9 Best Windows Apps for Minimalists Who Still Want Full Control

Being a minimalist often means missing out on some of the features your device can offer. However, with Windows, that's not the case, as you can have a minimalist, bloat-free system that still provides the full PC experience you expect.

9. Enhance Windows without Junkware: PowerToys

PowerToys is a hidden suite of tools that enhance Windows without having to download separate applications. It's lightweight, with minimal impact on system resources, and its clean interface makes it easy to enable what you need. At the time of writing, PowerToys has 24 tools to customize your Windows experience.

8. Super fast file search: Everything

Everything is a search app with an extremely user-friendly interface. You just type in the name of the file or folder you want to find and the app will immediately display relevant results. This is much better than using the slow and clunky search in File Explorer.

7. Automate repetitive tasks easily: AutoHotKey

AutoHotkey (AHK) is a free scripting language for Windows that lets you automate tasks, customize keyboard shortcuts, and control applications. But don't be put off by the term "scripting language," because AHK is fairly easy to learn. You can create many useful scripts with minimal coding effort. AutoHotkey has plenty of documentation and tutorials to help you get up to speed quickly.

6. Simple and comprehensive file compression: 7-Zip

7-Zip is a file archiver that supports a wide range of formats, including ZIP , RAR , TAR , GZIP, and its own high-level compression format called 7z . 7-Zip is popular for its efficient compression algorithm, known for creating smaller archives than the alternatives. It is a simple compression tool that prioritizes functionality over flashiness.

5. Distraction-Free Writing: Simplenote

A writing app with a clean interface and few distractions or plenty of formatting options is essential to focusing on your thoughts and ideas. Simplenote is one of the best apps out there that allows you to do this, especially when it comes to note-taking. Plus, it's completely free, with unlimited notes, syncing across multiple devices (Mac, iOS, and Android), version history, and collaboration features.

1. How to use Simplenote to take notes and manage tasks

4. Useful Screen Capture Tool: ShareX

ShareX is a free screenshot and video recording tool for Windows computers. It also allows you to easily share the screenshots and videos you capture to a variety of online platforms (up to 80). It is a great productivity app and many people use it regularly when annotating screenshots.

By packing all these functions into one lightweight tool, ShareX is perfect for minimalists. Furthermore, it is highly customizable, allowing you to configure hotkeys, capture methods, and upload destinations.

3. Simple Desktop Customization: Rainmeter

Rainmeter is a desktop customization app, but its minimalist appeal depends on how you use it. You can easily opt for a simple, clean interface that displays only the information you need. There are thousands of free browsers, so you can find one that's aesthetically pleasing but doesn't have too many features.

2. Faster and more private browser: Brave

Browsers like Chrome and Edge require extra steps to have a private browsing experience. Brave has a built-in ad and tracker blocker that helps remove unwanted content and protect your privacy while browsing. As an added bonus, it also speeds up page load times.

1. Simple optimization: WinToys

WinToys is a third-party Windows utility that promises to 'unlock the full potential of your operating system.' It bundles various Windows tools and settings together in one convenient and easy-to-use interface. WinToys is a safe and effective way to optimize Windows without having to navigate through countless menus and windows.

You don't always need bulky software to have complete control over your Windows apps. Here are just a few apps that help streamline your Windows experience and let you customize exactly what you want.

Samuel Daniel

Update 26 May 2025