5 Microsoft apps I wish every new Windows 11 user knew about

• Microsoft PowerToys
• Diagnostic Data Viewer
• Windows File Recovery
• Windows HDR Calibration
• Windows Scan

As an operating system, Windows 11 gets a lot of flack for shipping with too much bloatware. While it’s true that background services are aplenty on fresh installations of the OS, Microsoft does demonstrate at least some restraint in terms of which of its first-party applications are baked into the out-of-box experience.

For example, I previously highlighted three first-party Windows 11 apps from Microsoft that, despite offering genuine utility, need to be downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store in order to start using. From a space-saving perspective, I appreciate that these programs are opt-in, but, at the same time, this approach does somewhat stifle their adoption.

With this in mind, I’ve rounded up five more free Microsoft-built applications for the Windows 11 OS that I feel deserve some extra recognition. Whenever I set up a new PC, I always grab these apps from the platform’s official digital storefront right from the get-go, where they then live in my Start Menu alongside my other favorite Windows apps.

Microsoft PowerToys

Make Windows 11 that much more powerful

PowerToys needs no introduction: it’s a powerful suite of utilities that come packaged together in an easy-to-use and well-organized bundle. Various modules within PowerToys offer different functionalities, including everything from powering-up window management to adding in the ability to bulk-rename files.

For more on PowerToys, I’ve outlined some of my favorite tools included in the program in a dedicated article right here on Pocket-lint.

Best of all, PowerToys development is ongoing over at Microsoft. Most recently, for example, the company introduced a brand-new Light Switch module that automates light and dark mode swapping across the entire system. Sometimes, features that originate in PowerToys make their way into Windows proper, and so the app serves as a great sneak-peak at the sorts of things Microsoft is testing out in the background.

Diagnostic Data Viewer

Data transparency is where it’s at

It’s no secret that Windows 11 is aggressive when it comes to collecting user analytics and other forms of personal data. Microsoft does offer some options within the system to reduce or disable the collection of telemetry, but there’s no catch-all toggle to stop it from happening in its tracks (you’ll need some assistance from third-party utilities if you’re looking to purge any and all data harvesting).

Luckily, Microsoft does at least offer some transparency when it comes to what information it collects from your PC and at what frequency. By downloading the Diagnostic Data Viewer application, you can peak under the covers and browse through logs of diagnostic data, problem reports, and more across both Windows and Office. Everything here is timestamped, with the added option to export logs for reference.

Windows File Recovery

A potential data lifesaver

Many PC users don’t know this, but Microsoft offers a free Windows File Recovery software tool directly on its online storefront. This app, which is compatible with Windows 10 version 2004 and newer, tries to recover data that has been accidentally deleted or corrupted. Photos, documents, videos, compressed items, and other file formats are supported, and while there’s no guarantee of data recovery, it’s a free first-resort option from the makers of the operating system itself, and so it’s worth checking out.

While Windows File Recovery presents itself as a user-facing application, clicking or tapping on its icon actually launches the software within Command Prompt. You’ll need to grant elevated permissions for the app to do its thing, and if you find the idea of entering terminal commands to be daunting, consider checking out How To Geek’s in-depth guide on how to make the most of the program.

Windows HDR Calibration

Calibrate your display visuals to your liking

If your Windows 11 PC (or your external monitor) supports high dynamic range (HDR) technology for more vibrant and true-to-life visuals, then Microsoft’s Windows HDR Calibration is a useful application worth checking out. Upon installation, you can use the app to calibrate your HDR display in an optimized manner for better-looking HDR videos, games, and more. There are also options to configure minimum and maximum brightness levels and saturation levels, and changes can be saved as a dedicated profile for quick access.

In the case of Windows HDR Calibration, I’d like to see Microsoft port its utility directly into the Windows 11 Settings app at some point, but, for the time being, it’s a servisable solution that adds extra HDR display controls on top of what’s included in the system by default.

Windows Scan

If you have a home printer and scanner unit sitting in your home office space, then there’s a good chance that you rely on the hardware maker’s companion app for all things scanning related. For example, HP printers offer additional features and tools within the HP Smart application, and Canon printers rely on Canon PRINT to unlock additional functionalities. Unfortunately, many of these apps are rather heavy on the system, with clunky user interfaces, a push to get you to sign in with an account, and other distractive elements.

That’s where Windows Scan comes into play: for the purposes of scanning documents and photos, this free Microsoft application cuts through all the fluff and streamlines the entire process. Of course, the experience isn’t nearly as full-featured as what you’d get in your printer maker’s official app, but it’s more than enough for simply getting the job done without a fuss. UNfortunately, Windows Scan’s UI hasn’t been updated in years, which leaves it looking quite out of date, but it nevertheless remains a perfectly functional and stable software tool.