Just got a new computer? Congratulations! Whether it's a holiday gift or a well-deserved upgrade, that fresh Windows installation is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with the right tools. Here in Saskatoon, we help customers set up new computers every day, and the software you install in the first week often determines how productive and secure your machine will be for years to come.

The good news? You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on software. Some of the best programs available are completely free. Our software installation team has put together this guide of essential free applications that every new computer needs in 2025.

The average person uses 9 different software applications daily. Choosing the right free alternatives can save you over $500 per year compared to paid subscriptions.

Why the Right Software Matters

A new computer comes with Windows and not much else. Microsoft includes some basics, but you'll quickly find gaps when you try to open a PDF, edit a photo, or protect yourself from malware. Installing the right software from day one means:

Better security: Antivirus and backup software protect your data from threats
Improved productivity: The right tools help you work faster and smarter
Money savings: Quality free software eliminates expensive subscriptions
Fewer problems: Reliable software means fewer crashes and frustrations

Let's walk through each category of software your new computer needs.

Web Browsers: Your Gateway to the Internet

Windows comes with Microsoft Edge, which has improved significantly. But many Saskatoon residents prefer alternatives for better extension support and cross-device syncing.

Top Picks:

Mozilla Firefox: Privacy-focused, open-source, and highly customizable. Great for those who value data privacy and want extensive add-on options.
Google Chrome: Fast, widely compatible, and syncs seamlessly with Android devices. Best if you use Google services like Gmail and Drive.
Brave: Built-in ad blocking and privacy features. Perfect for users frustrated with intrusive online advertising.

Pro tip: Install at least two browsers. If one has issues with a website, the other often works fine. If you're experiencing browser slowdowns, switching browsers can sometimes be the quickest fix.

Security Software: Protecting Your Investment

Your new computer is an investment worth protecting. While Windows Defender has improved, layering additional security tools provides better protection against modern threats.

Essential Security Software:

Malwarebytes Free: Excellent malware scanner that catches what antivirus misses. Run weekly scans to stay protected.
Bitwarden: Free password manager that securely stores all your passwords. Stop using the same password everywhere—it's a security disaster waiting to happen.
Windows Security (built-in): Microsoft's built-in antivirus is now genuinely good. Keep it enabled and updated.

If you suspect your computer might already have issues, check our guide on how to tell if your computer has a virus. Catching infections early prevents major headaches.

Productivity Tools: Get Work Done

Microsoft Office is the standard, but it costs money. These free alternatives handle most document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs perfectly well.

Office Alternatives:

LibreOffice: Full office suite with Writer (Word), Calc (Excel), and Impress (PowerPoint). Opens and saves Microsoft Office formats.
Google Docs/Sheets/Slides: Free online alternatives that work in your browser. Perfect for collaboration and automatic cloud saving.
Notion: Modern note-taking and project management. Great for organizing everything from personal notes to team projects.

PDF Tools:

Sumatra PDF: Lightning-fast, lightweight PDF reader. Opens instantly unlike bloated alternatives.
PDF24: Free PDF editor for merging, splitting, and basic editing. No watermarks or limitations.

Media Players and Creative Tools

Windows Media Player is limited. These free tools handle virtually any media format and let you create as well as consume content.

Media Players:

VLC Media Player: Plays absolutely everything—videos, music, DVDs, streaming links. The only media player most people need.
Spotify: Free tier gives you access to millions of songs with ads. Great for music discovery and casual listening.

Creative Tools:

GIMP: Powerful image editor comparable to Photoshop. Steeper learning curve but incredibly capable for photo editing.
Paint.NET: Simpler image editor perfect for quick edits and basic photo touch-ups. Easier to learn than GIMP.
Audacity: Record and edit audio for podcasts, voice memos, or music. Industry-standard free audio editor.

Utility Software: Keep Your PC Running Smooth

These behind-the-scenes tools keep your computer running efficiently and help you manage files and data effectively.

Essential Utilities:

7-Zip: Open any compressed file format—ZIP, RAR, 7z, and more. Essential for downloading files from the internet.
Everything: Instantly search your entire computer. Finds any file in milliseconds—way faster than Windows Search.
TreeSize Free: See exactly what's using your disk space with visual breakdowns. Perfect for freeing up storage.
Revo Uninstaller: Completely remove programs including leftover files that normal uninstall misses.

Backup Software:

Backblaze: Affordable unlimited cloud backup ($7/month but worth mentioning). Automatic, set-it-and-forget-it protection.
Windows Backup (built-in): Free backup to external drives. Configure it in Windows Settings under System → Storage → Backup options.

Regular backups are crucial. If your computer is running slow after recent changes, our guide on quick fixes for a slow laptop can help you identify the issue.

Communication Apps: Stay Connected

Whether for work or staying in touch with family, these communication tools cover all your needs.

Discord: Voice, video, and text chat. Popular for gaming but increasingly used for communities and work teams.
Zoom: Free for meetings up to 40 minutes. Standard for video calls and virtual meetings.
Slack: Team communication platform with free tier for small teams. Keeps work conversations organized.
WhatsApp Desktop: If you use WhatsApp on your phone, the desktop app makes typing long messages much easier.

Tips for Safe Software Installation

Before you start downloading, here are some critical tips to avoid problems:

Download from official sources only: Always get software from the developer's official website. Avoid download sites that bundle unwanted programs.
Read installation screens carefully: Uncheck boxes for toolbars, browser changes, and "optional" software you didn't ask for.
Choose "Custom" installation: This reveals hidden options that default installations might slip in.
Keep everything updated: Enable automatic updates when available. Updates fix security holes and bugs.
Create a restore point first: Before major installations, create a Windows restore point so you can undo changes if needed.

If you're unsure about a download source or worried about accidentally installing malware, our software support team can help you identify safe sources and clean up any unwanted programs.

Get Your Computer Set Up Right

Setting up a new computer properly takes time—often several hours to install, configure, and optimize everything. If you'd rather spend that time enjoying your new machine instead of troubleshooting installations, TechYXE can help.

Our software installation service includes:

Complete software setup starting at just $19—we install and configure all the essential software your computer needs
Security configuration—antivirus setup, Windows security optimization, and privacy settings configured correctly
Data migration—transfer your files, bookmarks, and settings from your old computer
Performance optimization—disable bloatware, optimize startup programs, and tune Windows settings
Local Saskatoon service—real people who explain what we're doing and answer your questions

Whether you want us to handle the entire setup or just help with specific software, contact us today to get your new computer running perfectly from day one!

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Essential Free Software Every New Computer Needs in 2025