Top Tools to Enhance Your Windows 11 Experience

Enhance your new Windows 11 installation with five essential apps that address gaps left by Microsoft, making your PC more capable and efficient.

Productivity Tools

PowerToys is a Microsoft toolkit designed for advanced users. It offers a customizable window-layout tool, a layout launcher, screen-region OCR, and an always-on-top option for windows. These features provide a significant productivity boost.

Syncthing allows peer-to-peer file syncing across devices via Wi-Fi or cellular, perfect for those using local-data apps like Obsidian without relying on cloud services.

Device Integration

KDE Connect is a versatile, open-source suite for phone-to-PC integration. Use your phone as a trackpad or keyboard, enable gyro-controlled presentations, and enjoy features like clipboard sharing and notification mirroring.

Performance and Security

MSI Afterburner enhances GPU performance for both NVIDIA and AMD users. It offers clock speed adjustments, voltage control, and fan curve configuration, along with an on-screen display for real-time monitoring.

Portmaster, a free, open-source firewall, monitors app traffic and blocks unwanted connections, enhancing privacy by blocking trackers and malicious sites. These tools collectively make Windows 11 installations more functional and secure.

Update: 17 Jun 2026