These Apps Used To Be Essential Until Windows Made Them Pointless - Beritaja

For as long as Windows has existed, third-party software has played a huge role in shaping the user experience. I’ve always had a personal list of “must-install” apps that I set up immediately after booting a new PC — the tools that felt absolutely essential. But over the years, Microsoft has been steadily closing the gap.

Windows today is far more capable than it used to be. Many features that once required external programs — like advanced screen capture, built-in archive management, phone syncing, or robust security protection — now come standard. As a result, a lot of once-crucial apps have turned into optional extras. They’re still powerful and customizable, but most everyday users can comfortably stick with the native Windows tools.

5. DroidCam & Pushbullet

Once the bridge between your phone and PC

Not too long ago, apps like DroidCam and Pushbullet felt almost magical. When laptop webcams delivered grainy, potato-quality footage, DroidCam swooped in to let your smartphone act as a crisp, high-definition webcam. Pushbullet, meanwhile, created a seamless link between phone and desktop — sending notifications, syncing texts, and transferring files effortlessly.

Fast-forward to today, and Microsoft’s Phone Link has taken over their best tricks. With it, you can view notifications, send messages, drag and drop photos, and even open Android apps right on your PC. And now, using your phone’s camera as a webcam is built directly into Windows — no DroidCam needed.

4. ShareX

When Snipping Tool wasn’t enough

There was a time when ShareX was the go-to for anyone serious about screenshots. The original Snipping Tool could only handle the basics — a quick grab of the screen, window, or region — but nothing fancy. Power users needed ShareX for features like scrolling captures, screen recording, annotations, and automation.

That’s no longer the case. The revamped Snipping Tool now supports screen recording, OCR text extraction, annotations, and even scrolling captures. It’s gone from basic to brilliant.

ShareX still offers a deeper level of control and customization for advanced workflows, but for most users, Snipping Tool finally checks all the boxes.

3. WinRAR

The compression legend of old

For decades, WinRAR was one of the first things people installed on a new PC. Windows’ built-in ZIP support just wasn’t enough — it struggled with formats like RAR, 7Z, or password-protected archives. WinRAR (and 7-Zip) were indispensable. And, of course, who can forget the “never-ending 40-day trial”?

But those days are behind us. Modern File Explorer can now open and extract ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and TAR files natively. You no longer need an extra app just to unpack a download. WinRAR still works great, but for most users, Windows already does the job.

2. Notepad++

The text editor power users swore by

When Notepad++ came along, it was everything Windows’ default Notepad wasn’t — feature-rich, fast, and flexible. It supported tabs, syntax highlighting, and all the little quality-of-life improvements coders and editors craved.

But the new Notepad has caught up in impressive ways. It now includes tabbed editing, dark mode, autosave, and even AI-powered tools. It feels modern and efficient instead of ancient and barebones. Notepad++ still has a loyal following, but for most people, Notepad is finally more than “good enough.”

1. Antivirus Software

When safety meant going third-party

For years, no PC setup felt complete without a third-party antivirus. Brands like Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, and Malwarebytes were seen as essential shields against malware, phishing, and online threats.

Now, Windows Security does all of that out of the box — and does it well. It includes real-time scanning, ransomware protection, and cloud-based threat detection, all without bogging down your computer or demanding a subscription.

Third-party antivirus tools still offer niche advantages, but for the average user, they’re no longer a requirement.

The Inevitable Evolution

It’s a little bittersweet. These third-party apps helped shape what Windows is today — filling gaps and introducing innovations that Microsoft eventually adopted. In a way, they became victims of their own success. Their best ideas live on, built directly into Windows itself.

Source:

• Windows – Wikipedia
• Phone Link – Wikipedia
• Snipping Tool – Wikipedia
• File Explorer – Wikipedia
• Notepad – Wikipedia
• Norton AntiVirus – Wikipedia
• McAfee – Wikipedia
• Windows Security – Wikipedia

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