Top 10 Free Software Every New Computer Should Have

Start fresh with the best free software in 2025. Whether it’s for work, school, security, or fun, the right software makes a big difference. This list includes top free tools every new PC should install first.

1. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

A new computer isn’t complete without a fast browser. Google Chrome is the most used browser in 2025. It’s quick, secure, and syncs with your Google account. Mozilla Firefox is a strong alternative. It respects your privacy and uses fewer system resources.

Both are free browsers for Windows. They update automatically and support extensions. Install Chrome or Firefox as your first download.

2. LibreOffice

Skip Microsoft Office and try LibreOffice. This free office software lets you create Word documents, Excel-style spreadsheets, and PowerPoint-style presentations.

LibreOffice supports DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files. It works offline and gets regular updates. Students, professionals, and home users love it. For a free productivity suite, LibreOffice is a must-have software.

3. VLC Media Player

Every new computer should install VLC Media Player. It plays almost every audio and video format: MP4, MKV, AVI, FLAC, MP3, and more.

It’s free, open-source, and has no ads. You don’t need extra codecs. VLC can also stream content and convert files. In 2025, VLC remains the most reliable free media player for PC.

4. GIMP

Try GIMP. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) offers professional image editing tools at no cost.You can retouch photos, create digital art, or design web graphics. GIMP supports layers, plugins, and many formats. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. GIMP is a powerful free tool every creative should install on a new computer.

5. 7-Zip

7-Zip helps you compress and unzip files. It supports ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZ, and 7z formats. It’s faster and lighter than WinRAR or WinZip.

Use 7-Zip to shrink files, split folders, or extract large downloads. It integrates with Windows Explorer for easy access. For managing files, 7-Zip is one of the top free utilities for new computers.

6. SumatraPDF

SumatraPDF is a simple, fast PDF reader. It opens PDFs instantly and uses very little RAM. No bloatware, no ads, just speed.

It also supports eBooks (ePub, Mobi) and comics (CBR, CBZ). SumatraPDF is perfect for students, readers, or anyone who wants a clean PDF experience. It’s free software that makes reading files fast and easy.

7. Audacity

Audacity lets you record and edit audio on your new PC. It’s the best free tool for podcasts, music production, and voice editing.

You can cut, trim, add effects, and mix tracks easily. It supports MP3, WAV, and many other formats. Audacity is open-source and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a must-have free software for creators in 2025.

8. KeePassXC

Passwords are important. KeePassXC keeps them safe. It stores all your passwords in an encrypted file you control.

It’s completely offline, open-source, and doesn’t rely on the cloud. It can auto-fill login forms and generate strong passwords. In 2025, this free password manager is perfect for protecting your new computer.

9. Malwarebytes

Your new computer needs protection. Malwarebytes Free scans for viruses, spyware, and ransomware.It’s not a full antivirus but works well with Windows Defender. It finds threats traditional antivirus might miss. Run a scan weekly to keep your system clean. Malwarebytes Free is one of the top free antivirus tools for new PCs in 2025.

10. BleachBit

BleachBit frees up space on your hard drive. It deletes temporary files, cache, and system junk. It also protects your privacy by clearing browser history and cookies.It’s a free alternative to CCleaner. Your new computer will run faster and cleaner with BleachBit installed. In 2025, it's one of the best free tools to optimize a PC.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 free software tools for new computers in 2025. They cover everything: web browsing, office work, media, security, and system performance. Each tool is trusted, widely used, and totally free.

Don’t waste time searching—just install these now. Make your PC faster, safer, and more productive from day one.