🔍 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 ✅.
🔟 Hidden Free Upgrades in Windows Apps You Didn’t Know About 💻✨
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 don’t have 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 one click, and even use AI tools like “Cocreator” to generate 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. It now autosaves your work ✨ and lets you open multiple notes using tabs. A sleek dark mode is also available for night owls 🌙.
📍 Where to find it: Open Notepad and make sure it’s updated.
4.📹 Screen Recording & OCR | Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool now records your screen 🎥 and can extract text from images using OCR 🔤— perfect for copying from photos or PDFs
📍 Where to get it: Hit Win + Shift + S or launch from the Start Menu.
5.🗂️ File Explorer: Tabbed Browsing
File Explorer now supports tabs 📑, making multitasking way easier. Plus, a new “Gallery” view helps organize your photos neatly 📸.
📍 Where to locate it: Press Win + E. If tabs are missing, update Windows.
6.🖼️ Microsoft Photos: Editing with AI
The Photos app now includes background blur 🎯, cropping tools ✂️, and AI-powered enhancements a solid alternative to basic editors.
📍 How to access it: Launch Photos from the Start menu and update if needed.
7.🧮 Calculator: Currency & Unit Converter
Beyond math, the Calculator app can convert currency 💱, temperature 🌡️, weight ⚖️, and more no more Googling!
📍 Where to get it: Open Calculator > select “Converter” tab.
8.💻 Windows Terminal: Enhanced Command Line
Ideal for developers or power users, Windows Terminal supports tabs 🧩, multiple shells (CMD, PowerShell, WSL), and themes 🎨.
📍 Where to get it: Built into Windows 11 or available on Microsoft Store.
9.🎙️ Voice Access: Control PC with Your Voice
Voice Access lets you control your PC with voice alone — open apps, dictate, and click anything you see on-screen 🗣️.
📍 Where to find it: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Speech.
10.🌐 Microsoft Edge: Writing & Research with AI
Edge now features AI tools like “Compose” ✍️, “Copilot” 🤖, and a multitasking sidebar. It also includes a PDF reader 📄 with markup tools.
📍 Where to get it: Just update Edge for the latest features.
💡 Final Thoughts
Microsoft keeps improving its built-in apps, and now they’re more powerful than ever. From editing videos to using AI tools — all for free — you might not need extra apps anymore 🎉.
🤔 Which feature is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!