10 Upgrades For Free You Didn’t Know Were Hidden In Windows Apps
Windows has a large collection of built-in apps that most users either ignore or dismiss as far too basic. But Microsoft has been silently enhancing these apps, including powerful features that you can use for nothing. From improved photo editing to AI-assisted writing help, here are 10 free upgrades to some of Windows’ built-in apps you should start using today.
1.Clipchamp: Advanced Video Editing
Remember Windows Movie Maker? Microsoft swapped it out for Clipchamp, and it’s actually pretty good. It’s got multi-track editing, templates, stock media, and even AI voiceovers no watermarks included. You are not required to pay unless you want premium assets.
Where it is: Preinstalled on Windows 11 or download from the Microsoft Store.
2.Paint: Now with Layers & AI
Microsoft Paint just received a serious glow-up. Now you can work with layers, remove backgrounds with a single click, and even deploy AI-powered tools like “Cocreator,” able to churn out artwork from text prompts (in supported regions).
Where to get it: Open Paint from the Start menu and update it through the Microsoft Store.
3.Notepad: Autosave & Tabs
Notepad finally catches up with modern text editors. Now, it automatically saves your work and offers tabs so you can work on several notes in a single window. It also features a dark mode for late-night typing.
Where to find it: Open Notepad and make sure it is updated.
4.Screen Recording & OCR | Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is no longer just for screenshots — it now records your screen and can pull text from images (Optical Character Recognition, or OCR). Great for copying words from photos or PDFs.
Where to get it: Hit Win + Shift + S or launch Snipping Tool from the Start Menu.
5.File Explorer: Tabbed Browsing
Microsoft finally added tab support to File Explorer, making it a lot easier to manage multiple folders without having your taskbar cluttered. And the new “Gallery” view neatly organizes your photos.
Where to locate it: File Explorer (Win + E), and if tabs don’t appear, get Windows updates.
6.Microsoft Photos: Editing with AI
The Photos app now features a Background Blur feature, improved cropping tools and AI enhancements that are capable of enhancing image. It’s a good alternative to basic photo editors.
How to access it: Launch Photos from the Start menu and update it, if necessary.
7.Calculator: Currency & Unit Converter
The Calculator app is good for more than just doing math. It also features a unit converter for currency, temperature and weight, among others no more Googling what is what.
Where else to get it: Open Calculator, then choose “Converter” from the tabs.
8.Windows Terminal: Improving Command Line User Experience
If you use the command line at all, Windows Terminal is a must-have upgrade. It has tabs, support multiple shells (Command Prompt, PowerShell and WSL), and customizable themes.
Version: Built in by default to Windows 11 or available on the Microsoft Store Where to get it: Built in by default to Windows 11 or available on the Microsoft Store
9.Control a PC with Your Voice using Voice Access
Voice Access allows full control of your PC by voice alone, such as opening apps, dictating text, and even clicking on-screen elements. It’s like having a voice assistant baked right in.
Where to find it: Turn on in Settings > Accessibility > Speech.
10.Microsoft Edge: Writing & Research with AI Capabilities
Built-in AI features built into Edge include "Compose," which helps with writing, "Copilot," which generates quick summaries, and a sidebar for multitasking. It also includes a built-in PDF reader with markup tools.
Where to get it: Update Edge to get the new features.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft has been consistently working to upgrade its native apps for years, and they are becoming better and better. These free updates allow you to edit videos, manage files, write code, or even create AI-generated art without downloading third-party apps. Have fun and make the most of what Windows already has!
Which of these features do you think is the most useful? Let me know in the comments!