While Windows 11 boasts a vast user base, its default applications often leave much to be desired. Many users may find that the applications that come pre-installed on their Windows 11 systems do not meet their needs effectively. Fortunately, the tech landscape is rich with third-party alternatives that can significantly enhance productivity and user experience. This article highlights five specific applications that are excellent substitutes for the default offerings in Windows 11.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11's default apps can be replaced by superior third-party alternatives for improved functionality.
- The process for changing default apps in Windows 11 requires individual settings for each file type, a change from Windows 10’s method.
- Notable alternatives like VLC and PotPlayer for media playback, professional editing tools for video and images, and robust screen recording options are available.
Changing Default Apps in Windows 11
Unlike Windows 10, where users could set a single default application for an entire file type, Windows 11 requires individuals to establish defaults for each file extension. This change can be cumbersome for users wishing to switch to preferred applications. For example, to make a third-party media player the default, users must set it for each extension (.mp4, .mkv, etc.) manually. Some third-party apps facilitate this through their installation processes, but this is not universally applicable. Users can also utilize the "Open with" function to set defaults on a per-file basis.1. Media Player
Default App: Movies & TV The pre-installed Movies & TV app—known as Films & TV outside the U.S.—is a significant improvement over Microsoft's previous media players. It offers decent performance and is optimized for battery life on laptops. However, its functionality is limited. Many popular codecs are missing, requiring users to purchase extensions from the Microsoft Store. Alternatives: - VLC Media Player: This classic media player supports almost all video formats. It allows users to modify aspects of their playback experience, generate subtitles, and even perform basic video edits.
- PotPlayer: A lesser-known but highly versatile option, PotPlayer offers an expansive range of supported formats and superior subtitle generation. It also provides extensive customization through skins and user interface (UI) elements.
2. Internet Browser
Default App: Microsoft Edge Although Microsoft has improved Edge considerably, it still only accounts for a fraction of browser usage—approximately 15%. Many users continue to download alternative browsers as they seek enhanced functionality and compatibility. Alternatives: - Mozilla Firefox: Known for its privacy-focused features, Firefox also offers a significant reduction in system resource usage compared to Chrome.
- Google Chrome: Retaining the largest market share, Chrome is praised for its extensions and synchronization features.
- Vivaldi: A highly customizable browser perfect for power users who appreciate a tailored web experience.
- Opera GX: This browser is particularly suited for gamers, offering unique features that can help optimize performance while gaming.
3. Video Editing Software
Default App: Clipchamp Introduced as an intuitive tool for beginners, Clipchamp quickly realizes its limitations with more complex projects. While it works for basic editing, professionals may find it restrictive. Alternatives: - Adobe Premiere Pro: This industry-standard video editor offers unparalleled features for professional video editing, although it comes with a steep price and a steep learning curve.
- DaVinci Resolve: A powerful, free alternative that allows users to edit visually stunning footage in 4K without any initial costs. DaVinci Resolve has a supportive community contributing to tutorials and plugins.
4. Image Editing Tools
Default App: Photos Windows 11's Photos app provides a simple interface for viewing and basic editing but lacks robust editing options found in dedicated software. Alternatives: - Adobe Photoshop: The go-to choice for professionals, Photoshop delivers advanced editing capabilities, though it comes with a hefty subscription fee.
- GIMP: This free, open-source photo editor provides many features found in Photoshop.
- Canva: Ideal for users who prefer a more straightforward design approach with excellent templates and beginner-friendly tools.
5. Screen Recording Software
Default Options: Snipping Tool, Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Bar Although there are several built-in options for screen recording, they often fall short in performance and quality, especially for gamers or users needing higher fidelity recordings. Alternatives: - OBS Studio: A powerful open-source tool that allows advanced customizations and supports live streaming and video recording without watermarks.
- Nvidia's ShadowPlay: A feature within the Nvidia GeForce Experience, ShadowPlay is ideal for gamers looking to record gameplay with minimal impact on system performance, leveraging the GPU’s capabilities.
Conclusion
Windows 11 users have a range of third-party application alternatives that significantly enhance functionality compared to the default options. Each recommended application offers unique features and capabilities that cater to various user needs, from media playback to video editing and internet browsing. As Windows 11 continues to evolve, users can rest assured that numerous alternatives will always be available to fill any void left by default applications. Embracing these alternatives can lead to improved productivity, customization, and overall user satisfaction within the Windows operating system. For more information, you can visit the source article here.
