In 2025, the Microsoft Store is filled with free apps that subtly enhance productivity for Windows 11 users. Five specific applications have risen in use for their no-nonsense utility: FlairMax, Simple QR Code Maker, Monitorian, EarTrumpet, and Fluent Flyouts.
Useful Tools in Focus
FlairMax: This app provides instant music recognition by tapping into Shazam’s audio database. It comes with an uncluttered UI, providing streaming links and synchronized lyrics.
Simple QR Code Maker: Ideal for generating QR codes from URLs, text, and other data. It functions offline and offers a minimalist, ad-free interface to quickly share links or documents.
Monitorian: A lightweight solution for adjusting brightness across multiple displays via a single flyout. It requires monitors with DDC/CI support to function effectively.
Advanced Sound and Display Management
EarTrumpet: An upgrade from the default Windows volume control, it allows per-app volume adjustments, hotkey shortcuts, and quick access to audio settings.
Fluent Flyouts: This app recreates separate system flyouts with a modern Windows 11 style. Originally popular in Windows 10, it's now open source and under active development with planned additions like a battery flyout.
