Must-have Windows 11 apps Microsoft forgot to include

Apps Microsoft missed

Windows 11 ships with many built-in tools and apps, but several highly-recommended third-party apps aren’t included by default. These missing apps deliver improved productivity, deeper system control, and better day-to-day workflows.

Users often install them immediately after setup. This slideshow highlights four such apps you should consider. Understanding what’s missing helps you build a more capable PC environment right away.

NanaZip for archives

Microsoft includes basic zip/unzip support, but NanaZip offers a modern alternative with context-menu integration tuned for Windows 11.

NanaZip inherits 7 Zip compatibility, so it handles common archive formats such as ZIP 7 Zip, and TAR, and can extract RAR files while offering a modern Windows 11-style interface.

Some reviewers report faster context menu response and a more modern interface compared with the built-in extractor.

EarTrumpet audio control

Windows has improved volume controls, but EarTrumpet gives you app-by-app sound control right from the taskbar. It’s especially useful when you run multiple audio sources (game, video, chat) and need quick volume adjustment per app.

Tech sites recommend it for power users who want granular audio control. If your setup includes headsets, streamers, or mixed output devices, this one pays off.

QuickLook file preview

Previewing files without opening full applications boosts productivity. QuickLook adds a quick peek feature you activate with the spacebar so you can preview images, text files, and PDFs instantly.

It’s a small enhancement but cited in “must-have apps” lists for Windows 11. If you often browse files, folders, or screenshots, QuickLook saves clicks and time.

Obsidian for note-taking

While Microsoft includes OneNote and other tools, Obsidian offers a powerful knowledge-base environment with markdown support, linking, and cross-platform sync.

It isn’t bundled with Windows by default, but ranked highly by experts. For researchers, writers, or anyone managing lots of content and ideas, Obsidian becomes a go-to. It exemplifies how third-party tools often outpace built-ins.

Why Microsoft skips these apps?

Microsoft focuses on core OS functionality and broad-audience features rather than niche tools. Including every advanced utility would bloat the OS and make updates more complex.

Also, many of these tools are open-source or third-party and evolve faster than Microsoft can integrate. As a result, power users often install them themselves to fill gaps.

Productivity gains you’ll see

By adding these four apps, your workflow can improve markedly: faster archive handling, precise audio control, instant previews, and organized note-taking.

Each app addresses a specific pain point that built-in tools only partly solve. Together, they streamline daily tasks and reduce friction. Smaller improvements compound into large productivity gains over time.

Compatibility and integration

All four apps support Windows 11, but check each project for system requirements and known issues before rolling them out in a production setup.

They integrate with the taskbar, system menus, or file-system context menus. They avoid conflicts with Microsoft’s built-ins and generally install without complications.

However, as with any third-party software, you’ll want to keep them updated and check permissions. They strike a balance between advanced features and reliability.

Security and trust considerations

Installing third-party tools always invites questions about security, updates, and vendor trust. Fortunately, many of these apps are open-source or well-reviewed, with strong communities.

Still, you should download from official sources, verify signatures, and keep automatic updates enabled. These apps are well reviewed and widely used in the Windows community, but you should still download from official sources, verify signatures, and enable automatic updates.

When to install these apps?

If you’re setting up a new PC or reinstalling Windows 11, install these apps early, before you accumulate large workflows or complex setups.

You’ll benefit most when you adopt them from the start, rather than retrofitting later. For casual users, they may not be essential, but for anyone doing serious work, their value becomes obvious quickly.

How to get and manage them

You can install each app from the Microsoft Store, from the project website, or with a package manager such as Winget for automated installs. Keep them updated regularly and review settings after installation (e.g., adjusting context-menu options).

You might also group them in a “Productivity” folder or workflow layout. Manage them just like any key piece of your toolkit.

Backup and update strategy

As these apps become part of your workflow, include them in your backup plan. Make sure custom settings are backed up (e.g., Obsidian vaults, EarTrumpet presets).

Keep them updated to stay compatible with Windows 11 feature updates. If you ever switch PCs, having these tools pre-installed saves setup time and ensures continuity.

Monitoring OS updates and compatibility

When Windows 11 receives major updates, check that these tools still function as expected. Some Windows feature updates may change context menus or system behaviours that affect them.

Keep an eye on community forums for any reported issues. Staying proactive helps avoid disruptions and ensures your productivity tooling remains smooth.

Alternatives and expansion possibilities

These four are excellent starters, but they’re far from the only tools you might add. As you refine your setup, consider clip management tools, virtual desktop utilities, advanced screen-recorders, or automation apps.

The key is to fill the gaps Microsoft left, based on your workflow. Explore, test, and adopt more as you grow.

Cost versus benefit analysis

All these apps are either free or very low-cost. The productivity return is often far greater than any fee. Especially if you spend hours on your PC daily, the time saved and friction removed add up quickly.

The investment isn’t financial; it’s about configuring your system intelligently. For many, this setup becomes foundational.

What should you do with your old Windows 10 setup? Learn how to securely handle your Windows 10 laptop after upgrading to Windows 11.

Next steps

Windows 11 is a strong OS out of the box, but power users enhance it with tools Microsoft doesn’t provide. By installing NanaZip, EarTrumpet, QuickLook, and Obsidian, you fill key functional gaps and streamline your workflow.

Choose one, try it for a week, and evaluate if it improves your routine. Then consider building out your own custom toolkit.

Want Windows 11 on an unsupported PC? Learn how to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs with this free tool.

Which of these four apps appeals to you the most, and are you willing to install it today to see how it changes your workflow? Share your thoughts.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.