What software should you have on a new laptop or computer?
A new laptop is a clean slate, and a good chance to avoid old mistakes. Instead of installing everything “just in case”, pick a handful of programs that will genuinely make work, study, and leisure easier. Here’s a list of software that suits most Windows computers.
1. An office suite: the foundation of every computer
Even if your laptop is mainly for entertainment, sooner or later you’ll need to write a letter, open an invoice in Excel, or prepare a presentation. If you don’t want to pay a subscription, a good choice is Office 2024 LTSC in the Standard edition, a suite you buy once with no monthly fees.
It includes the five apps people use most:
- Word for documents, letters, and contracts,
- Excel for spreadsheets, budgets, and reports,
- PowerPoint for presentations,
- Outlook for email and calendar,
- OneNote for notes.
The Standard edition doesn’t include the Access database, which is mostly useful in businesses and for more advanced data work. In everyday use, though, you’ll rarely need it. The suite also opens OpenDocument files, so you can load documents from LibreOffice without any trouble.
Microsoft provides security updates for this version until October 2029. The interface stays the same, because LTSC doesn’t get new features, which many people see as an advantage. To activate it, you need an Office 2024 key, which you enter after installation. Remember to keep your Office 2024 key somewhere safe, as you’ll need it if you ever reinstall the system.
2. Browser and security
Your browser is the program you’ll use most. Edge is available right away, but many people prefer Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. Pick one of them and sign in to bring over bookmarks and passwords from your old computer.
The built-in Microsoft Defender is enough to protect you from viruses. It’s worth adding a password manager, though, such as Bitwarden or 1Password, which will generate strong passwords and remember them for you.
3. Communication and cloud
For video calls, you’ll want Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, depending on who you talk to most. Desktop versions of messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, or Signal are handy for everyday use too.
Also install a cloud storage app: OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Your files will be available on your phone and other devices, and if your laptop fails, you won’t lose important documents.
4. Multimedia and graphics
- VLC plays almost any audio or video file, with no extra codecs needed.
- Spotify or another music app for listening to music in the background.
- GIMP or Paint.NET for editing photos and simple graphics.
- Clipchamp, a simple video editor available in Windows 11.
If you do graphics or video editing professionally, you’ll probably reach for paid tools, but for home use the options above are more than enough.
5. Small tools that make life easier
- 7-Zip, a free archiver that extracts ZIP, RAR, and 7z files.
- A PDF reader: Edge opens PDF files, but Adobe Acrobat Reader can be more convenient for signing documents and filling in forms.
- Microsoft PowerToys, a free set of Windows add-ons for arranging windows, resizing images, quick search, and more.
- Snipping Tool, built into Windows (shortcut Win + Shift + S), is all you need for screenshots in most situations.
What’s better not to install?
Avoid “PC speed-up” programs, “registry cleaners”, and dubious free antivirus apps, as they usually slow your system down rather than help it. Download software only from manufacturers’ websites or the Microsoft Store, and uninstall the trial versions the manufacturer added to your laptop.
Summary
A new computer doesn’t need dozens of programs. For a good start, all you need is a browser with a password manager, communication tools and cloud storage, an office suite, and a few apps for multimedia and small tasks. Install only what you actually use, download programs from trusted sources, and review your list of apps every now and then. That way, your laptop will stay as fast and tidy as it was when it first arrived.
FAQ: frequently asked questions
Can I move programs from my old computer to the new one?
Programs usually aren’t transferred directly; it’s best to reinstall them from scratch in their latest versions. You can, however, move your files and settings, for example via OneDrive, the Windows Backup app, or an external drive. Before you move, check the license terms of your paid programs, as some must first be deactivated on the old machine.
What’s the easiest way to keep installed programs up to date?
Apps from the Microsoft Store update automatically, as do most browsers. You can update most other programs with a single command: open Terminal and type winget upgrade –all. It’s worth doing this every few weeks, since new versions patch security holes.
Where can I find affordable software for a new laptop?
If you need paid programs, check out the offers on G2A.COM. It’s a marketplace where you can often buy Windows licenses, antivirus software, graphics tools, or other necessary tools for much less than the list price, because many sellers compete on price there. Before buying, check the seller’s ratings as well as the activation region and number of devices listed in the product description.