The Microsoft Store offers a wide selection of applications that can enhance the Windows experience for consumers in the United Kingdom. While the platform is often associated with paid software, it also hosts a substantial collection of free applications. These applications span various categories, including productivity, utility, entertainment, and customisation. The information provided by the source materials focuses primarily on applications available for Windows 10 and Windows 11, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can be accessed. The sources emphasise that applications from the Microsoft Store are verified by Microsoft, which provides a layer of security and ensures that updates are managed automatically and efficiently. For UK consumers, deal seekers, and general users looking to optimise their PC without incurring additional costs, these free applications represent a valuable resource. The following sections detail some of the most notable free applications available, their key functions, and how they can be obtained.
Productivity and Utility Applications
Productivity tools can significantly streamline daily tasks on a Windows PC. The source materials highlight several free applications from the Microsoft Store that are designed to enhance efficiency and organisation.
One of the most frequently recommended applications is QuickLook. This utility allows users to preview files instantly without opening them in their associated programmes. By selecting a file and pressing the spacebar, a preview window appears, displaying the file's contents. This functionality is particularly useful for quickly checking images, videos, and documents. The application supports a wide range of file formats, with particularly strong performance for image and video files. Users can also scroll through album collections using the left and right arrow keys while previewing images. For Word or Excel documents, the preview displays the file name in larger text, which can still be useful for identification. QuickLook is noted for its speed and convenience, making file browsing a faster and more effortless experience. It is described as one of the "niftiest Microsoft Store inventions" and is considered a must-have for many users.
For managing storage space, TreeSize Free is recommended. While Windows provides built-in tools for freeing up storage, they often target temporary files and unused applications. TreeSize Free addresses the issue of large, forgotten files and folders by scanning drives and displaying the size of every folder and subfolder in an easy-to-read chart. This allows users to quickly identify large video files, old backups, or forgotten downloads that are consuming storage space. The application is lightweight and fast, capable of analysing large drives in seconds to provide an instant view of storage usage.
PDFgear is presented as an all-in-one PDF companion. While Windows 11 allows basic PDF viewing in Microsoft Edge, PDFgear offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for free. It is designed for users who frequently need to merge multiple PDFs, rearrange pages, or convert files into other formats. The application is intuitive and allows for viewing, editing, filling out forms, inserting images, and running Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to turn scanned documents into searchable text. Its simple interface is intended to minimise time spent navigating menus and maximise time spent on actual work.
Microsoft To-Do is the official to-do application from Microsoft. It is lightweight, minimal, and easy to use, making it suitable for creating and managing task lists. The application allows users to schedule due dates, customise lists, create subtasks, and use hashtags for sorting. As it has companion applications for Android and iOS, to-do lists can be synced across multiple devices. It is described as a serious app for meticulous planners, with productivity potential limited only by the user's imagination.
Ditto Clipboard addresses a limitation of the Windows default clipboard tool, which forgets previous copy commands if a new Ctrl+C command is executed. Ditto Clipboard extends this functionality, allowing users to access a history of copied items. This is particularly useful for users who frequently copy and paste multiple pieces of information and need to retrieve previously copied text or images.
PowerToys is mentioned as a suite of applications that adds several useful features to a Windows PC. While the specific features are not detailed in the provided source data, it is highlighted as a set of productivity tools that users may not have known they needed. PowerToys is typically available directly from Microsoft, and the source suggests it can be accessed via the Microsoft Store.
System Diagnostics and Evaluation Tools
For users interested in evaluating their PC's performance or planning to sell or give away their computer, several free diagnostic tools are available.
CrystalDiskMark is a free tool for system diagnostics and evaluation. It allows users to adjust test parameters and run benchmark tests with a simple, intuitive design. This can be useful for assessing the performance of storage drives.
In addition to CrystalDiskMark, the sources mention CPU-Z and Resource Monitor as other free tools worth checking out for system diagnostics. These applications provide information about the computer's processor, memory, and other hardware components, as well as real-time monitoring of system resources. The check notes generated by these tools are considered useful for potential buyers when selling or giving away a PC.
Audio and Media Management
Managing audio output and media files is another area where free Microsoft Store applications can provide enhanced control and convenience.
EarTrumpet is a volume control application that allows users to adjust the audio volume for individual applications directly from the taskbar. Unlike the default Windows volume mixer, which requires opening a separate window to adjust individual app volumes, EarTrumpet integrates this functionality into the taskbar for easier access. It enables users to ensure that no single application is too loud or too quiet, and it supports switching playback devices using hotkeys. This provides a more granular level of control over the audio experience on a Windows PC.
For media viewing, IrfanView is highlighted as a super-lightweight image viewer. While Windows has a default Photos app, it can sometimes lag during updates or heavy processes. IrfanView is designed to be fast and efficient, reminiscent of older, simpler photo-viewing applications. It opens photos and videos quickly without being a burden on system resources. This makes it a reliable alternative for users who frequently view images and want a responsive experience.
For video editing, Clipchamp is included with Windows 11 as a free video editing tool. It allows for basic editing tasks such as trimming footage, splitting clips, moving clips around, and inserting transitions like fades or sweeps. Additional features include the ability to change the speed of video clips, apply filters, and adjust lighting and colours. Clipchamp provides a free, accessible option for users looking to perform simple video editing tasks.
Entertainment and Streaming Applications
The Microsoft Store also hosts popular streaming applications, providing easy access to entertainment content.
Netflix and Spotify are two of the most prominent streaming services available as free downloads from the Microsoft Store. The Netflix application allows users to watch TV shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD and supports offline viewing, though a Netflix subscription is required to access the content. The application itself is free, works well, and is regularly updated. Similarly, the Spotify application provides access to a large catalog of music, which can be played on Windows PCs, laptops, or tablets. Like Netflix, a Spotify subscription is needed to use the full service, but the app is free to download.
Customisation and Utility Tools
For users who wish to personalise their Windows experience, several free applications offer customisation options.
Lively Wallpaper is a free, open-source application that enables animated wallpapers on the desktop. It comes with 12 default wallpapers featuring effects such as moving triangles, ripples, computer-generated hills, waves, and fluids. Users can also create their own animated wallpapers using images, videos, GIF files, YouTube videos, games, or even entire web pages. This application provides a way to make the desktop background more dynamic and visually interesting.
TranslucentTB is a utility that enables and disables transparency effects in Windows, allowing users to customise the appearance of their taskbar.
Codex QR Code Scanner is highlighted as an application for scanning QR codes, which have become an important tool for accessing information quickly.
Communication and Other Applications
WhatsApp is available as a store version that should work with all Android and iOS devices, including older models. This provides a convenient way to access WhatsApp on a Windows PC.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Store offers a diverse array of free applications that can enhance the functionality, productivity, and entertainment value of a Windows PC for UK consumers. From utilities like QuickLook and TreeSize Free that improve file management and storage efficiency, to productivity suites like Microsoft To-Do and PDFgear that aid in organisation and document handling, the selection is broad. Diagnostic tools such as CrystalDiskMark and CPU-Z provide valuable insights for system evaluation, while audio applications like EarTrumpet offer finer control over sound. For entertainment, applications like Netflix and Spotify are readily available, and customisation tools like Lively Wallpaper allow for personalisation of the desktop environment. All applications mentioned are verified by Microsoft, ensuring a secure source and automatic updates. Users can access these applications by visiting the Microsoft Store on their Windows device and searching for the specific app names. This collection of free software demonstrates the value of the Microsoft Store beyond paid offerings, providing essential tools and enhancements at no cost.