Getting a new computer is exciting—but it’s only as useful as the software you install. Whether you’re setting up a Windows PC or a Mac, there are essential apps and tools that help you stay secure, productive, and connected from day one.
Here’s a list of must-have software for every new computer in 2025, divided by category, and covering both Windows and macOS.
Security and antivirus
Even modern operating systems need an extra layer of protection.
Windows:
- Microsoft Defender (built-in, solid for most users)
- Optional: Malwarebytes Free – for advanced scanning or second opinion
macOS:
- Built-in XProtect + Gatekeeper offer solid protection
- Optional: Bitdefender or Intego for more control over scans
Tip: Avoid installing multiple antivirus programs at once—they can conflict.
Web browsers
Most computers come with a default browser, but many users prefer faster or more customizable alternatives.
Recommended:
- Google Chrome – for speed, extensions, and syncing across devices
- Mozilla Firefox – for privacy and customization
- Microsoft Edge (Windows) – fast, clean, and integrates with Microsoft 365
- Safari (macOS) – optimized for Mac, especially battery-efficient
Office and productivity tools
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) – industry standard for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets
Alternatives:
- LibreOffice – free, open-source alternative
- Google Workspace (web-based) – for collaboration and cloud access
Other useful tools:
- Notion or Obsidian – for note-taking and project organization
- PDF-XChange Editor (Win) / PDF Expert (Mac) – lightweight PDF tools
- Grammarly – grammar and writing assistant (available as browser extension and desktop app)
Cloud storage and backup
Keeping your files safe and accessible is essential.
- OneDrive – best for Microsoft users, integrates with Windows
- Google Drive – generous free storage, integrates with Google services
- Dropbox – strong file sync and sharing
- iCloud Drive (Mac) – seamless with macOS and iOS devices
Tip: Use one cloud service for file backup and one external drive for local backup.
Communication apps
Stay connected across teams, clients, and friends.
- Microsoft Teams – for business collaboration and meetings
- Slack – ideal for team communication
- Zoom – popular for video calls and webinars
- Discord – great for casual communities or voice chats
- Signal or Telegram – secure messaging
Media and entertainment
Play and manage your media with these tools:
- VLC Media Player – plays virtually any video or audio file
- Spotify – music streaming
- Photos app (built-in) or Google Photos – manage and back up images
- Steam – for gaming, with a massive library of free and paid titles
File management and utilities
- 7-Zip (Win) or The Unarchiver (Mac) – extract ZIP, RAR, and other archives
- TreeSize (Win) or DaisyDisk (Mac) – analyze disk space
- CCleaner (with caution) – system cleaner (avoid aggressive use)
- Magnet (Mac) or PowerToys (Win) – improve window snapping and multitasking
Creative software
If you create content—designs, videos, or music—these are essential:
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)
- GIMP – free image editor
- DaVinci Resolve – powerful free video editing
- Audacity – simple, open-source audio editor
- Figma or Canva – for web design and social media graphics
Developer tools (optional)
If you code or run scripts, install:
- Visual Studio Code – versatile, fast, free IDE
- Git & GitHub Desktop – version control
- Homebrew (Mac) or Chocolatey (Win) – package managers for dev tools
- WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) – for a Linux environment on Windows
The best software setup depends on how you use your computer, but this starter kit will cover security, productivity, communication, and creativity. Install what you need, remove the bloatware, and keep your system updated.
