Today I bring you a compilation of the Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows 10. I have tried to have a balanced list, with essential programs that are already veteran for inexperienced users. All of these are available on the Windows store so you can head over to download and try for free.
Unfortunately for users, the Windows Store simply has more shortcomings than benefits. However, it seems that they are slowly improving, and I really look forward to the ecosystem growing.
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Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows 10
For now, these are the most prominent Windows 10 applications that I have been able to test on the desktop. So, let’s check out some of the Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows.
ShareX is a small but robust application for managing Screenshots and more on Windows OS. Though famous for screenshot management, it can do a lot more like screen capture, photo editing, video compressing, video converting, video merging, and more.
ShareX, in addition to being a free application, capable of capturing or recording any area of a computer screen, it can share the captures made, upload images, text, or other types of files to many configurable and eligible compatible destinations.
For now, it is not cross-platform, so it only has executables for Windows (.exe) and its source code (.zip /.tar.gz), as can be seen on its GitHub site and downloaded in its latest released version. In addition, it comes with good multilingual support, which covers Spanish, English, German, French, Portuguese, and Italian, among many others.
Features
- Free and open-source application.
- Lightweight and contains no advertisements at all.
- Its operations (workflows) are customizable.
- Capture or record a full screen, region, or window on the Desktop.
- Upload and/or send images to different sites on the Internet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple interface that’s easy to navigate | Not available for macOS users |
| Customizable the shortcut keys | Shareable links will expire after a few hours |
| Application is fast and responsive, no lags | The scrolling window capture is not so smooth |
| Upload to your own server for quick means of sharing |
2. Speedtest by Ookla
Many times we are at home browsing and experience problems with the network. Speed drops, cuts and we need to check our internet speeds. Now heading on to the website every time to do that can be troublesome and annoying. So, you can try out this app called Speedtest by Ookla from the Microsoft store and use it to easily check your internet speed.
This Speedtest app is an easy and simple way to check on our PC the download and upload speed as well as the ping of your connection. Once you have finished the test you will see a summary of the figures obtained. You will even have a history of the last tests you have carried out.
It picks a nearby server from its list of more than 1,000, then runs a full test, and offers you information on upload and download speed, latency, and packet loss of your internet connection. Undoubtedly, it is one of the Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows 10 users that you can try for free.
Features
- Enable or limit public access via a password
- You can download test results of the past 60 days
- Share test results easily
- Global Speedtest server network
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A huge number of server locations all over the world | Heavy usage of graphics in the interface |
| Automatically detects the nearest server | |
| Easy to understand user interface | |
| App and website both are available for tests | |
| Shows preview tests in the history section |
3. Whatsapp Desktop
Earlier this year, the messaging service that now belongs to social media giant Facebook, launched its desktop versions. Until then, users could only use WhatsApp from its web app, while now it is possible to download native desktop applications for free.
In order to start the native application, you need to scan a QR code, for which no additional application is needed. Finally, the smartphone and the computer are synchronized. WhatsApp web will show all your current conversations in the desktop application and, in addition, you will be able to use almost all the functions of the mobile application.
The new versions of WhatsApp for PC will be the future replacement of the browser tab, used until now to run the messaging service. Both versions are very similar. Because the desktop application is permanently installed, some features work better and are more comfortable to operate.
Features
- The application can be integrated into the automatic start menu
- It has desktop notifications
- Unread messages are displayed on the taskbar.
- The desktop client supports shortcuts and auto-correct functions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secured connection | iOS devices are not supported |
| No need to sign in repeatedly | Whatsapp will stop working if the phone is disconnected |
| Easy to sign in with the QR code | Sometimes there is a 2 seconds delay in receiving messages |
| When you download any image from your WhatsApp using your phone, it won’t be downloaded to the desktop |
4. Microsoft Whiteboard
Microsoft Whiteboard is a free application available on the Microsoft store with which it is intended to promote teamwork since all users can participate and interact in the same project and work with each other in real-time. It is one of the useful apps that you can find on the Microsoft Store.
Thanks to this application, the utility that both electronic whiteboards and large screens offer right now are improved, both in the professional and educational fields, since they allow from creating lessons to developing projects and even allowing the reproduction of multimedia content.
With Microsoft Whiteboard you can share a whiteboard for collaborative editing over the Internet. To do this you must click on the person’s icon and choose the Web sharing link. This will generate a link, which you must send to other people so that they can join.
Features
- Draw with ease
- Add photos and sticky notes
- Share with friends
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight application with essential features | A few features like Screen Recording are missing |
| Can share with friends over the internet | No support for presentation tools |
| Can adjust marker thickness | |
| Can draw using different tools available |
5. Microsoft to-do
Microsoft to-do is a new program that seeks to organize the tasks of one or more members of one or more teams in an easier way. This is mainly made to compete with other similar services such as Trello, Asana, among others that perform similar functions.
In each of the tasks you can add information: Comments, attached documents, images, etc. Everything so that the material related to a specific job is accessible in a simple way and in one place.
The last one you received adds a significant visual enhancement that makes Microsoft To-Do compatible with the Windows dark theme. Previously we could see a blank screen on which could be annoying to look at. Microsoft adds its app to the trend that bets on dark colors for our applications.
Features
- Simple to use
- Lightweight
- Colorful interface
- Dark mode
- Event reminder feature
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Option to customize the look of each to-do board | No Gantt Charts |
| Intuitive UI | No “preview” view option for tasks |
| Team Collaboration |
6. Messenger
While it is true that most of us do not detach from the mobile phone, the truth is that in many cases it is more comfortable to use some applications on the computer. This is the case of messaging apps: although the smartphone version is essential, having a desktop version is of the Facebook messenger very useful for reading and writing messages while we are working on the PC.
Until now, users who wanted to use this instant messaging platform on their computer had to go to the version for the web browser, but from now on they will be able to use the desktop app for their operating system.
And what does Messenger Desktop offer you? It allows you to enjoy many of the platform’s features with the convenience of typing on a physical keyboard and having a much larger screen. You can chat as you normally do in the mobile app, using emojis and attaching photos or videos.
Features
- Dark mode
- Configure and receive notifications
- Send text messages, emojis, animated GIFs etc
- Send voice memos through your computer’s microphone.
- It will save all the data so you won’t have to download photos/videos again.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to sign in and use | Not available for older Windows versions |
| Has all the features of the regular messenger app on the phone | Uses a lot of storage |
| Will work even when the phone is not connected to the internet |
7. Your Phone
Your Phone is a Windows application designed so that Android users can connect their PC and their smartphone in real-time. In this way it allows you to access different functions of the phone directly from your PC.
One of the key features of this application is to make and receive phone calls from your Android from your PC. It can also be used to access messages and view recent photos of your phone directly from the desktop app.
While the Your Phone application does support iOS as well, Microsoft is going in the direction to bring MacOS like features to Windows. This application is only supported on Windows 10, not on the older versions. So if you want to lay your hands on this amazing app, you have to have Windows 10.
Features
- Access messages and photos
- Receive phone calls over Bluetooth
- Download or photos directly from the app
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to pair your phone | Bluetooth connection is always needed |
| Simple yet effective UI | Sometimes notification doesn’t appear on PC |
| Can be used as a remote app to make calls using a phone | Can’t be used with android versions below 7 |
8. Telegram desktop
Telegram Desktop is simply the desktop version of the application. It is synchronized with the user’s account so that it is possible to send and receive messages in a normal way. Only in this case, it is used on the computer. It is possible to use it in all types of operating systems because there are versions for Windows, macOS, Linux 32 bit, and Linux 64 bit.
At the interface level, it does not present too many differences with respect to the version for Telegram’s phone. On the left side, there is a column with all the chats that are open. To access the menu, you have to use the icon with the three horizontal stripes and then click on the desired option, such as entering the settings, for example.
Therefore, it is a version that is very easy to use for all those who have Telegram on their smartphone. It will be synchronized with the account you have on your smartphone at all times.
Features:
- Multi-account support
- Dark mode
- Easy Sync with a mobile device
- Lightweight
- Consumes less data
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Does not require a mobile device to be connected to the internet | Can’t send location |
| Secure with encryption | Can’t send photos with the camera |
| Open-source | No option for secret messages |
9. Microsoft Photos
Microsoft introduced this application with the new Windows 10, replacing the old photo viewer app on the Windows PCs. This new app is a great tool for photo viewing, photo editing, slideshows, playing videos, and editing them a little bit.
The best thing about this application is that it comes preinstalled with the windows 10. You won’t have to face the struggle of searching on the web for installing. In case you have accidentally deleted it from your Windows 10, you can just head over to the Microsoft Store and install it for free.
One thing I noticed while using this application is that it bumps up the contrast and vibrance in the photos, making it look a lot more attractive to the eyes. However, if you want to tweak something in that photo, you will get the edit option right on the top of the image. There you can have access to 15+ filters and the strength of each one of the filters is adjustable.
Features
- Basic options to edit photos and videos
- Option for making slideshows
- 15+ filters and effects
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | No option to save the image in a location you want |
| Has slider in color editing | Slow to load the photos |
| Create and edit photo albums |
10. Screen Recorder Pro for Win10
Screen Recorder Pro as a screen recorder and capture software is packed with features that many people can use effectively. If you want to record some tutorials on the screen, Screen Recorder Pro is an excellent option as it will allow you to easily record the screen without any hassle.
Another feature that I love about Screen Recorder Pro is the fact that we can take screenshots with ease. You will even get a counter on the screen that changes color every time you take a screenshot. This is really convenient for people who prefer to take screenshots of the games you play.
For anyone who is looking for an all-in-one solution for the screen recording problems that they face on a regular basis, Screen Recorder Pro is the solution for all the problems you may face.
Features
- Take ScreenShots
- Record ScreenCasts
- Option to capture with/without Mouse Cursor
- Record webcam
- Can record Specific Regions
- Capture Mouse Clicks or Keystrokes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use with each function having its separate section | Only available for windows 10 |
| The game recording does not affect the frame rate of the game. | |
| Application is lightweight |
11. Microsoft Office
If you have been using Windows, you surely know what Microsoft office is. But, what you don’t know is that you can use the application for free, without having to pay any penny. As you know It is a tool that allows us to create, access, and share Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint documents and much more.
You can head over to the Microsoft store and download the Microsoft office tool without any key activation. Normally you might have asked you for activation if you wanted to use it. But now, if you have windows 10 installed on your PC, then you can use all of the features of Microsoft Office for free. All you need is an active internet connection.
It allows us to access documents at any time as long as we have an Internet connection, it is an option that is quite popular in companies. Since it allows workers from different areas to work together on projects or if there are people who are traveling, you can always consult changes in a document.
Features
- Easy access to all the office tools
- No need for activation if you have internet
- Easy to organize all the file you are working on
- Autosave feature
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use UI | Can be slow to open if you have a low-end PC |
| Has all the tools you might need | |
| Free to use |
12. PicsArt
PicsArt is a photo editor that works just as you want and has numerous tools to generate new and surreal images. Due to the abundance of tools, new horizons are opened in the field of creating unique images, from simple photo editing or collage creation to adding surreal effects. There are many paid editing apps, so it is one of the great alternatives for paid apps.
It can hardly be compared to Adobe Photoshop, which is still designed for professionals. However, if you are looking for a simple photo editor and don’t need complex effects and want to get high-quality results fast, then the PicsArt might fulfill your needs.
In addition, the developers have relied on the convenience and simplicity of the interface, so that any beginner can quickly learn using this app and the desired effect. However, despite the minimalism in the UI, the program’s possibilities are huge.
Features
- 15 effects can be superimposed on the image.
- Easy to draw on the larger screen of PC
- Share your creations with others through the built-in Artists Network
- Photos get automatically saved in the cloud
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tips appear when you download the application | Contains Ads unless you buy Pro |
| Regular updates | |
| Photos are easy to share | |
| Requires less system resource |
FAQs
How to use the Microsoft store in Windows 10?
You have to click on the search option on the windows 10 and type ‘Microsoft Store’ and click on the application you see. There you have to login with your Microsoft account and you are done.
What are the best Windows 10 apps?
Depending upon the user, everyone will have a different definition of ‘Best apps’. However, going general, I must say Whatsapp, Microsoft Office, and Speedtest by Ookla are some of the best apps for windows.
Is Microsoft Store free?
Yes, Microsoft stores are completely free to use. However, you might find some of the paid apps there as well.
What are the Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows?
Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Office, Whatsapp Desktop, and Your Phone are some of the best apps for Windows right now.
Conclusion
Even though the Microsoft Store doesn’t have as many apps as the other app stores like the google play store or the apple’s app store, I must say it has quite a good amount of apps for almost every need.
Also, finding these apps in the store and installing them was much easier than finding them on google and then using a setup program to install them.
So, if you are on a hunt to find the best apps on the Microsoft Store For Windows 10 then your search ends here. The above-mentioned apps are the Best Free Microsoft Store Apps For Windows 10 in their category and I have personally tested them out.
