Windows 11 is one of the most widely used operating systems globally. However, its default applications are not as popular. When you first set up your Windows 11 PC or laptop, you might want to change which apps are used by default. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to improve these apps in recent years, many users still prefer third-party alternatives. Here, we explore five default Windows 11 apps that are easily outperformed by other options.
Changing Default Apps on Windows 11
Windows 10 and 11 handle default applications differently. On Windows 10, you could choose one default application for each type of task, like browsing or media playing. Once set, this choice is applied to all related file extensions.
Windows 11, however, requires you to select a default application for each file type individually. For example, if you want to change your media player, you can’t just set one app as the default. Instead, you have to set it for each file type, such as .mp4, .mkv, and .mov.
Some third-party applications make this process easier by offering to set themselves as the default during installation. However, not all apps do this. If you prefer not to manually change the default app for each file type, you can use the “Open with” option and save your choice as the default for that file type.
Media Player: Limited Capabilities
The default media player on Windows 11 is the Movies & TV app, known as Films & TV outside the U.S. While it’s an improvement over previous Windows media players, it still has limitations. The app is optimized for Windows devices, offering excellent performance, especially on laptops, where it conserves battery life. However, it struggles with important video formats unless you purchase extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Moreover, the Movies & TV app lacks advanced features found in other media players, such as video conversion and subtitle generation. If you often find yourself unable to play certain videos, you might want to try a different media player.
VLC Media Player is a popular choice. It supports almost every video format and offers features like aspect ratio adjustment, subtitle generation, and basic video editing. Despite occasional stutters, VLC is reliable and versatile.
Another option is PotPlayer, which many former VLC users have adopted. PotPlayer supports a wide range of formats, offers even more advanced subtitle features, and allows extensive customization, including creating or downloading new skins and UI elements.
Internet Browser: Time for a Change?
Many people still think that Microsoft Edge is only good for downloading a new web browser. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to improve Edge, it’s still not the top choice for most users. Reports show that only about 15% of users stick with Edge.
Internet Explorer was once the leading web browser but lost ground to newer options like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Today, Google Chrome dominates the Windows browser market, with nearly 60% of users choosing it over others.
If you’re not a fan of Chromium-based browsers, Mozilla Firefox is a solid alternative. It offers good performance and strong privacy features. For users who want a lightweight browser that doesn’t consume too many resources, Opera GX is a great option, especially for gamers. If you need a browser tailored for work or study, Vivaldi could be the right fit. Each of these browsers has unique features, so don’t be afraid to explore and find the one that suits you best.
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Video Editor: Beyond Clipchamp
In 2022, Microsoft introduced Clipchamp as its default video editor. It’s a decent tool for beginners or those with simple editing needs. However, Clipchamp falls short for more complex projects. If you’re a professional or frequent video editor, you’ll likely need something more powerful.
Adobe Premiere Pro is widely regarded as the best video editor available. It offers advanced features like color grading, effects, transitions, and access to numerous plugins. The learning curve is steep, and the price is high, but the quality and community support make it worth considering.
If you’re looking for a free alternative, DaVinci Resolve is an excellent option. It’s an open-source video editor that offers many of the same features as Premiere Pro, including 4K video export. Although it’s less popular than Adobe’s offering, DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated user base that creates tutorials, templates, and other resources to help you get the most out of the software.
Image Editor: Alternatives to the Photos App
Windows 11’s Photos app is fine for viewing images, organizing albums, and making simple edits. However, it doesn’t offer the depth of features needed for more serious image editing. If you want to do more than just basic tweaks, you’ll need a more robust tool.
For professionals, Adobe Photoshop is the go-to choice. It’s the most advanced image editor available, constantly updated with new features. This level of quality comes at a high cost, with Adobe’s subscription model being one of the priciest in the market.
For those who prefer a free option, GIMP is a great alternative. It offers many of the same features as Photoshop, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. If you’re looking for something even simpler, Canva is a user-friendly app with a variety of templates and editing tools that are perfect for quick projects.
Screen Recording: Beyond Built-In Tools
Windows 11 doesn’t have a dedicated screen recording app, but it offers three options: the Snipping Tool, Microsoft 365, and the Xbox Game Bar. While these tools can get the job done in a pinch, they’re not ideal for more demanding tasks like creating tutorials, recording presentations, or capturing gameplay.
OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen recording software that offers advanced features like CPU and GPU encoding, streaming capabilities, and overlay options. It’s a powerful tool with no watermarks, making it a favourite among content creators.
If you have an Nvidia graphics card, even an older model, GeForce Experience’s ShadowPlay is another excellent choice. This tool records gameplay with minimal performance impact by using a secondary chip on the GPU. However, if your PC crashes during recording, your footage may be lost or corrupted since ShadowPlay records in MP4 format.
The Bottom Line: Explore Your Options
There are countless third-party apps that can replace the default applications on Windows 11. This list highlights just a few that offer significant improvements over Microsoft’s built-in options. Whether you’re looking for better performance, more features, or a different aesthetic, there’s likely an alternative app out there that fits your needs.
If you’re not satisfied with the default apps on Windows 11, don’t hesitate to explore the many alternatives available. With the right tools, you can enhance your productivity, creativity, and overall user experience on your PC.
