make the apps repeat recommendations across reviews and setup guides.
This article expandmendation into a technically grounded, security‑minded guide. Each app is examined for what it does, how it works, why it matters, measurable strengths, potential risks, and practical configuration steps for Windows users who want a fast, secure, and maintainable baseline. Where vendor claims or technical specifics are relevant, they are corroborated against available documentation and community reporting to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion: a small, thoughtfully chosen toolkit beats a long list of random downloads. ZDNET’s five apps strike the right balance of speed, utility, and safety for day‑one Windows productivity — provided users apply sensible configuration and security hygiene when they install them.
Source: ZDNET I always install these 5 free apps on every Windows PC - here's why they're essential
This article expandmendation into a technically grounded, security‑minded guide. Each app is examined for what it does, how it works, why it matters, measurable strengths, potential risks, and practical configuration steps for Windows users who want a fast, secure, and maintainable baseline. Where vendor claims or technical specifics are relevant, they are corroborated against available documentation and community reporting to ensure accuracy.
- Google Chrome — a high‑compatibility, feature‑rich browsernc and a vast extension ecosystem; convenient for users invested in Google services.
- VLC Media Player — a cross‑platform media player that handles obscure codecs anithout codec packs.
- 7‑Zip — an open‑source archiver with strong compression for 7z and ZIP formats and AES‑256 encryptioarchives.
- Discord — a lightweight, persistent chat/voice/video platform that doubles as a collaboration layer for small teams and cively, these tools produce a lean, high‑utility baseline that’s free, small, and widely supported — ideal for most home users and many pro productive machine within 10–20 minutes of installing software.
Everything — instant, lightweight file search
What it is and how it works
Everything is a name‑based desktop search utility that builds an index of file S volumes and returns results as you type. Unlike Windows Search, which indexes file contents, metadata, and is subject to throttling, Everything’s index is tuned for filename lookups and updates rapidly when the filesystem changes. That design yields near‑instant search results even on very large drives.Strengths
- Speed: Instant suggestions and results as you type.
- Resource efficiency: Low CPU and memory overhead compared with full‑text indexing.
- Simplicity: Zero‑con advanced filters available for power users.
- Integration: Supports running as a service to avoid UAC prompts and can be integrated into file‑open workflows.
Risks and caveats
- File‑system scope: By default it indexes NTFS/ReFS volumes only. Additional filesystems or network shares require specific configuration or workarounds, and indexing remote storageforward.
- Privacy considerations: If Everything runs as a service and indexes sensitive directories, be mindful of local access controls; the index itself can expose filenames quickly.
- Enterprise controls: In tightly managed envditional indexing services can trigger security policies or interfere with endpoint protections — always validate with IT before mass deployment.
Practical setup tips
- Install and test Everything in a local user session.
- If you prefer no UAC prompts, enable the Everything Service during setup and restrict which folders are indexed.
- Add commonly used non‑NTFS folders manually or uses strategically.
- Create search aliases or shortcuts (e.g., Win+E custom binding or custom context menus) for quick access.
Google Chrome — the default “works everywhere” browser
What it is and why it’s on the list
Google Chrome is a Chromium‑based browser known for broad compatibility with web apps, a large extension ecosystem, and robust sync of bookmarks, history, and passwords across devices. For users who rely on Google services or extensions to complete daily work, Chrome provides the smoothest immediate experience after a fresh Windows install.Strengths
- Compatibility: Most web apps are tested against Chromium engines first.
- Extensions and developer tooling: Massive library for productivity, ad‑blocking, password managers, and more.
- Sync: Cross‑device profile and settings sync make onboardess.
Privacy and security tradeoffs
- Data centralization: Chrome syncs a lot of personal data into Google accounts by design; users with strict privacy needs may prefer alternatives. Mitigate by carefully configuring sync settings and using a dedicated account when necessary.
- **Featurquently adds features that may increase memory usage. Use built‑in tools like Memory Saver or extension audits to limit bloat.
- Enterprise policy: Chrome is manageable in corporate environments via group policy, but corporate deployments should use officially supported channelrs.
Configuration tips
- Sign into Chrome and enable only the sync features you want (Bookmarks and Extensions are common; consider disabling full historcerned).
- Install a password manager extension rather than relying solely on browser‑stored passwords.
- Audit extensions after installation and enable Memory Saver or Balanced mod usage.
VLC Media Player — play (almost) anything
What it is
VLC Media Player is a cross‑platform, open‑source media player renowned for its broad codec and container support. It plays most audio and video formats out of the box and is a safe choice to handle files that trip up the built‑in Windows media stack.Strengths
- Codecs and formats: Handles obscure codecs without extra downloads.
- Stability: Mature project with frequent updates and cross‑platform parity.
- Features: Streaming, subtitle handling, and simple media conversions.
Risks and considerations
- Not a full NLE: VLC is a player, not an editor — professionals still rely on specialized NLEs f Security updates: Keep VLC updated; while generally low‑risk, outdated media software can expose attack surfaces.
Setup and verification
- Install VLC and test playback of several problematic files (MKV with uncommon audio codecs, legacy WMV/Real formats).
- Enable automatic updates or periodically check the player for security fixes.
7‑Zip — compression, extraction, and secure archives
What it is
7‑Zip is an open‑source archiver that supports multiple formats, most notably its native 7z container with strs and AES‑256 encryption support. It’s widely used for file sharing and for handling archives that Windows’ built‑in compression can’t process.Strengths
- High compression: 7z format frequently outperforms ZIP for comprerong encryption:** Supports AES‑256 for encrypted archives.
- Context menu integration: Easy one‑click access from Explorer for compression and extraction.
Security and usability guidance
- Password management: Use a proper password manager for archive passwords; don’t rely on weak passphrases.
- Format choice: For maximum compatibili to users who might not have 7‑Zip, consider also providing a ZIP fallback.
- Malicious archives: Treat archive files with the same skepticism as executables; scan with antivirus before extracting unknown archives.
Quick steps
- Install 7‑Zip and enable con during setup.
- Create a sample AES‑encrypted 7z archive and verify you can decrypt it on another machine.
- Keep 7‑Zip updated and standardize on formats (7z for private storage, ZIP for cross‑platform sharing).
Discord — beyond gaming: a lightweight communications layer
Why Discord appears on a utilities list
Discord began as a gamer‑centric voice and chat platform but has matured into a multi‑purpose persistensupporting text channels, voice/video calls, file sharing, and bots. It’s useful for hobby groups, project teams, and smaller remote collaboration needs where enterprise suites would be overkill.Strengths
- Low friction: Quick onboarding, persistent channels, and easy voice x:** Text, voice, video, screen sharing, and bots for automation.
- Cross‑platform: Works across desktop and mobile with sync.
Privacy and security tradeoffs
- Account centralization: Discord accounts centralize identity and may collect activity/metadata; enable MFA and audit third‑party bot permissions.
- Not enterprise grade: Lacks centralized admin controls, compliance features, and auditing that regulated orgaThird‑party integrations: Bots and webhooks introduce risk — review permissions and prefer vetted bots.
Practical guidance
- Install Discord, enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA), and set up notification rules to reduce noise.
blish server governance (roles, permissions) and vet bots before enabling them. - For privacy‑focused users, consider alternatives or self‑hosted solutions for compliance needs.
Installation workflows: fast, repeatable, and safe
One‑click multi‑install options
If you set up multiple PCs frequently, use a tool that automates installs:- Ninite or similar services can run a customized installer that downloads and insilently. This reduces the risk of bundled adware and speeds onboarding.
- For scripted, enterprise‑style installs, package managers like Chocolatey or Scoop support repeatable, scriptable deployments and are preferred by IT teams.
A recommended day‑one sequence
- Create a Windows restore point or image for a clean baseline.e and verify drivers.
- Install 7‑Zip and verify AES‑encrypted archive creation.
- Install Everything and set it as a service if desired.
- Install Google Chrome, sign in selectively, and add essential extensions.
- Install VLC and validate playback of uncommon files.
- Install Discord, enable MFA, and configure notifications.
- Run a full or unwanted add‑ons.
Practical tips for safer installs
- Use official installers from vendor pages or trusted package managers to avoid bundled software.
sions for testing before committing to installs that modify context menus. - For enterprise environments, validate each app against whitelisting and endpoint detection policies before deployment.
Alternatives and honorable mentions
The ZDNET five are pragmatic, but alternatives may be preferable based on privacy, licensing, or functional needs.- Search alternatives: SwiftSearch or UltraSearch for different indexing approaches.
- Browsers: Firefox or Brave for privacy‑first browsing; *Eds integration.
- Media players: PotPlayer or MPC‑HC as alternatives to VLC in niche cases.
- Archivers: PeaZip or WinRAR (WinRAR is commercial) for different UX or formats.
- Communications: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or self‑hosted Mattermost for teams requiring compliance and admin controls.
Security, privacy, and enterprise considtch
The tradeoffs in a small list
The five‑app kit is intentionally lightweight, but every additional third‑party app increases the attack surface and introduces policy, privacy, and lifecycle considerations. For organizations, the following points are important:- Whitelisting and EDR: Even trusted utilities can trigger detections; test in a staging environment.
- Data exposure: Browser sync and Discord accounts centralize data — enable MFA and minimize sensitive sync options.
- Patch management: Keep all apps updated; use centralized update tools (Patch My PC, Chocolatey) where possible.
Practical securi multi‑factor authentication for cloud accounts and collaboration platforms.
- Validate installers via publisher signatures when possible.
- Use a reputable password manager rather than storing credentials in the browser alone.
- Limit index scope for Everything to avoid accidental exposure of sensitive filenames.
- Approve bots and integrations in Discord carefully; restrict webhook permissions.
Critical analysis — the strengths and What the ZDNET five get absolutely right
- Practical coverage: The five apps map directly to four major post‑install pain points — search, browsing, media, compression — plus a pragmatic communication tool. This yields immediate workflow improvements for most users.
- ility: All five are free for standard use, easy to find, and well documented in community forums and vendor sites.
- Maturity and community support: These projects are well‑established; troubleshooting and integrations are broadly available.
Where the approach needs nuance
- Not universal for enterprises: Organizations with compliance, EDR, or whitelisting needs should not adopt the list automatically; review and test are mandatory.
- Privacy tradeoffs: Chrome and Discord centralize data; privacy‑first users may prefer alternative apps or stricter sync settings.
- One size won’t fit professionals: Specialists (video editors, dev ops, system admins) will reach for domain‑specific tools beyond this list; treat it as a baseline, not a toolbox for all professions.
Unverifiabl- Any claim about “how much faster” Everything is compared with Windows Search will vary by drive size, file counts, and configuration; users s own datasets. Similarly, statements about vendor roadmaps, support lifecycles, or corporate policy changes are time‑sensitive and sainst vendor pages at the time of deployment. Flagging these temporal facts is important for administrators planning large rollouts.
Final verdict and practical recommendation
The ZDNET five‑appctive, low‑effort foundation for most Windows users who want to convert a fresh install into a productive workspace quickly. The pick is pragmatic: each app solves a concrete, common problem and does so in a stable, well‑supported way. For home users and many small teams, installing Everything, Chrome, VLC, 7‑Zip, and Discord produces a reliable and flexible baseline with mwever, two final conditions should guide your adoption:- If you manage devices in an enterprise, validate these apps against your security tooling and whitelisting policies before mass deployment.
- If privacy is a central concern, prefer privacy‑focused alternatives to Chrome and apply stricter sync and account controls for Discord and cloud services.
Quick reference — day‑one checklist (copy/paste)
- Create a system restore point or image.
- Run Windows Update and install drivers.
- Install 7‑Zip (enable context menu; test AES‑encrypted archive).
- Install Everything (consider service mode; add non‑NTFS folders if needed).
- Install Google Chrome (selectively enable sync; add essential extensions).
- Install VLC and test problem media files.
- Install Discord; enable MFA and set notification rules.
- Run a full antivirus scan and disable unnecessary startup items.
- Consider automatith Ninite (or Chocolatey/Scoop for scripted deployments).
Conclusion: a small, thoughtfully chosen toolkit beats a long list of random downloads. ZDNET’s five apps strike the right balance of speed, utility, and safety for day‑one Windows productivity — provided users apply sensible configuration and security hygiene when they install them.
Source: ZDNET I always install these 5 free apps on every Windows PC - here's why they're essential