ZDNET’s key takeaways
- If Windows is your OS of choice, consider these open-source apps.
- There are tons of open-source apps for just about any task.
- These are all free to install and use on Windows.
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I’ve been using open-source software for a very long time. In fact, the last time I didn’t use open-source software, Bill Clinton was president of the US.
Open-source software is available for nearly every operating system on the market, from desktops to phones, and I often find open-source apps are superior to their proprietary counterparts. If you’re a Windows user, you don’t have to remain locked into closed-source software, because there are so many alternatives from which you can choose.
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Let me introduce you to some of my favorites.
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice has been my go-to office suite since way back when it was a twinkle in the eye of StarOffice, and I haven’t looked back since. LibreOffice includes all the tools you’re used to in an office suite and even includes a database component (similar to MS Access). And with a customizable user interface, you can work with a modern UI or one that recalls the days of yore.
Also: 6 ways LibreOffice is better than Google Docs for serious writing work
LibreOffice is installed locally, so you don’t have to worry about a third-party cloud service accessing your information. You can set LibreOffice to automatically save in the MS Office default formats, so collaborating with those using Microsoft’s tool is a no-brainer.
LibreOffice<!–> is free to download and install for Windows.
2. Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher–> is a quick file search and app launcher for Windows. With Flow Launcher, you use a customizable hot key to launch the tool and then search for whatever it is you’re looking for. You can open apps, search for files, and browse the internet with your default search engine. Flow Launcher includes themes, animations, and sounds, and even allows you to build your own customizations. There are also community-created plugins to extend the feature set.
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Flow Launcher is free to download and install.
3. Duplicati
Duplicati<!–> is a zero-trust backup solution that can back up from Windows (or any OS) to any destination you need. You can back up to Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, or you can back up to other machines on your LAN for more privacy. Duplicati allows for scheduling and remote management, and it has a straightforward installation. Your backups are fully encrypted, and you can easily monitor them for real-time insights via a well-designed dashboard.
Also: Your Windows PC has a secretly useful backup tool – here’s how to access it
Duplicati is free for personal use.
4. Nextcloud
If you’re tired of using Google or Microsoft’s cloud-based offerings (especially out of fear that they are using your data to train LLMs), there’s always Nextcloud, which is the open-source, locally run equivalent to cloud offerings. Nextcloud includes everything you need for file storage, sharing, collaborating, communicating, organizing, and more. There’s also an app store where you can install plugins to extend the feature set.
Also: The best cloud storage services of 2025: Expert tested
You can install and use Nextcloud on Windows for free and even install the Nextcloud Desktop client–> for even easier usage.
5. Franz
If you use several messaging apps and services, you might want to consider Franz<!–>, as it brings all of those messaging apps into one user-friendly GUI. Franz allows you to add WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Slack, Telegram, Google Calendar, Discord, LinkedIn, Trello, Office 365 Outlook, Google Keep, and more together, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps. You can add as many accounts as you want and easily switch between them without leaving the Franz UI.
Also: 5 tools I trust to keep my online conversations private and anonymous
Franz is free to install and use.
6. YAZB
YAZB–> (aka YAZB Reborn) makes it possible to create custom Windows top bars (similar to that of MacOS) that can display helpful system information, such as battery status, internet speeds, weather, and more — all with a clean, minimal, elegant style.
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YAZB also gives you quick access to shutdown/restart controls, customizable themes/icons/layouts, and allows you to add as many helpful widgets as you need.
7. File Converter
If you’ve ever needed to easily convert or compress a file in Windows, File Converter<!–> has your back. Using a right-click context menu entry (within the file manager), you can convert audio, video, images, and documents from one format to another. In the case of documents, you can convert nearly any format into a PDF. You can also compress files in the same way.
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The only caveat is that, in order to convert MS Office files, you’ll have to have MS Office installed. You can customize the application order within the context menu and even add or remove presets.
File Converter is free to install and use on Windows.
8. Bitwarden
If you don’t use a password manager, you should start immediately. If you need a password manager, you should place Bitwarden at the top of your list. Not only is Bitwarden open-source, but it’s also one of the best password managers on the market.
With every feature you’ll need (including a web browser extension), Bitwarden can do more to help keep you protected by simplifying the process of using strong, unique passwords. This open-source password manager includes a password generator (that can do both passwords and pass phrases), Bitwarden Send (to send files and text safely), and more.
Also: NordPass vs. Bitwarden: Which password manager is best?
Bitwarden can be installed and used for free on Windows. You might even consider purchasing a license, as it gives you more collaboration features, which can come in handy with a large family or organization.
9. AutoHotKey
AutoHotKey–> is an automation scripting language for Windows that allows you to define hotkeys for both mouse and keyboard, remap keys or buttons, and more. With AutoHotKey, you can automate just about any desktop task.
Also: 5 free Windows PC apps I always install first (and how they improve your workflow)
Essentially, this app makes it easy to work with hotkeys and macros, while helping you work more efficiently. There is a learning curve to AutoHotKey, but once you’ve learned it, you’ll be glad you took the time to do so.
AutoHotKey can be installed and used for free on Windows.
10. Ollama
If you want to use AI but don’t like the idea of a third party using your queries or data to train their LLMs, consider the open-source Ollama, which is easy to use and even includes a well-designed GUI for interacting and adding models.
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With Ollama, you can work with a large selection of models<!–>, ranging from the tiny to the very large. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the larger the model, the more system resources it will require. You would also be best served by using Ollama on a Windows machine with a dedicated GPU.
Ollama can be installed and used for free on Windows.
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