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The Best Windows Utilities That You Should Be Using

As the most popular operating system currently in use, Windows is often celebrated for its versatility. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon. Luckily, this is where Windows Utilities come in.

Windows Utilities allow you to customize your user experience and ultimately optimize a variety of functions you use every day. They can help your system to work faster, in addition to specifically improving the functions you use every day. 

In this guide, we will be taking you through some of our top recommendations for Windows Utilities that you should already be using. We’re going to try to cover all bases as everyone uses their systems in slightly different ways. We are sure you’ll find something useful!

The Best Windows Utilities

QTTabBar

If you find yourself frequently opening multiple folders while working or during any part of your day, QTTabBar is for you. It allows you to keep track of every file you open by compiling them into one window with multiple tabs, rather than opening a new windows file explorer every time.

The best part? It all integrates into your existing file explorer, so you don’t need to get the hang of using new software. You can switch between file tabs as easily as you would in an internet browser. It’s a simple change that makes a significant difference. 

F.lux

The effect of prolonged blue light on our sleeping patterns has been well documented, yet so many of us don’t actually adjust our habits to accommodate for this. We all spend more time staring at computer screens than we ever used to, be it for work or pleasure, so it’s wise to be a little more conscious about your display.

This is where F.lux comes in. You can time it to alter the light of your display so it is warmer and more orange than blue. Not only will you sleep better, but you will do your eyesight a real favor too. Don’t believe us? Take it from Harvard

CCleaner

CCleaner is designed to keep your system operating at its fastest by removing files and programs that you no longer need. It claims to permanently delete them too, so you should see a noticeable difference even after just one scan.

You have full control over how much is deleted and where the files are pulled from. You can even alter how many ‘passes’ the program performs when deleting files for more secure erasure. If you want your operating system to work more smoothly, CCleaner can point you in the right direction. 

Restoro

With built-in malware detection and the ability to remove threats as soon as they are discovered, Restoro is a great utility for keeping your software safe. It isn’t just malware that Restoro will scan for, but a variety of problems too. 

Anything suspicious is quarantined and you are given the option of total removal or further action. There is both a free option and an unlimited use plan available, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. There’s a full money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied, so it could be worth trying out!

Dropbox

If you have heard of Google Drive, Dropbox is a very similar concept. It’s a program that allows you to store your files separately from your hard drive in a secure location. The free version provides you with plenty of space, but you can always subscribe to premium if you feel that you need more.

Dropbox allows you to separate all of your files into their own folders so they are easy to keep track of. You can download a desktop shortcut for easy access, in addition to installing Dropbox across multiple devices. This makes moving files around easier than ever.

Lightshot

You may have never considered how to make the most out of screenshots you take, but you’d be surprised how much you’re missing out on. Lightshot claims to be the fastest way to take a customizable screenshot, but what does this mean?

Ordinarily, any screenshot you take will just take a capture of the screen you’re viewing. With Lightshot, you can crop the screenshot down, add text, alter the coloring, among numerous other features. If you frequently need to send screenshots to colleagues for work purposes, Lightshot could really lighten your load. 

Everything

The Windows explorer search bar is fit for purpose, but it hasn’t seen many updates over the decades that it’s been around. At least, not any updates that have significantly changed the way it operates. Everything is a utility that makes a difference.

As its name suggests, Everything shows you quite literally everything in the folders that you select. Not only does this make it easier to review the information, it also dramatically cuts down the amount of time it takes to search through large folders. This is thanks to the indexing process Everything uses, which differs from Windows. 

Remote Fingerprint Unlock

Most smartphones come equipped with a fingerprint reader to offer more personalized unlocking, but laptops have yet to join in on the trend. Luckily, if that’s something you’re interested in, there’s a Windows Utility for that.

Essentially, all you need to do is install the app onto your Android and onto your Windows laptop. Then, once the two are synced, you can use your fingerprint to unlock both your phone and your laptop. Simple! Not only is this more secure, it also just feels pretty cool. There’s no downside!

SoundWire

Speaking of cool things you can do with your smartphone, why not turn it into a remote speaker? That’s exactly what SoundWire allows you to do. This could work especially well if, for whatever reason, your laptop speakers have stopped working.

Even if your laptop speakers are working, SoundWire gives you the opportunity to play whatever you want around your home through your phone, all controlled by your laptop. Whatever your reasoning, it’s a handy trick to make the most of.

Beeftext

If you find yourself writing the same blocks of text every single day for work or any other engagement, Beeftext is your new best friend. Now that the working world is more remote than ever, it goes without saying that many of us spend a lot of time writing emails. Those emails can get repetitive!

What Beeftext allows you to do is create pre-written templates that you can roll out whenever you need to. Gone are the days of repeatedly writing out the same text every single time you need to convey a message. With Beeftext, you write it once and the work is done!

Try Them For Yourself!

Best Windows Utilities Wrap Up

Windows Utilities exist to make your life easier. Whether they are cleaning up your system to help it run faster or adding brand new features you never knew you needed, there’s plenty to enjoy. You’re missing out by not trying at least a couple of them.

If any of our top ten interested you, check them out for yourself! Beyond our list there are countless utilities out there that can help to improve your windows experience. Don’t settle for the standard operating system, take your browsing to the next level. 

Bradley Ingram
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