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Utilities

A collection of useful utilities for system maintenance, troubleshooting, optimization, networking, storage management, file recovery, conversion, and everyday technician tasks.

Disk

Tools for analyzing, cleaning, managing, and recovering data from storage devices.

Disk Scan

Tools for analyzing disk usage and finding files, folders, and applications that are consuming storage space.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
WizTreeQuickly analyzes disk usage and shows which files and folders are using the most storage space.
QDirStatGraphical disk-usage analyzer that shows directory sizes with a tree view and treemap and provides cleanup actions.
SquirrelDiskVisual disk-space analyzer for identifying large files and folders.
WinDirStatDisk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Windows.
FilelightVisualizes disk usage with interactive charts so large files and folders are easy to find.
Disk Usage AnalyzerScans folders and storage devices and provides graphical views of disk usage.
TreeSizeAnalyzes and visualizes storage usage to help identify large files and folders.
SD Maid SEAndroid maintenance utility for analyzing and managing files and applications.

Disk Cleaners

Tools for removing unnecessary files, application leftovers, caches, logs, and other storage clutter.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
BleachBitDeletes unnecessary files such as caches, logs, temporary files, and other data.
Bulk Crap UninstallerRemoves unwanted applications and helps clean up files left behind after uninstallations.
CantaAndroid debloating tool for removing unwanted applications through Shizuku.

Disk Management

Tools for partitioning, formatting, copying, and managing storage devices and file systems.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
GPartedPartition editor for creating, resizing, moving, copying, and managing partitions and file systems.

Disk Information

Tools for inspecting drive health, SMART information, capacity, interfaces, and storage performance.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
CrystalDiskInfoMonitors drive health and reports SMART information and other drive details.
CrystalDiskMarkMeasures sequential and random read and write performance of storage devices.

Converters

File conversion utilities for converting documents, images, video, audio, and other file formats.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
File ConverterConverts files between many common formats through a graphical interface.
FFmpegMultimedia framework for decoding, encoding, transcoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playing media.
ImageMagickImage processing toolkit for converting, resizing, editing, and manipulating images.
VertWeb-based file converter that can perform many conversions locally in the browser.
Convert to it!Web-based converter for converting files between many formats.
AConvertOnline converter supporting documents, images, video, audio, archives, and other file types.
CloudConvertOnline file conversion service supporting documents, images, audio, video, archives, and other formats.

File Recovery Tools

Tools for recovering deleted files and accessing systems when normal operating-system recovery options are unavailable.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
RecuvaRecovers deleted files from Windows computers, removable media, memory cards, and other supported storage devices.
Disk DrillRecovers deleted or lost files from computers and removable storage media.
TestDisk / PhotoRecOpen-source tools for partition recovery, file recovery, and recovering files from damaged or reformatted media.
MediCat USBBootable toolkit containing recovery, diagnostic, partitioning, backup, and troubleshooting utilities.
Hiren’s BootCD PEBootable Windows PE environment containing tools for diagnostics, recovery, partitioning, backup, and system repair.

Create a Bootable USB

Tools for creating bootable USB drives used to install operating systems, run live environments, and perform system recovery.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
RufusUtility for creating bootable USB drives from ISO images and other bootable disk images.
balenaEtcherUtility for writing operating-system images to USB drives and removable storage.
VentoyCreates a multiboot USB drive that can boot multiple ISO and disk-image files.
ISO Image WriterWrites ISO images to USB drives and other removable storage to create bootable media.
ddCommand-line utility for copying and converting raw data, commonly used to write disk images and create exact copies of storage devices.
Raspberry Pi ImagerOfficial Raspberry Pi imaging utility for writing operating-system images to SD cards and USB storage devices.

Remote Access

Remote access and support tools for managing computers and providing technical assistance.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
RustDeskOpen-source remote desktop software for remote access and support.
TightVNCRemote desktop software using the VNC protocol.
RemminaRemote desktop client for accessing other desktops remotely, supporting RDP, VNC, SPICE, X2Go, SSH, HTTP/HTTPS, and other protocols.
TigerVNCHigh-performance, platform-neutral implementation of VNC for launching and interacting with graphical applications on remote machines.
UltraVNCFree remote PC access software that lets you display and control another computer over a network or the Internet using VNC.
ParsecDesktop capturing application primarily used for playing games or working remotely through video streaming, enabling low-latency remote access through an internet connection.

Software Installation and Package Management

Tools for installing, updating, and managing applications and packages.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
NiniteInstalls and updates multiple popular Windows applications automatically.
ChocolateyWindows package manager for installing, upgrading, and managing software from the command line.
WinGetWindows package manager for discovering, installing, upgrading, removing, and configuring applications.
Patch My PCHelps install and update common Windows applications.

Drivers

Tools for finding, installing, updating, and managing device drivers.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
Snappy Driver Installer OriginInstalls and updates Windows device drivers, including offline installation.
Driver Store ExplorerInspects and manages the Windows Driver Store and removes unnecessary driver packages.

Utilities for finding, browsing, and managing files.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
EverythingFast file-name search utility for Windows.
Explorer++Lightweight file manager for Windows with multiple tabs and advanced file-management features.
Total CommanderFile manager with dual-pane browsing, file operations, plugins, and advanced management features.
Everything ToolbarIntegrates Everything search into Windows workflows and the command line.

Archives and File Utilities

Tools for creating, extracting, and managing archives and compressed files.

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
7-ZipFile archiver with a high compression ratio and support for many archive formats.
PeaZipOpen-source file archiver and file manager supporting many archive formats.

Document & PDF Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
LibreOfficeOpen-source office suite with tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, diagrams, and mathematical formulas.
ONLYOFFICEOffice suite for creating, viewing, editing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF forms, and PDFs.
CalibreFree, open-source ebook manager for organizing, converting, editing, and reading ebooks, with support for a wide range of formats and devices.
KOReaderFree, open-source document and ebook reader designed for E Ink devices, with support for EPUB, PDF, DjVu, CBZ, MOBI, and many other formats.
LibreraFree, open-source ebook and document reader for Android supporting EPUB, PDF, MOBI, DjVu, FB2, CBZ, CBR, and many other formats.
SumatraPDFFree, open-source lightweight document reader for Windows supporting PDF, EPUB, MOBI, CBZ, CBR, DjVu, XPS, and other formats.
PDF24Free PDF toolkit for creating, editing, merging, splitting, converting, compressing, OCR processing, and reading PDF files.
OkularFree, open-source document viewer from KDE with support for PDF, EPUB, DjVu, comic books, images, and other document formats.

Transfer

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
SyncthingContinuous file synchronization program that synchronizes files between two or more computers.
LocalSendFree, open-source app that securely shares files and messages with nearby devices over a local network without requiring an internet connection.
WarpinatorSend and receive files across a local network.

Virtualization

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
VirtualBoxA general-purpose virtualization platform for creating and running virtual machines on desktop operating systems.
QEMUA free and open-source machine emulator and virtualizer capable of running virtual machines and emulating different processor architectures.
WinBoatRuns Windows applications in containers on Linux with seamless desktop integration.

Media Players

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
VLCA versatile media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats, streaming protocols, and subtitles.
MPVA lightweight, command-line-oriented media player with broad format support and extensive customization through scripts and configuration.
MPC-HCA lightweight media player for Windows with broad audio and video format support and extensive playback options.
HarunaA modern, lightweight media player for KDE that provides a simple interface with powerful playback controls and mpv integration.

Video Editing

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
DaVinci ResolveA professional video editing and post-production suite combining editing, color grading, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio production.
KdenliveA powerful non-linear video editor with multi-track editing, effects, transitions, color correction, and support for a wide range of formats.
ShotcutA free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with support for a wide range of formats, filters, effects, and editing workflows.
OpenCutAn open-source, web-based video editor designed as a free alternative to proprietary editing tools, with a familiar timeline-based workflow.

Effects and Visuals

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
After EffectsProfessional motion graphics, visual effects, compositing, and animation software from Adobe.
Alight MotionMotion graphics and video editing app with keyframe animation, visual effects, compositing, and vector tools for mobile devices.
note

Also good software include Final Cut Pro for MacOS, VEGAS Pro for Windows, and Adobe Premiere Pro, but I don't think they deserve to be on this list.

Photo Editing

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
PhotopeaA browser-based image editor for raster and vector graphics, with support for formats such as PSD.
GIMP (use PhotoGIMP)Free, open-source image editor for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design. PhotoGIMP provides a Photoshop-like layout and setup for GIMP.
InkscapeFree, open-source vector graphics editor for creating illustrations, diagrams, logos, and other scalable artwork.
KritaFree, open-source digital painting and illustration software with tools for drawing, animation, and image editing.
AffinityProfessional creative software combining tools for photo editing, vector design, and page layout in one application.

Keyboard and Mouse Software

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
OpenLogiA local-first alternative to Logitech Options+, written in Rust.Remap buttons, drive DPI and SmartShift over HID++. No account, no telemetry.
OpenRazerAn entirely open-source driver and user-space daemon that allows you to manage your Razer peripherals on GNU/Linux.

RGB Control

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
OpenRGBOpen source RGB lighting control that doesn't depend on manufacturer software. For Windows, Linux, MacOS.

Gaming Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
FramepacerA lightweight, high-precision framerate limiter for Windows that focuses on stable frame pacing and smoother gameplay.
Lossless ScalingGaming utility for upscaling windowed games and generating additional frames, with support for multiple scaling algorithms and frame-generation modes.

Wallpapers

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
Wallpaper EngineLive wallpaper software for Windows that supports animated wallpapers, videos, websites, applications, and Steam Workshop wallpapers. It also has a companion Android app for transferring wallpapers.
LivelyFree, open-source live wallpaper application for Windows that supports videos, webpages, interactive wallpapers, multiple monitors, and screensavers.
ScreenPlayFree, open-source live wallpaper and desktop widget application with support for video, QML, HTML, and interactive wallpapers, plus Steam Workshop integration.

Screenshot Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
ShareXFree, open-source screenshot and screen-recording tool for Windows with capture, annotation, automation, and file-sharing features.
FlameshotFree, open-source screenshot tool with region capture, annotation, drawing, and editing features.
GreenshotLightweight screenshot tool for Windows with region, window, and fullscreen capture, plus annotation, highlighting, and image export options.

Video Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
OBS StudioFree, open-source software for video recording, screen capture, live streaming, and real-time audio/video mixing.

Audio Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
AudacityFree, open-source audio editor and recorder for recording, editing, mixing, and converting audio.

3D Softwares

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
BlenderFree, open-source 3D creation suite for modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, simulation, video editing, and more.

Email Tools

ToolDescriptionSupported platformsSource
ThunderbirdFree, open-source email and productivity application for managing email accounts, calendars, contacts, and messages.
K-9 MailFree, open-source email client for Android with support for multiple email accounts and a focus on privacy and flexibility.