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You may have just purchased a new one Windows 11 PC and wondering which apps and features to explore first.
Of course, if you have a specific goal for your new PC in mind, you probably have some ideas specific to your needs, but I’ve added some more general suggestions that I recommend to anyone who’s just trying to get the most out of it. of his Windows 11 pc.
1. Internet browser:
A browser is a base of any operating systemessential for countless tasks, and here are some popular choices for Windows 11 users:
- 1. Microsoft Edge: The default browser of Windows 11 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the operating system, and offers features such as Sleeping Tabs to optimize performance, vertical tabs for better organization, and integrated tools such as a PDF reader and Collections for research It is quite light and is built with Chromium, so it is quite intuitive to use if you are familiar with how modern browsers work in general.
- 2. Google Chrome: This is a favorite of Windows 11 users, known for its speed, simplicity and extensive extension library. It offers seamless sync between devices and Google integrates its various productivity apps and services like Gmail without soldering. Chrome’s ability to sync bookmarks, history, and settings between devices makes it an option for casual users and professionals alike. That said, it is what is known as a bit of a “resource hog” and can slow down your PC if you use it intensively.
- 3. Mozilla Firefox: This is a privacy-focused browser that’s a solid choice for Windows 11 users, and emphasizes speed and security, with features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and built-in pop-up blocking. Firefox supports a range of extensions and customization options, so you can still get pretty fancy with it.
2. Document editors and viewers:
You may not think that these are so important outside of work, but they can be quite useful for authorizing personal documents and organizing your life. Here are some that you can set up for your personal admin:
Another app that I recommend is a PDF tool, with the most used Adobe Acrobat Readerwhich requires a subscription to be able to edit documents. That being said, Microsoft Edge has a built-in PDF reader that also offers the ability to easily have your text read aloud.
3. Protection of the device:
Unfortunately with Windows 11 (and 10) being the most widely used operating systems, PCs running these operating systems can be lucrative targets for people looking to steal data and potentially harm them. As such, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the protective features and apps that exist to help keep your device safe.
- Built-in Windows security: Microsoft spends a lot of effort to ensure that its users are protected with features such as Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. I suggest not interfering with these, but take a moment to learn how they work. There could be occasions where you interfere with files or Apps trying to do things on your device and you might want to know how to allow them to do that if you trust the producers of such Apps.
- Optional additional security apps: Apps like Malwarebytes and Bitdefender can help you track down potential dangers and files that may be corrupted. Both offer a free version that is pretty decent and paid versions that offer more if you have more reasons for concern.
4. Phone integration:
I would recommend installing the Phone link app (and the Link to Windows app for mobile devices). If you have one Android phone, this allows you to access your files and media, send messages, make calls, and see app notifications. This is similar to Apple‘s AirDrop feature that allows you to share files and information on devices that are close to each other instantly.
In addition to these Apps, we recommend that you consider a backup strategy as your device begins to fill up with files. That said, this should be enough to help you get started and make the most of your new Windows 11. This, of course, is not a complete list of all the applications and features that are useful or interesting on Windows 11, but it is enough to start familiarizing yourself with how Windows 11 works and what you can do with it.
