must-have apps for Windows 11

Looking to enhance your Windows 11 experience in 2025? Whether you’re a professional, student, or casual user, using the right tools can make a big difference. Microsoft Store offers a wide range of apps to enhance productivity, creativity, and entertainment on your Windows PC. Whether you’re organizing tasks, editing videos, securing data, or staying connected, these 7 must-have apps for Windows 11 are designed to make your daily tasks easier and more efficient. These selections are based on functionality, user reviews, and relevance to modern computing needs, ensuring you get the most out of your device.

If you’re searching for the best apps for Windows 11 laptop, this guide is for you.

How We Chose These Apps

Our selection is based on extensive research into 2025 trends, Microsoft Store ratings, and user feedback from trusted sources like PCMag, Windows Central, and Digital Trends. We prioritized apps that are free or offer significant value in their freemium tiers, integrate smoothly with Windows 11’s modern features (like AI enhancements and touch support), and cater to diverse needs such as productivity, creativity, security, and communication. Each app was chosen for its reliability, user-friendly design, and ability to simplify everyday tasks, ensuring you get the most out of your Windows 11 PC.

Microsoft Copilot: Your AI Assistant

Microsoft Copilot Your AI Assistant

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Windows 11. Built with advanced natural language models, Copilot helps with everything from answering questions to generating content and optimizing workflows. Whether you’re drafting emails, researching ideas, or managing schedules, Copilot leverages advanced AI to provide real-time assistance. It’s designed to save time and increase productivity directly from the desktop environment.

Key Features:

  • AI-Powered Assistance: Get real-time answers, summaries, and suggestions.
  • Microsoft 365 Integration: Enhances Word, Excel, and Outlook with AI tools.
  • Task Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like email drafting or data analysis.
  • Voice and Text Input: Use natural language or voice commands for quick queries.

Download: Microsoft Store

Microsoft 365: Boost Your Productivity

Microsoft 365 Boost Your Productivity

Microsoft 365 (Office) is a suite of productivity apps. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, essential tools for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to get things done. Microsoft 365 simplifies tasks like writing reports, tracking budgets, designing slides, or organizing emails, with cloud syncing ensuring access across devices. The apps are deeply integrated with OneDrive for cloud syncing and offer smart suggestions through AI.

Key Features:

  • Core Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for diverse tasks.
  • Cloud Syncing: Access files via OneDrive on any device.
  • AI Enhancements: Tools like Excel’s Insights and PowerPoint’s Designer.
  • Collaboration Tools: Real-time co-editing for team projects.

Download: Microsoft Store

Adobe Express: Design on the Go

Adobe Express Design on the Go

Adobe Express is a free, cloud-based app for creating stunning photos, videos, and graphics. Ideal for content creators and social media enthusiasts, it allows you to craft visually stunning posts, flyers, logos, and short videos without needing complex software. It also offers AI-powered features like Adobe Firefly to generate visuals from text prompts.

Key Features:

  • AI Image Generation: Create visuals with Firefly’s text-to-image tool.
  • Templates: Thousands of customizable designs for social media and print.
  • Quick Actions: Resize images or remove backgrounds instantly.
  • Cloud Sync: Access projects across PC, web, and mobile.

Download: Microsoft Store

Microsoft To Do: Streamline Your Tasks

Microsoft To Do Streamline Your Tasks

Microsoft To Do is a clean, user-friendly task management app. Whether you’re organizing a work project or track progress for work, To Do lets you create tasks, set reminders, sync across devices, and collaborate with others. Its clean interface, live tile support, and AI-driven “My Day” suggestions make prioritizing tasks effortless, reducing stress and keeping you on track.

Key Features:

  • My Day View: AI-suggested tasks for daily planning.
  • Cross-Platform Sync: Access tasks on PC, phone, or tablet.
  • Shared Lists: Collaborate on lists for work or home.
  • Custom Tags: Organize tasks with color-coded tags and due dates.

Download: Microsoft Store

Clipchamp: Create Videos with Ease

Clipchamp Create Videos with Ease

Clipchamp is Microsoft’s built-in video editor for Windows 11. It offers a modern interface with professional-grade features like timeline editing, filters, transitions, and auto-captioning. It’s perfect for creating social media content, work presentations, or personal montages, with AI-driven tools simplifying the editing process.

Clipchamp makes video editing accessible to everyone, from vloggers to business users.

Key Features:

  • AI Editing Tools: Auto-generate captions, text-to-speech, and templates.
  • Stock Library: Royalty-free music, images, and effects.
  • Cloud Saving: Store projects on OneDrive for multi-device access.
  • 1080p Exports: Free high-definition video exports.

Download: Microsoft Store

Bitwarden: Secure Your Passwords

Bitwarden Secure Your Passwords

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager trusted by millions for securing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and notes. Its lightweight Microsoft Store app offers robust encryption and easy access on Windows 11. Its cross-device syncing and biometric support make logging into websites or apps quick and secure, protecting your digital life while saving time.

Key Features:

  • End-to-End Encryption: Secure passwords and notes.
  • Password Generator: Create strong, unique passwords.
  • Cross-Device Sync: Access your vault on Windows, iOS, and Android.
  • Windows Hello: Unlock with biometrics for convenience.

Download: Microsoft Store

WhatsApp: Stay Connected Across Devices

WhatsApp Stay Connected Across Devices

WhatsApp on Windows allows users to send secure text messages, voice notes, and make video calls directly from their PC. It syncs seamlessly with your mobile device, offering a smooth messaging experience that’s ideal for personal and work communication. Its desktop notifications and multi-device support reduce phone dependency, making staying in touch effortless and efficient.

Key Features:

  • End-to-End Encryption: Secure texts, calls, and file transfers.
  • Desktop Notifications: Real-time alerts for messages.
  • File Sharing: Send documents or media up to 2GB.
  • Multi-Device Support: Use without your phone online.

Download: Microsoft Store

Bonus: PowerToys: Supercharge Your Workflow

PowerToys Supercharge Your Workflow

PowerToys is a productivity toolkit from Microsoft that enhances Windows 11 workflow efficiency without taxing system resources. It offers tools like FancyZones for window management, PowerRename for bulk file renaming, and Image Resizer for quick edits. Its lightweight design and regular updates make it a hidden gem for optimizing your PC experience.

Key Features:

  • FancyZones: Organize windows into custom layouts.
  • PowerRename: Rename multiple files at once.
  • Image Resizer: Resize images directly from File Explorer.
  • Keyboard Manager: Remap keys for personalized shortcuts.

Download: Microsoft Store

Tips for Using Microsoft Store Apps

  • Enable Auto-Updates: Keep apps current via the Microsoft Store’s “Library” section.
  • Pin to Start: Add apps to your Start menu for quick access.
  • Explore AI Features: Leverage AI in Clipchamp and Concepts for smarter workflows.
  • Check Free Trials: Look for premium feature trials in the Microsoft Store.

From AI assistants like Copilot to creative tools like Adobe Express and productivity boosters like Microsoft 365 and PowerToys, these apps represent the best apps for Windows 11. Install them today to unlock the full potential of your Windows 11 PC and enjoy a smarter, faster, and more secure digital life.

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.