Windows, in general, is very good. There’s a reason it’s remained the number one PC operating system for decades, and it’s not because Microsoft beat the crap out of the industry with cutthroat business practices in the 90s. No. only that, however: it’s because the software has been slowly but steadily changing ever since, and has been, well, very good! But it can always be better.
Third-party developers are always looking for ways to improve Windows. Microsoft even borrows some of their ideas at times. UltraMon is a good example: Microsoft copied its multi-monitor taskbars for Windows 8. But there are many other tools out there that can make Windows 10 or 11 easier to use from the most basic novice to the most hardened office power user. .
Here are five power-using tools that are small, simple, and free (although most developers welcome donations if you find their software valuable). Even better, they all work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Here’s how to get Windows cheap (or even free)
SoundSwitch: Quickly switch sound devices with keyboard commands
Windows is still not good at handling more than one sound device. Even in Windows 11 it is at least three clicks to switch from, say, your laptop speakers to Bluetooth headphones, or vice versa. (Although this may be fixed in a new version of Windows in 2023.) This can get old if you’re constantly switching between speakers and headphones for video meetings.
Michael Crider/IDG
This is fixed by SoundSwitch from developer Antoine Aflalo. Once installed the little program lives on your toolbar, waiting for you to input a keyboard shortcut (I use Ctrl + Alt + ~). When you do, it switches between any number of sound devices, without having to dig through the clunky sound menu. SoundSwitch also supports a separate list of recording devices with its own hotkey, and it is constantly updated and improved.
SpaceSniffer: Track files clogging up your drive
Managing your computer’s storage space is kind of an all-or-nothing experience. Windows will tell you how much is left on your drive, and that’s it; it’s up to you to dive into a million different directories and clear out the gunk when you’re down on space. SpaceSniffer (try not to grin) from Uderzo Software solves this by scanning the entire drive and presenting your files and folders in a visual grid.
Michael Crider/IDG
With each directory taking up a proportional amount of space on your screen, it’s easy to see where the big programs and media files are hiding. You can remove unwanted folders (and even drill down to individual files!) right in the program, and delete them without having to open a file browser. This is a great way to clean up drive space quickly.
MiniBin: Move the Recycling Bin from your desktop
How often do you use your Recycling Bin? If you’re like me, maybe once a month, during the busy season. So why does this usually self-care item need a dedicated spot on your desktop? If you want to remove it, check out the MiniBin from e-sushi.
Michael Crider/IDG
This small tool replicates your Recycle Bin as a taskbar icon in the notification area. The icon shows you how full it is, and you can right-click to open the Recycling Bin or empty it. With MiniBin installed, you can remove the Recycle Bin icon for a nice, clean desktop.
SharpKeys: Reprogram any keyboard
If you have a full-size keyboard, chances are there are at least one or two keys that you don’t use. When was the last time you had to find the Scroll Lock key? If you want to tie it to something more useful, like media controls, SharpKeys from RandyRants is your solution.
Michael Crider/IDG
SharpKeys actually modifies Windows Registry files to permanently reassign keys. So unlike, say, a programming tool for a specific Razer keyboard, this software works on a laptop and any third-party keyboards you have on board. Just save your settings and reboot, and you’re good to go. I use it to disable Caps Lock (which I don’t use) and change the Page Up, Page Down, and Home buttons to Volume Up/Down and Mute, respectively.
PowerToys FancyZone: Roll your own snap window layouts
Windows 10 introduced some powerful window management tools, and Windows 11 expands on them. But if you’re looking for more customized options — like setting up a quick window zone that’s exactly the width of two Tweetdeck columns — you’ll need something powerful, like UltraMon.
Michael Crider/IDG
But wait! If you don’t need the truckload of UltraMon features, there is an official add-on from Microsoft that can do it for free. The latest incarnation of PowerToys includes a tool called FancyZones, among others. It allows you to create custom window layouts for easily organizing programs on your monitor. And it’s great for multi-monitor setups, too.