01.The Ninite Rule
Never download programs from sites like "Softonic" or other generic download portals. They often bundle installers with adware. The secret of IT technicians is Ninite.com.
You visit the site, check the boxes for what you want (Chrome, Discord, VLC, 7-Zip), download ONE installer, and it installs everything automatically, silently, while rejecting all "Baidu Antivirus" or Toolbars offers.
🛠️ Voltris Toolbox
Ninite is great, but Voltris Optimizer already includes the essential runtimes for games (DirectX, Visual C++ 2005-2022, .NET Framework) that Ninite doesn't install. Run "Game Essentials" in Voltris once after formatting, and you'll never face a missing DLL error.
Install RuntimesDon't do it Manually.
Voltris Optimizer automates this entire guide and removes Windows delay in seconds.
02.1. Archiver: 7-Zip
Throw WinRAR away. It keeps asking for a license. 7-Zip is free, open source, lightweight, and extracts .rar and .zip files faster.
03.2. Video Player: VLC Media Player
Windows' native "Movies & TV" doesn't handle subtitles well or support weird mkv formats. VLC plays EVERYTHING. It's the Swiss Army knife of videos. For something more modern-looking, try PotPlayer.
04.3. Screen Capture: ShareX
The best screenshot software in the world. Free on Steam or its official website.
- Takes a screenshot and automatically uploads it to Imgur (generates a link).
- Records screen GIFs or lightweight MP4 videos.
- Includes an editor, color picker, ruler, and OCR (extracting text from images).
A1.Microsoft PowerToys: Superpowers
Official Microsoft Tools
Download it from the Microsoft Store. It adds features that should have come with Windows:
- FancyZones: Create complex layouts to split windows on ultrawide monitors.
- Color Picker: Win+Shift+C to grab any pixel's color on the screen.
- PowerRename: Rename 1000 files at once.
- Image Resizer: Resize photos with a simple right-click.
Antivirus?
You DO NOT need Avast, AVG, or Norton in 2026.
Native Windows Defender is already excellent and lightweight. Third-party antivirus today often acts like bloatware, installing VPNs and sales popups. Stick with Defender and use common sense (don't download unknown executables). If you need a second opinion, download Malwarebytes Free for an occasional manual scan.
Don't do it Manually.
Voltris Optimizer automates this entire guide and removes Windows delay in seconds.
Written by a verified expert
Douglas Felipe M. Gonçalves
Expert in Windows system optimization with years of experience in hardware diagnostics, kernel tuning, and advanced technical support. Founder of Voltris and developer of the Voltris Optimizer.
Meet the Voltris TeamConclusion and Next Steps
By following this guide on Essential Software for Windows 11: The Definitive List (2026), you are equipped with the verified technical knowledge to solve this issue with confidence.
If you still have difficulties after following all steps, our expert support team is available for a personalized remote diagnosis. Every system is unique and may require a specific approach.