Best Windows Freeware – System and Desktop Utilities

System and Desktop Utilities

1. nLite – Build your own custom Windows disk.
2. Comodo – Firewall, Anti-virus, anti-spam, malware utilities.
3. Ewido – Blocks spyware/adware and trojans.
4. Eyeline – Professional Video Surveillance Software with multiple camera support.
5. Filseclab – Internet personal firewall
6. GPG4Win – File, email encryption and other encryption utilites, like a file shredder.
7. Hitman Lite – Hitman Pro is a freeware tool that combines a number of powerful anti-spyware programs in one integrated solution. Hitman Pro combines Ad-Aware SE, SpyBot Search & Destroy, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor, CWShredder, Spyware Blaster, NOD32, Sysclean package. Most of the included programs are freeware.
8. Hotspot Shield – Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop and the wireless router. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers and hackers from viewing your email, instant messages, credit card information or anything else you send over a wireless network. Which means you remain anonymous and protect your privacy.
9. Kerio Firewall – Internet personal firewall. Highly recommended.
10. PowerGUI – an extensible graphical administrative console and IDE for managing systems based on Windows PowerShell. (Recommended by Reader)
11. My Lockbox – My Lockbox is a security software enabling you to password protect any folder on your computer. The protected folder (lockbox) is hidden from any user and application of your system, including Administrator and System itself. It is impossible to access the lockbox not only from the local computer, but also from the net.
12. Outpost – Firewall.
13. PGP – A free encryption software program that is the de-facto global standard for E-mail and file privacy. Pretty Good Privacy (or PGP) offers full-strength, 128-bit encryption. PGP has constantly been upgraded over the years and now offers loads of useful features, including secure file wiping; advanced keyserver searching; and seamless integration with Qualcomm’s popular Eudora E-mail client
14. Password Gorilla – Password manager.
15. Spyware Blaster – Blocks spyware/adware. Highly recommended.
16. Truecrypt – Open-source disk encryption software for Windows 7/Vista/XP , Mac OS X, and Linux. TrueCrypt is a software system for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume (data storage device). On-the-fly encryption means that data are automatically encrypted or decrypted right before they are loaded or saved, without any user intervention. No data stored on an encrypted volume can be read (decrypted) without using the correct password/keyfile(s) or correct encryption keys. Entire file system is encrypted (e.g.., file names, folder names, contents of every file, free space, meta data, etc).
17. Whisper32 – Password Manager with encryption.
18. WinPooch – Winpooch is a Windows watchdog, free and open source. Anti spyware and anti trojan, it gives a full protection against local or external attacks by scanning the activity of programs in real time. Associated with ClamWin antivirus, Winpooch keeps safe your computer against virus.
19. Zone Alarm – Internet personal firewall. Highly recommended.
20. Simple File Shredder – securely delete files
21. KeePass – password manager
22. LockNote – password manager
23. nPassword – password manager
24. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer – identify security misconfigurations
25. Spybot: Search & Destroy – anti-spyware
26. Windows Defender – anti-spyware
27. SpywareBlaster – anti-spyware
28. Spyware Terminator – anti-spyware
29. HiJack Free – system protection
30. HighJackThis – hijackers detector and remover
31. Black Box – Alternative Windows Shell. I found this to be more stable than XOBlite2. http://www.bb4win.org/news.php
32. Black Box Lean – Alternative Windows Shell.
33. Blueberry – Alternative Windows Shell in 3-D.
34. Clockwise3d – Alternative Windows Shell in 3-D.
35. Litestep – Alternative Windows Shell.
36. Project Looking Glass – 3D desktop. It reminds me of os x in three dimensions. Note: This is under development and requires lot’s of Java setup. I would not use this unless you want to test and develop and arn’t worried about your Windows installation.
37. SharpE – Alternative Windows Shell. More info and screen shots Here.
38. XOBLite – Alternative Windows Shell. Screenshot of my machine running XOBLite (blackbox) here
39. Madotate – 3D effects for Windows similar to those found in Project looking glass. This is a direct download link and is the english version.
40. Pitaschio – Pitaschio is the essential tool to use windows efficiently. Adds some interesting features.
41. RocketDock – Rocket dock is a Mac OS X like launcher complete with fisheye effect, taskbar features, and even themes well with other engines. They also have a cool icon enhancer for your desktop and file explorer with cool effects, plug-in based.
42. TaskSwicthXP – Task switcher (alt+tab) replacement.
43. Virtual Dimension – Multiple desktops in Windows. I love this app, it actually makes your desktop sessions separate and lots more cool features. Highly recommended.
44. VirtualWin – Virtual desktops in Windows.
45. Disclib – CD organizer
46. Dexpot – virtual desktops
47. DriveImage XML – create partition images
48. MozBackup – backup and restore bookmarks, etc.
49. SyncBack – system backup
50. Atomic Cock Sync – syncronize your clock
51. Citrus Alarm Clock – alarm clock
52. allSnap – make all windows snap
53. Sysinternals Tools – various system tools
54. StrokeIt – mouse gestures
55. Net Profiles – create profiles of your network settings
56. AveDesk – desktop enhancer
57. IconPhile – customize windows’s system icons
58. CursorXP Free – change mouse cursors
59. LClock – Windows Longhorn clock
60. Y’z Dock – application launcher
61. Y’z Shadow – shadow effect to the windows
62. Y’z Toolbar – change the toolbar icons in Explorer and Internet Explorer
63. Taskbar Shuffle – rearrange the programs on the taskbar by dragging
64. Visual Task Tips – thumbnail preview image for each task in the taskbar
65. Badges – put badges on any folder or file
66. Folderico – change icons of the folders
67. Folder Marker – mark your folders
68. Folder2MyPC – add favourite locations to My Computer
69. Microsoft TweakUI – system settings
70. BricoPacks – shell packs
71. ShellPacks – shell packs
72. Tango Shell Patcher – shell patcher
73. XPize – GUI enhancer
74. CPU-Z – cpu information
75. CrystalCPUID – cpu information
76. Central Brain Identifier – cpu information
77. Everest – system information
78. SiSoft Sandra – system information
79. SpeedFan – hardware monitor
80. Memtest86 – memory test
81. PowerMax – HDD test
82. 3Dmark 06 – 3D game performance benchmark
83. Aquamark – performance benchmark
84. rthdribl – 3D benchmark
85. Prime 95 – cpu benchmarking
86. SuperPI – cpu benchmarking
87. CPU Rightmark – cpu overclock
88. Core Temp – cpu temperature
89. aTuner – GeForce and Radeontweaker
90. RivaTuner – video overclock
91. Nokia Monitor Test – monitor adjustmets
92. UDPixel – fix dead pixels
93. Visual Tooltips – Enhance the Windows taskbar with thumbs ans 3D effects. Check out Yod’m while you’re there for a 3D cube virtual desktop.
94. WinRoll – Lets you shade your windows like in Linux.
95. 7Zip – Zip utility with File Explorer support.
96. CabPack – compression program
97. Universal Extractor – extract files from any type of archive
98. AB Commander Lite – File explorer replacement.
99. Adaware – Spyware removal tool.
100. AlienGuise – Theme engine like Windows Blinds, by the same guys, and brought to you from Alienware computer systems.
101. AntiVir – Anti-virus. I have been using this for awhile and it kicks ass. Beats the shit out of Norton and it’s free! Highly recommended.
102. Avast – Anti-virus applcation. Free for personal use. I have not tried this software, but it works with Kerio so it can’t be bad.
103. BartPE – Windows live cd. Now you can boot Windows from a CD-Rom and have full read/write access to NTFS volumes!.
104. Boot manager/partition manager – Partition magic like clone and boot manager.
105. DeepBurner – CD/DVD burner
106. BurnAtOnce – CD/DVD burner
107. Express Burn – CD/DVD burner
108. Zilla CD-DVD Rip’n’Burn – CD/DVD burner
109. ImgBurn – ISO, BIN burner
110. DVD Decrypter – DVD ripper
111. Nero CD-DVD Speed – CD/DVD info and quality test
112. Burn4Free – CD/DVD burner application, works oh so well! p.s. Run Adaware after installing to remove the spyware piece
113. CD Image – ISO ripper. Like UltraISO, create convert disk images. Supports all the main images types.
114. CD burner XP – CD Burner.
115. Console – Terminal enhancement. Ever wanted a transparent background in the command prompt window like in Linux?
116. Crap Cleaner – Cleans up Windows, internet cache, temp files, registry entries, etc. Also has a kick ass uninstaller that works and a startup editor. Highly recommended.
117. xp-AntiSpy – OS setup
118. jv16 Powertools – system utilities
119. XP SysPad – system monitoring utility
120. What’s Running – process guard
121. Registrar Lite – registry editor
122. WinIPConfig – replacement for “ipconfig.exe” and “route.exe”
123. Unlocker – file eraser
124. Eraser – secure file eraser
125. Undelete Plus – file recovery
126. Duplicate File Finder – find all duplicate files
127. Ant Renamer – file renaming
128. ReNamer – file renaming
129. Icons From File – icos extractor
130. Chaos MD5 – MD5 generator
131. HashTab – MD5, SHA1 and CRC-32 file hashes
132. Cygwin – Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows.
133. Cygwin/x – Cygwin/x allows x11 (Linux apps) to run on Windows.
134. Daisy – Windows updater replacement that does not use IE settings.
135. DoISO – Create and burn ISO disk images.
136. Download Checker – The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to filehippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.
137. Explore2fs – Let’s you see and explore a Linux partition, and do file operations, from Windows. Highly recommended if you dual boot.
138. ExplorerXP – Windows File Explorer replacement.
139. FS-driver – Mount Linux Ext2/Ext3 file systems on Windows.
140. Floola – Floola is a freeware application to efficiently manage your iPod or your Motorola mobile phone (any model supporting iTunes). Floola supports all common used iPod features including artwork, podcasts and smart playlists! It’s also able to convert audio or video incompatible with the iPod so that you can copy almost any file to it. It even allows adding youtube and myspace videos just entering the page url!
141. Free commander – File Explorer replacement. This is one of the best file explorer replacements I have ever used. Highly Recommended.
142. Mucommander – File Explorer replacement. If you liked Norton Commander you will love this.
143. ISOrecorder – ISO burn utility! Add an option to Explorer to burn .iso file to cd. HIghly Recommended.
144. IZArc – Zip utility. Opens everything and has File Explorer support.
145. Infrarecorder – CD/CDR burner.
146. Launchy – Launchy is a free windows utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager. Launchy indexes the programs in your start menu and can launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes! Similar to Quicksilver on OS X and Katapult on Linux.
147. OpenVMS – Defrag and hard drive utility.
148. Partition Utilities – Partition resize, delete, create, etc…
149. Rainlendar – Very cool skinnable calendar for windows, will set events from Outlook/Exchange!
150. Registry Fix – Fixes the Windows registry.
151. Resource Hacker – Utility to view, modify, rename, add, delete and extract resources in 32bit Windows executables and resource files (*.res). It incorporates an internal resource script compiler and decompiler and works on Win95, Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2000 and WinXP operating systems.
152. Samurize – Another skinnable clock, system meters, weather, email, and trash indicators as well as music playback, but with so much more – like multiple machine support! Highly recommended.
153. Skin Calc – Cool skinnable calculator.
154. Spybot – Spyware removal tool.
155. Stickies – Post it notes for your desktop.
156. StickiesforWindows – Post it notes for your desktop.
157. Synergy – Synergy is like dual monitors, a kvm switch, and vnc on speed! If you want to operate multiple machines with one keyboard and mouse, move files between them, and have both screens at your disposal this is for you. Works between platforms also!
158. Sysmetrix – Very cool skinnable clock system meters with weather, email, and trash indicators as well as music playback.
159. Task Scheduler – Task Schedule replacement.
160. Tugzip – Zip/archive application. Really nice and opens most everything including rar.
161. UBCD4Win – UBCD4Win is a bootable CD which contains software that allows you to repair/restore/diagnostic almost any computer problem. Also see Win/Linux Version.
162. UltraExplorer – File Explorer replacement.
163. Unxutils – Linux/Unix command line tools, like grep, written natively for Windows.
164. VSpeech – Voice command your Windows computer.
165. WikidPad – wikidPad is a real-time wiki. wikidPad is not a web server, or application server, or groupware solution. wikidPad is a standalone notepad like application, albeit notepad on steroids. wikidPad is like an IDE for your thoughts.
166. ZScreen – ZScreen is an open-source screen capture program that allows for region/window/full-screen screenshots. It can FTP screenshots and put the URL in your clipboard in a single keystroke. It supports automatic custom naming conventions with variables. It can also interface with image editing software. It is a C#.NET 2.0 program hosted on Sourceforge.net and built by BrandonZ (inf1ni).
167. Zipeg – Zipeg allows you to open and explore content of zip, rar and other archives, preview files and images before you extract/unzip them. Extract only the files you want. Zip thru photo archives. See image thumbnails. Zipeg allows you to decide what do you want to extract. You can choose what to extract and where to put extracted files or just drag and drop them.
168. Zipgenious – Zip utility that supports all the major archive types, zip, s7, gz, etc. Skinnable.
169. PearPC – Run Mac OS X or Linux on Windows !
170. VirtualBox – VirtualBox is a general-purpose full virtualizer for x86 hardware. Targeted at server, desktop and embedded use, it is now the only professional-quality virtualization solution that is also Open Source Software.

• Best Windows Freeware – Graphics Applications
• Best Windows Freeware – Programming
• Best Freeware Tools to Enhance and Customize your Windows 7
• Best Windows Freeware – Office Applications
• Best Windows Freeware – Multimedia Tools
• Best Windows Freeware – Servers
• Best Windows Freeware – Network and Internet
• 500+ Free Software to Make you the Windows Puppet Master

About Ruhani Rabin

Ruhani Rabin is the original owner and author of this blog. He is also the Founder of Tech2all.com. Largely interested in web 2.0 start-ups & Social Media. Used to be a hardcore Developer, Planned to be a Researcher and a nerdy fun guy.

Twitter Profile: http://twitter.com/ruhanirabin