These are 22 free Windows utilities that I personally use and recommend for optimizing, customizing, and maintaining a Windows 10 or 11 PC. Every tool on this list is free (or has a free tier), and each one has a dedicated guide on this site with a full walkthrough.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 7, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Optimize and Debloat Your PC: Easily clean up unnecessary apps and processes to boost performance and free up system resources.
• Enhance Productivity and Workflow: Discover free tools like VPNs, screen mirroring apps, and custom mouse cursors to improve efficiency and functionality.
• Customize Your Windows Experience: Personalize your system with audio enhancements, visual tweaks, and utilities that make Windows truly yours.

1. CTT Windows Utility – Debloat & Optimize Windows

The Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility is a powerful tool designed to optimize Windows 10 and 11 systems. It allows users to easily remove unnecessary bloatware, tweak system settings for improved performance, and install essential utilities—all without installing additional software on their PC.

This utility operates entirely through PowerShell, making it lightweight and efficient. It can be run in an elevated PowerShell Window with the following command:

irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

You can view the source code and utility history directly on GitHub.

2. UnattendedWinstall – Personalized Unattended Answer File

The UnattendedWinstall project leverages Microsoft’s Answer Files (or Unattend files) to automate and customize Windows installations. It hosts a personalized Unattended Answer File that helps automatically debloat and customize Windows 10 & 11 during the installation process.

To use UnattendedWinstall, all you have to do is include the autounattend.xml answer file on the root of a Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO file and the settings will automatically be applied during the Windows Installation process.

You can download the XML answer file directly from GitHub or you can use the Windows Installation Media Utility (WIMUtil) to create an ISO file that has the latest UnattendedWinstall answer file included.

3. Schneegans Unattended Generator – Create a Custom Unattended Answer File

The Schneegans Unattend Generator is a free online utility that can be used to create a custom Windows Answer file or autounattend.xml file.

It simplifies the process of creating an answer file that automates parts of the Windows Installation process by pre-filling details like user accounts, network settings, regional preferences and more. The interface is straightforward, guiding you through each step to ensure nothing is missed.

It was used to create the “base” or “framework” for the UnattendedWinstall Answer File before the additional tweaks and optimizations were added.

However, if UnattendedWinstall isn’t for you and you want to try creating your own answer file, my article on creating an unattended answer file explains how to use the Schneegans Answer File Generator to generate these files with minimal effort.

4. Windows 11 Cursor Concept v2 by Jepri Creations – Custom Mouse Cursor for Windows

Changing your mouse cursor might seem like a small tweak, but it can completely refresh the look of your desktop. My guide on installing custom mouse cursors covers how to apply the popular Windows 11 Cursor Concept v2 pack by Jepri Creations.

This stylish cursor set gives your system a sleek, modern feel that pairs perfectly with Windows 10 or 11 themes. The installation process is straightforward, requiring just a few simple adjustments in the Control Panel.

If you’re someone who appreciates a more personalized workspace, this is an easy way to add a touch of flair to your setup. You can download the cursor pack directly from DeviantArt.

5. ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for Windows 10 and 11

Protecting your privacy online has never been more important, and ProtonVPN is one of the best free VPNs available for Windows 10 and 11. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to connect to servers worldwide.

In my ProtonVPN installation guide, I show you how to set up and use the ProtonVPN desktop application as well as the browser extension to browse securely.

With free servers in multiple countries and no bandwidth limits, ProtonVPN is a top choice for casual users and privacy enthusiasts alike. It’s a reliable option for securing your online activity without breaking the bank.

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: ProtonVPN offers a completely free version, but this article includes an affiliate link. If you choose to upgrade to a paid plan after downloading the free version through the link, I’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

6. StartAllBack – Windows 11 Customization App

If you miss the look and feel of older versions of Windows, StartAllBack is the perfect tool for you. It allows you to restore classic Start menu designs, tweak the taskbar, and bring back other familiar elements from previous Windows versions.

My guide on customizing Windows 11 with StartAllBack explains how to use this tool to make Windows 11 more user-friendly and visually appealing.

StartAllBack also lets you adjust taskbar transparency, align icons, and change animations for a smoother experience. It’s highly customizable, so you can truly make your Windows setup your own.

One of the best features of StartAllBack is being able to move the taskbar on Windows 11. You can align it to whichever corner of the screen you prefer, personally, I prefer the top.

7. SHELL by Nilesoft – Custom Context Menu

SHELL by Nilesoft is a great tool for modifying the right-click context menu in Windows 11. It gives you (almost) full control over what appears in the menu, allowing you to remove clutter or add shortcuts to frequently used applications.

In my post on customizing the Windows 11 context menu, I walk you through using SHELL to streamline your workflow.

Whether you’re a power user or just looking to declutter your menus, this tool is great for customizing the context menu in Windows.

If you’re willing to spend some time going through the documentation and learning how to edit and use the config files, you can truly create a one-of-a-kind context menu.

8. Windhawk – Windows 11 Customization App

Windhawk is a lightweight, user-friendly tool that lets you apply small yet impactful modifications to Windows 11. From adjusting taskbar behavior to tweaking the Start menu and Windows Explorer, Windhawk offers a wide range of customization options.

In my article on customizing Windows 11 with Windhawk, I show how to use this tool to make subtle but effective changes to your system. Unlike heavier customization software, Windhawk operates with minimal resource usage, making it a great option for older or lower-spec PCs.

Windhawk is an open-source project that can also be viewed on GitHub.

9. TranslucentTB & Windhawk – Transparent Taskbar and Translucent Start Menu in Windows 11

TranslucentTB allows you to make the taskbar transparent in Windows 11. If you pair this with the Start Menu Styler mod found in Windhawk, you can also make the Start Menu translucent in Windows 11, giving your system a clean and minimalist look.

In my guide on making your Windows 11 taskbar and start menu translucent, I cover the setup process and customization options. TranslucentTB also lets you adjust taskbar behavior based on different scenarios, such as fullscreen apps or maximized windows.

10. ExplorerPatcher – Turn Windows 11 into Windows 10

ExplorerPatcher and Open-Shell Menu are powerful tools that help you revert Windows 11 to a Windows 10-style (or even older) interface.

ExplorerPatcher restores classic taskbar functionality, the Windows 10 Start menu, and other familiar features while Open-Shell Menu restores a Start Menu that resembles the look of Windows 7 (or earlier depending on the theme).

My post on turning Windows 11 into Windows 10 shows how to use these tools effectively. Whether you’re looking for improved usability or just prefer the older design, these tools make it easy to get the best of both worlds.

11. RetroBar – Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar

Nostalgic for the classic look of Windows? RetroBar transforms the Windows 11 taskbar into a retro-style bar reminiscent of older Windows versions.

In my tutorial on customizing the Windows 11 taskbar with RetroBar, I detail how to install and configure RetroBar for a touch of vintage charm.

It’s lightweight and customizable, allowing you to recreate the feel of Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP and Vista. RetroBar is perfect for users who want a unique and functional way to revisit the past.

12. UniGetUI – Best Software Manager for Windows

UniGetUI is a fantastic software manager that simplifies the process of finding, installing, and updating applications on your Windows PC. It works seamlessly with package managers like Chocolatey, WinGet and Scoop, providing an intuitive interface to manage your favorite software.

In my guide on using UniGetUI, I show how it can streamline app management, saving you time and effort. Whether you’re looking to bulk install software or keep your apps updated, UniGetUI makes it incredibly easy. It’s perfect for anyone who frequently sets up new systems or wants to maintain an organized workflow.

UniGetUI is also fully open-source and the source code can be viewed on GitHub.

13. File Converter – Best File Converter for Windows

File Converter is a free and lightweight tool that integrates directly into your right-click context menu, allowing you to convert files effortlessly. It supports a wide range of formats, including audio, video, images, and documents, making it a versatile addition to your Windows setup.

In my post on File Converter, I explain how to install and use this app to handle common file conversion tasks. Whether you need to compress a video, convert an image, or create a PDF from another file format, File Converter is a must-have tool for quick and easy conversions.

14. Wintoys – Windows Optimization & Customization

Wintoys is a powerful app that combines system optimization and customization into a single interface. It includes tools to clean up junk files, tweak performance settings, and modify visual elements of Windows to suit your preferences.

In my guide on Wintoys, I highlight how its straightforward layout makes it accessible for both casual users and enthusiasts. From managing startup apps to adjusting system tweaks, Wintoys provides everything you need to keep your Windows system running smoothly and looking great.

15. Microsoft PC Manager – PC “Cleaner” & Optimization App

Microsoft PC Manager is an official tool from Microsoft designed to help you clean and optimize your Windows system. It includes features like a built-in performance booster, disk cleaner, and even malware protection.

In my tutorial on Microsoft PC Manager, I cover how to use this utility to free up storage space, improve system responsiveness, and keep your PC secure. If you’re looking for a trustworthy optimization tool without relying on third-party software, this is an excellent option.

16. OMEN Gaming Hub – Windows Optimization & Customization App

OMEN Gaming Hub isn’t just for gamers; it’s also a great app for optimizing and customizing your Windows system. It allows you to monitor hardware performance, adjust RGB lighting, set custom wallpapers and even optimize network settings for smoother online experiences.

In my guide on OMEN Gaming Hub, I walk through its features and how to use them for both gaming and general performance improvements. Whether you want to tweak your PC for better gaming or just explore its customization options, this app has plenty to offer.

17. Snappy Driver Installer Origin – Best Free Driver Updater for Windows

Snappy Driver Installer Origin (SDIO) is a free and open-source tool for keeping your system drivers up to date. It scans your PC for outdated or missing drivers and provides easy access to the latest versions by downloading them from the internet.

In my post on Snappy Driver Installer Origin, I explain how to use this app to ensure your hardware runs smoothly by installing all missing drivers and updating outdated drivers. Unlike many driver updater tools, SDIO is not just completely free, but it’s also ad-free, making it a reliable choice for maintaining your system.

18. DiskGenius – Best Free Windows Disk Cloning/Migration App

DiskGenius is a comprehensive disk management tool that’s great for cloning and migrating drives. Whether you’re upgrading to a new SSD or creating backups, this app makes the process straightforward and efficient.

In my guide on DiskGenius, I show how to use its disk cloning and partition management features. It’s perfect for users who want a free and reliable, feature-rich solution with an easy to understand graphical user interface for handling disk-related tasks without complications.

19. Ventoy – Best Bootable USB Creation Utility

Ventoy is an innovative tool for creating bootable USB drives. Unlike traditional methods, Ventoy allows you to add multiple ISO files to a single USB drive, letting you boot directly from any of them.

One of the best things about Ventoy is that it makes the USB drive bootable in both UEFI and CSM/Legacy modes, allowing you to service both old and new computers.

In my tutorial on Ventoy, I walk through its installation and usage, showing how it simplifies the process of creating a rescue disk for that day your computer eventually crashes.

With Ventoy, there’s no need to reformat the drive every time—you just drag and drop the ISO files and you’re good to go.

20. Windows Login Unlocker – Best Free Windows Password Removal Utility

Windows Login Unlocker is a lifesaver when you’ve forgotten your password or need to help someone regain access to their PC. This tool can reset local account passwords quickly and easily.

It can also convert a Microsoft account to a local account and remove the passwords from the account without losing any data.

To access Windows Login Unlocker, I always use Hiren’s Boot CD PE, as it’s included in the suite of free utilities.

In my post on how to remove a password from Windows, I explain how to download the Hiren’s ISO and use the Windows Login Unlocker safely and effectively. It’s especially useful for IT professionals or anyone who needs a simple solution for recovering lost Windows passwords.

21. SCRCPY – Free and Open Source Android Screen Mirroring Software

SCRCPY is a free and open-source tool for mirroring your Android screen to your PC. It supports high-resolution streaming, keyboard/mouse control, and even file transfers between devices.

In my guide on SCRCPY, I cover how to set it up the easy way, which is using a USB cable connection, and the more advanced way, which is through a network using wireless mirroring.

It’s perfect for presentations, app testing, or simply accessing your Android device from your PC with ease, you should give it a try.

22. FXSound – Boost Volume and Sound Quality in Windows

FXSound (previously DFX Audio Enchancer) is a free app that enhances the audio experience on your Windows PC. It boosts volume, improves clarity, and adds customizable equalizer settings for a richer sound.

In my post on FXSound, I detail how to configure the app to get the best results for music, gaming, or streaming. If you’re tired of poor audio quality or need to amplify your PC’s sound output, FXSound is an excellent choice.

Bonus: Winhance — My Own Windows Enhancement Utility

After spending years testing and recommending tools like the ones above, I built my own. Winhance is a Windows enhancement utility that combines debloating, optimization, privacy hardening, and customization into a single app. It can do things none of the tools above can — like fully removing Microsoft Edge through automated scheduled tasks, or applying dozens of registry-level privacy tweaks in one click.

Winhance was not part of the original 22 utilities in the video, but if you are looking for one tool that covers the most ground, give it a try. I built it specifically because I kept needing to combine multiple tools to get a clean Windows setup — Winhance handles most of it in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all 22 of these utilities completely free?

All of them are free to use. StartAllBack offers a 100-day trial and costs a few dollars after that, but every other tool on this list is fully free with no time limits. Some apps like ProtonVPN offer paid upgrades, but the free versions are fully functional.

Do these tools work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Most of them work on both. A few are Windows 11-specific — ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack, and TranslucentTB are designed for Windows 11’s interface. RetroBar and Windhawk work on both versions. Each tool’s dedicated guide on this site lists exact compatibility.

Which tool should I install first if I just set up a fresh Windows PC?

Start with the Chris Titus Windows Utility or Winhance for debloating and optimization, then Snappy Driver Installer Origin for drivers, then UniGetUI to bulk-install your other apps. After that, customize with whichever tools fit your preferences.

Is it safe to use multiple customization tools at the same time?

Generally yes, but avoid running tools that modify the same Windows component simultaneously. For example, do not run both ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack at the same time — they both modify the taskbar and Start menu and will conflict. Create a system restore point before installing customization tools so you can roll back if needed.

This post 22 FREE Windows Utilities EVERY User MUST Know About! first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

File Converter is a free, open-source utility that adds file conversion directly to your Windows right-click menu. Right-click any audio, video, image, or document file, select the target format (MP3, MP4, WAV, PNG, JPEG, WEBP, PDF, and more), and the converted file appears in the same folder — no websites, no uploads, no account signups required.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 10, 2026

Key Takeaways

• File Converter integrates directly into the Windows Explorer context menu — right-click a file and pick your output format. No separate app window needed.
• Supports audio (MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG), video (MP4, AVI, GIF, MKV), image (PNG, JPEG, WEBP, ICO), and document (PDF to image) conversions.
• Batch conversion is built in — select multiple files, right-click, and convert them all at once.
• Fully customizable presets let you control output quality, resolution, bitrate, and scale for each format.
• 100% free, open-source, and runs offline — conversions happen locally on your PC using FFmpeg, ImageMagick, and other open-source tools under the hood.

Quick Steps

1. Download File Converter from its GitHub releases page or official website.
2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard (Next → Accept → Install → Finish).
3. Right-click any file in Windows Explorer, select File Converter, and choose your target format.
4. The converted file appears in the same folder as the original.

How to Download and Install File Converter

File Converter is available from its GitHub repository or the official website. I prefer using GitHub because you can see exactly what you are downloading and verify the source. You can also install it through UniGetUI if you already have that set up.

1. Go to the File Converter releases page on GitHub.
2. Download the latest .msi setup file.
3. Run the installer. Click Next, accept the license terms, click Next again, then Install.
4. Click Finish when the installation completes.

That is it — File Converter is now installed and ready to use. There is no app to open; it works entirely from the right-click context menu in File Explorer.

How to Convert Files Using the Context Menu

Once installed, converting a file takes two clicks. Right-click the file you want to convert in File Explorer, hover over File Converter, and select the target format. The converted file is saved in the same folder as the original.

For example, to convert an MP3 audio file to WAV: right-click the MP3 file, select File Converter → To Wav, and the WAV file appears in the same directory. A small progress window pops up during conversion and closes automatically when it finishes.

Tip: You can select multiple files at once, right-click, and convert them all in a batch. File Converter handles simultaneous conversions, and you can configure how many run at the same time in the settings.

Windows 11 Context Menu Workaround

If you are using Windows 11 with its default context menu, you will not see the File Converter option immediately. You need to click Show more options first to expand the classic context menu where File Converter appears.

To avoid this extra click, I recommend using Nilesoft Shell to customize your Windows 11 context menu. It replaces the default right-click menu entirely, and File Converter shows up automatically without the extra step.

Common Conversion Examples

File Converter handles dozens of format combinations. Here are some of the conversions I use most often:

MP4 Video to MP3 Audio

Right-click an MP4 video file, select File Converter → To Mp3, and it strips the video and saves just the audio track. This is useful when you want to extract audio from a screen recording or downloaded video. You can also convert to other audio formats like WAV, FLAC, or OGG from the same menu.

WEBP Images to PNG or JPEG

This is one of my most common uses for File Converter. Browsers and websites constantly serve images in WEBP format, but many programs still do not accept WEBP files. Right-click the WEBP file, select File Converter → To Png (or To Jpg), and you get a standard image file instantly. No need for sketchy online conversion websites.

PDF to PNG Images

Right-click a PDF file and select File Converter → To Png. Each page of the PDF is converted to a separate PNG image. This is handy when you need to share a document on platforms like WhatsApp or social media that handle images better than PDFs. The conversion quality is excellent — text and graphics come through cleanly.

Video Compression

You can also use File Converter to compress video files. Right-click an MP4, and you will see options like To Mp4 (Low Quality) which reduces the resolution and bitrate, resulting in a smaller file size. This is useful for quickly shrinking a large recording before sharing it.

How to Customize Conversion Presets

File Converter comes with sensible default presets, but you can fine-tune every conversion setting. To access the configuration, right-click any file, go to File Converter → Configure presets.

From the presets window, you can adjust output quality, audio bitrate, video resolution, and image scale for each format. You can also set the maximum number of simultaneous conversions, enable auto-close after conversion, and choose whether to copy converted files to the clipboard automatically.

Note: I generally leave the default presets as they are. They produce good quality output for most use cases. But if you need specific bitrates or resolutions for a project, the option is there.

What Makes File Converter Different from Online Converters

There are plenty of file conversion websites out there, but File Converter has a few advantages that make it my go-to tool. First, everything runs offline on your computer — your files never leave your machine. Second, it uses proven open-source tools like FFmpeg and ImageMagick under the hood, so the conversion quality is professional-grade. Third, the context menu integration means there is no app to open, no drag-and-drop interface, no upload progress bar. Just right-click and convert.

File Converter is one of those free Windows utilities that every user should know about. Once you install it, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats does File Converter support?

File Converter supports a wide range of formats including audio (MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AAC), video (MP4, AVI, MKV, GIF, MOV, WEBM), images (PNG, JPEG, WEBP, ICO, BMP, TIFF), and documents (PDF to image conversion). The available output formats change based on the input file type — right-click a file and you will see only the formats that are relevant.

Can I convert multiple files at the same time?

Yes. Select all the files you want to convert in File Explorer, right-click the selection, and choose your target format from the File Converter menu. All selected files are converted in a batch. You can configure how many conversions run simultaneously in the presets settings.

Is File Converter safe to install?

File Converter is open-source and hosted on GitHub, so you can inspect the source code yourself. It uses well-known open-source libraries like FFmpeg and ImageMagick for the actual conversions. There is no telemetry, no ads, and no bundled software in the installer.

Does File Converter work on Windows 11?

Yes, File Converter works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. On Windows 11, you need to click Show more options in the context menu to see the File Converter option, since Windows 11 uses a simplified right-click menu by default. You can avoid this extra step by using Nilesoft Shell to restore the classic context menu.

Does converting a file delete the original?

No. File Converter creates a new file in the same folder as the original. Your original file is never modified or deleted. If you convert photo.webp to PNG, you will end up with both photo.webp and photo.png in the same directory.

This post How to Convert Files on Windows Using File Converter first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

VMware Workstation Pro is now free for personal use. To get it, you need to create a free Broadcom account, navigate to the VMware Cloud Foundation downloads section, and download the latest VMware Workstation Pro installer for Windows. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, but Broadcom’s website makes it harder than it needs to be — this guide covers every step.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 7, 2026

Key Takeaways

• VMware Workstation Pro is completely free for personal use — no license key required. Select “Use VMware Workstation Pro for personal use” on first launch.
• You must enable virtualization in your BIOS and Windows before VMware will work. Without it, virtual machines will not start.
• Downloading VMware requires creating a free Broadcom account and navigating to Software → VMware Cloud Foundation → My Downloads → VMware Workstation Pro.
• VMware Workstation Pro is available for both Windows and Linux. VirtualBox is a free alternative if you prefer an easier setup process.

Quick Steps

1. Enable virtualization in your BIOS and Windows settings (if not already done).
2. Go to the VMware Desktop Hypervisor page and click Download Fusion or Workstation.
3. Create a free Broadcom account (email verification required).
4. Navigate to Software → VMware Cloud Foundation → My Downloads → VMware Workstation Pro.
5. Select the latest Windows release under VMware Workstation Pro for Personal Use, agree to the terms, and download.
6. Run the installer, follow the setup wizard, and select Personal Use on first launch.

How to Enable Virtualization Before Installing VMware

Before installing any hypervisor — whether that is VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V — you need to have virtualization enabled in your computer’s BIOS and in Windows. Without it, VMware will install but your virtual machines will not start.

I have a step-by-step guide on enabling virtualization that covers the BIOS settings for Intel (VT-x) and AMD (AMD-V), plus the Windows features you need to turn on. If you are not sure whether virtualization is already enabled, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab, and check whether Virtualization shows as Enabled under CPU.

How to Create a Broadcom Account

VMware is now owned by Broadcom, so you need a free Broadcom account to access the download. Go to the VMware Desktop Hypervisor Solutions page and click Download Fusion or Workstation. This redirects you to the Broadcom support portal.

1. Click the Login tab, then click Register to create a new account.
2. Enter your email address and complete the CAPTCHA.
3. Check your email for a verification code from Broadcom Support. Copy the code, paste it into the verification field, and click Verify and Continue.
4. Fill out the required personal information fields (marked with a red asterisk), accept the terms, and click Create Account.
5. Skip the profile build prompt (“I’ll do it later”) — you do not need to complete it.

How to Download VMware Workstation Pro

Once logged into the Broadcom portal, the download is buried a few clicks deep. Here is the exact path:

1. Click Software in the left sidebar.
2. Click VMware Cloud Foundation.
3. Click My Downloads.
4. Find and click VMware Workstation Pro in the product list.
5. Under VMware Workstation Pro for Personal Use, select the latest release for Windows (17.6 at the time of writing — always pick the newest version available).
6. Click I agree to the terms and service.
7. Click the Download button. You may be prompted to fill out additional required fields before the download starts — complete those and click Submit.

Tip: If the download button does not appear after agreeing to the terms, try refreshing the page. Broadcom’s portal can be finicky — sometimes you need to click through the steps again.

How to Install VMware Workstation Pro

Once the download finishes, run the installer executable. The setup wizard is straightforward:

1. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
2. Choose the installation path (the default is fine for most users).
3. On the next screen, check Add VMware Workstation console tools to the system PATH. This lets you control VMs from the command line later.
4. Uncheck “Join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program” if you do not want to send usage data.
5. Click Install (or Upgrade if you have a previous version) and wait for it to finish.
6. Click Finish and launch VMware Workstation Pro from the Start menu.

On first launch, VMware may ask whether you are using it for personal or commercial purposes. Select Use VMware Workstation Pro for personal use — no license key is needed.

What Can You Do With VMware Workstation Pro?

Once installed, you can create virtual machines to run other operating systems inside Windows. This is useful for testing Linux distributions, running older versions of Windows, or trying out software without affecting your main system. I use VMware for testing every new Linux distro and Windows build before covering them on the channel.

To create your first VM, click Create a New Virtual Machine in VMware, point it to an ISO file, and follow the wizard. If you need a specific setup guide:

• How to install Windows 7 in VMware — step-by-step walkthrough for setting up a Windows 7 VM
• Download a Windows 11 ISO — get the latest ISO to use with your VM
• Download a Windows 10 ISO — for setting up a Windows 10 VM

VMware Workstation Pro vs VirtualBox

Both are free for personal use. VMware Workstation Pro generally offers better performance, smoother 3D acceleration, and more advanced networking and snapshot features. VirtualBox is open source and easier to set up — no Broadcom account needed, just download and install. If you want the best VM performance and do not mind the account setup, go with VMware. If you want something quick and simple, VirtualBox works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VMware Workstation Pro actually free?

Yes. Since May 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is free for personal use. You do not need a license key — just select “Personal Use” on first launch. Commercial use still requires a paid license.

Do I need to enable virtualization to use VMware?

Yes. Virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) must be enabled in your BIOS, and the Windows virtualization features need to be turned on. Without these, VMware will install but virtual machines will fail to start. Check my virtualization guide for the exact steps.

Can I install VMware Workstation Pro on Linux?

Yes. During the download step, you can choose the Linux version instead of Windows. The same Broadcom account and download path applies — the only difference is which installer you download.

What if the Broadcom download button does not work?

Broadcom’s portal can be unreliable. Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or using a different browser. Make sure you have completed all the required personal information fields — the download button will not appear until every field marked with a red asterisk is filled out.

Should I use VMware or VirtualBox?

VMware Workstation Pro offers better performance and more advanced features. VirtualBox is simpler to install and open source. For most personal use, either works — VMware is the better choice if you plan to run VMs regularly or need features like linked clones and advanced networking.

This post How to Download and Install VMware Workstation Pro (Free) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

The best Chrome alternative for Windows 7 is Thorium Browser (Chromium-based, supports Google account sync), and the best Firefox alternative is Floorp Browser (Firefox-based, supports Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit). Both are open-source, actively updated, and work on Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 without any compatibility warnings.

Applies to: Windows 7 (SP1+) and Windows 8.1 | Last updated: April 11, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Thorium Browser is a Chromium-based replacement for Google Chrome that runs on Windows 7 and lets you sign in with your Google account to sync bookmarks and data.
• Floorp Browser is a Firefox-based alternative that supports Windows 7 in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, with a familiar Firefox-like interface.
• Both browsers are open-source, actively maintained, and run modern web standards — sites like Gmail work without any “unsupported browser” errors.
• If AVX2 or AVX installers do not work on your system, Thorium also provides Windows XP-compatible builds that run on older Windows 7 hardware.

Quick Steps

1. For a Chrome replacement, go to thorium.rocks and click the Windows 7 download link.
2. On the GitHub releases page, download the AVX2 Mini Installer (or AVX/Windows XP version if AVX2 does not work).
3. Run the installer and sign in with your Google account to import Chrome bookmarks.
4. For a Firefox replacement, go to the Floorp GitHub releases page and download the 64-bit or 32-bit installer.
5. Run the Floorp installer, choose Standard installation, and launch the browser.

In This Guide

• Thorium Browser — Chrome Alternative for Windows 7
• Floorp Browser — Firefox Alternative for Windows 7

Thorium Browser — Chrome Alternative for Windows 7

If you have been using Google Chrome on Windows 7, you have probably seen the message saying Chrome is no longer supported on your operating system. Thorium is the best replacement because it is built on the latest version of Chromium, which means every website that works in Chrome also works in Thorium — including Google account sync for bookmarks, passwords, and extensions.

How to Download and Install Thorium

Head over to thorium.rocks and scroll down until you see the Windows 7 download link. Click on it, and you will be taken to a GitHub page with the Thorium releases specifically built for Windows 7.

On the GitHub releases page, scroll down to find the installer files. You will see several options depending on your hardware:

• AVX2 Mini Installer — best option if your Windows 7 installation is fully updated
• AVX Mini Installer — use this if the AVX2 version does not work
• Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit — fallback option for older hardware that does not support AVX instructions

I was running a Windows 7 installation that was not fully up to date, so the AVX2 version did not work for me. I went with the standard AVX installer instead. Click on the installer link, then click Save when your browser prompts you. After the download finishes, you may see a security warning — just click Run to start the installation.

Tip: If you are not sure whether your CPU supports AVX2 or AVX, start with AVX2. If the installer fails or the browser crashes on launch, try the AVX version next, then the Windows XP build as a last resort.

Once installed, Thorium will launch automatically. You can click Sign in to log into your Google account, and Thorium will sync all your Chrome bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing data. If you prefer not to sync, you can skip this step and start browsing immediately.

After setting it up, I tested it with Gmail and several other modern websites. Everything loaded without any errors or “unsupported browser” warnings. That is the advantage of Thorium running on the latest Chromium engine — it stays compatible with modern web standards even though the operating system is old.

Floorp Browser — Firefox Alternative for Windows 7

If you prefer Firefox over Chrome, Floorp is the browser you want. It is built on the Firefox engine (Gecko) and has a very similar interface, so the transition from Firefox feels natural. Floorp is open-source and actively developed, with regular releases on GitHub.

How to Download and Install Floorp

Go to the Floorp GitHub releases page and find the latest release. You will see installer options for both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows. Download the one that matches your system — if you are not sure, most Windows 7 installations from 2012 onward are 64-bit.

Click Save when prompted, then Run the installer after the download completes. The installation wizard is straightforward — select Standard installation, click Next, then Install. Once it finishes, click Finish to launch Floorp.

Floorp does not natively sync with your existing Firefox profile, but you can manually import bookmarks using the built-in import tool. Once it is set up, Floorp works just like Firefox — I tested Gmail and other modern sites on Windows 7 and everything loaded without issues.

Note: Floorp supports Firefox extensions from the Mozilla Add-ons store, so you can install the same add-ons you were using in Firefox.

Which Browser Should You Choose?

If you were a Chrome user, go with Thorium. It syncs with your Google account and feels identical to Chrome. If you were a Firefox user, go with Floorp — it uses the same engine and supports Firefox extensions. I recommend installing both and trying them for a few days to see which one feels right for your workflow.

Both browsers are lightweight enough for older hardware. If your Windows 7 machine is low on resources, Floorp tends to use slightly less memory than Chromium-based browsers, but the difference is small in everyday browsing.

Still Running Windows 7? Consider Upgrading

While Thorium and Floorp solve the browser problem, Windows 7 itself stopped receiving security updates in January 2020. If your hardware supports it, I would strongly recommend upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing your data. If you need to stick with Windows 7 for now, at least make sure you have Service Pack 1 installed and a solid antivirus in place.

You might also find these guides helpful if you are working with Windows 7:

• How to install Google Chrome on Windows 7 (for cases where Chrome still partially works)
• Create a Windows 7 bootable USB with Rufus
• Download the Windows 7 multi-edition ISO

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Thorium and Floorp safe to use on Windows 7?

Yes, both browsers are open-source projects with their source code publicly available on GitHub. They receive regular updates that include security patches. That said, keep in mind that Windows 7 itself no longer receives security updates from Microsoft, so using any browser on it carries inherent risk.

Can I import my Chrome bookmarks into Thorium?

Yes. When you first launch Thorium, you can sign in with your Google account and it will automatically sync your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing history from Chrome. This works because Thorium is built on the same Chromium engine that Chrome uses.

Does Floorp support Firefox extensions?

Floorp supports extensions from the Mozilla Add-ons store since it is built on the Firefox engine. You can install most of the same extensions you were using in Firefox, including popular ones like uBlock Origin and Bitwarden.

What if the Thorium installer does not work on my computer?

Try a different installer variant. Start with the AVX2 Mini Installer, then try the AVX version, and finally the Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit build. The Windows XP builds have the broadest hardware compatibility and should work on virtually any Windows 7 machine.

Will these browsers also work on Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, both Thorium and Floorp work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well. However, if you are running a newer version of Windows, Chrome and Firefox are still fully supported, so there is less reason to use alternatives unless you prefer the features these browsers offer.

This post Best Chrome and Firefox Alternatives for Windows 7: Thorium and Floorp Browsers first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

SCRCPY (Screen Copy) is a free, open-source tool that mirrors your Android phone or tablet screen to your computer and gives you full mouse and keyboard control over it. It works over USB or Wi-Fi, does not require any app installation on the Android device, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you need to respond to messages, manage apps, or present your phone screen from your PC, SCRCPY is the best free option I have found.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Android 5.0+ | Last updated: April 8, 2026

Key Takeaways

• SCRCPY mirrors your Android screen to your PC with full mouse and keyboard control — no app installation needed on the phone, just USB debugging enabled in Developer Options.
• It supports both USB (zero latency) and wireless mirroring (requires initial USB setup, then works over Wi-Fi with the scrcpy --tcpip command).
• You can drag and drop files from your computer to your phone, copy text between devices with Ctrl+C, and right-click to navigate back.
• SCRCPY also supports screen recording with the scrcpy --record file.mp4 command — useful for creating tutorials or saving gameplay.
• After the initial wireless setup, you can reconnect by running scrcpy-noconsole.vbs without the USB cable — but a restart of either device requires repeating the USB pairing step.

Quick Steps

1. On your Android device, enable Developer Options by tapping Settings > About Phone > Build Number seven times.
2. In Developer Options, enable USB Debugging.
3. Download SCRCPY from the GitHub releases page and extract the ZIP to a folder on your PC.
4. Connect your phone via USB, allow the debugging prompt, and double-click scrcpy-noconsole.vbs to start mirroring.
5. For wireless: run scrcpy --tcpip in the terminal while connected via USB, then disconnect the cable.

How to Enable USB Debugging on Android

Before SCRCPY can communicate with your phone, you need to enable USB debugging. This is a one-time setup that takes about 30 seconds.

Open the Settings app on your Android device and scroll down to About Phone. If you cannot find it, use the search bar in Settings. Tap Software Information, then tap Build Number seven times. You will see a message confirming that Developer Mode has been enabled.

Go back to the main Settings screen and search for Developer Options. Open it, scroll down to USB Debugging, and toggle it on. Confirm the prompt by tapping OK. You can now exit Settings — your phone is ready for SCRCPY.

Note: The exact path to Build Number varies by manufacturer. On Samsung devices it is Settings > About Phone > Software Information > Build Number. On Pixel devices it is Settings > About Phone > Build Number directly. If you cannot find it, search “Build number” in your Settings search bar.

How to Download and Set Up SCRCPY on Windows

Go to the SCRCPY GitHub releases page and download the latest ZIP file for your system. For most Windows PCs, choose the win64 version. The download is about 40 MB.

Extract the ZIP file to a folder — I recommend putting it somewhere easy to find, like C:\scrcpy. Inside the extracted folder you will see several files. The two important ones are:

• scrcpy-noconsole.vbs — double-click this to start mirroring. It launches SCRCPY without a command prompt window.
• open-a-terminal-here.bat — opens a command prompt in the SCRCPY folder. You need this for wireless setup and advanced commands.

No installation is required — SCRCPY is a portable app. It also does not install anything on your Android device. Everything runs from your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) protocol.

How to Mirror Android to PC Over USB

Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable. Your phone may show a prompt asking you to Allow USB Debugging — tap Allow (and check “Always allow from this computer” so it does not ask again). If your phone also asks about USB file access, allow that too.

In the SCRCPY folder, double-click scrcpy-noconsole.vbs. After a second or two, your phone screen appears in a window on your PC. You now have full control — use your mouse to tap, scroll, and swipe, and your keyboard to type. Right-click acts as the Android back button.

The USB connection gives the best performance with virtually zero latency. If you do not mind keeping the cable plugged in, this is the most reliable way to use SCRCPY.

How to Mirror Android to PC Wirelessly

Wireless mirroring requires a one-time USB setup to pair the devices, then works over Wi-Fi. Make sure your computer and Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before starting.

With your phone still connected via USB, go to the SCRCPY folder and double-click open-a-terminal-here.bat. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

scrcpy --tcpip

SCRCPY will detect your phone on the network, assign its IP address, and switch from USB to Wi-Fi mode automatically. The mirroring window will close briefly and reopen — this time running over wireless. You can now disconnect the USB cable. Your phone stays mirrored and controllable.

The wireless connection is responsive enough for normal use — scrolling, typing, and app navigation all work well. Performance depends on your local network speed. If you experience lag, try moving closer to your router or switching to USB.

Tip: After the initial wireless pairing, you can reconnect by simply double-clicking scrcpy-noconsole.vbs without plugging in the USB cable. However, if you restart your phone or your computer, you will need to repeat the USB pairing step with scrcpy --tcpip before wireless works again.

Useful SCRCPY Shortcuts and Commands

SCRCPY supports a number of keyboard shortcuts and command-line options that make it more powerful than a basic mirroring tool:

• Right-click — acts as the Android back button
• Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V — copy and paste text between your computer and phone
• Drag and drop — drag a file from your PC onto the SCRCPY window to transfer it to your phone
• Middle click — acts as the Android home button
• Ctrl+H — home button shortcut
• Ctrl+S — switch between apps (recent apps)

For a full list of advanced options, open a terminal in the SCRCPY folder and run:

scrcpy --help

To record your Android screen to an MP4 file while mirroring, use:

scrcpy --record file.mp4

This saves the recording to the SCRCPY folder. You can change file.mp4 to any filename you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SCRCPY safe to use?

Yes. SCRCPY is an open-source project hosted on GitHub with over 100,000 stars. It does not install anything on your Android device — it communicates through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is Google’s official debugging protocol. I have used it on multiple Android devices without any issues.

Does SCRCPY work with all Android phones and tablets?

SCRCPY works with any Android device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. This covers nearly all phones and tablets still in use. Some heavily customized manufacturer skins may place Developer Options in a slightly different location, but the functionality works the same once USB debugging is enabled.

Can I use SCRCPY on macOS or Linux?

Yes. SCRCPY supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. On macOS you can install it with brew install scrcpy, and on Linux with apt install scrcpy or from the Snap Store. The USB debugging setup on the Android side is identical regardless of which operating system you use on the computer.

Why is wireless mirroring laggy?

Wireless performance depends entirely on your local network quality. If you experience lag, try moving both devices closer to your Wi-Fi router, or use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band instead of 2.4 GHz. You can also reduce the video bitrate with scrcpy --tcpip -b 2M for a smoother experience on slower networks. For the best performance with zero latency, use the USB connection.

Do I need to install an app on my phone for SCRCPY to work?

No. SCRCPY runs entirely from your computer. It temporarily pushes a small server binary to your phone via ADB each time you connect, but nothing is permanently installed. When you close SCRCPY, there is no trace left on the phone. The only permanent change is enabling USB debugging in Developer Options, which you can disable at any time.

This post How to Mirror and Control Android on Your PC (SCRCPY) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To create a custom gaming-optimized Windows 10 ISO, install Windows 10 in a virtual machine, debloat it using the Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility and O&O AppBuster, capture the customized installation with the DISM command, then swap the default install file inside the original ISO using AnyBurn. The result is a bootable ISO that installs a clean, minimal Windows 10 every time.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) | Last updated: April 11, 2026

Key Takeaways

• A custom Windows 10 ISO removes all preinstalled bloatware and limits background apps to just Settings and Windows Security, dropping the running process count from around 140 down to 50.
• The method uses a virtual machine (VMware or VirtualBox), the Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility for debloating, O&O AppBuster for removing remaining Windows apps, DISM to capture the image, and AnyBurn to rebuild the ISO.
• The final ISO is fully bootable and can be flashed to a USB drive with Rufus for installing on any PC, with all your customizations and preferred apps already baked in.
• You can pre-install any software you want (browsers, utilities, game launchers) before capturing the image, so every fresh install is ready to go immediately.

Quick Steps

1. Download the official Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and create a VMShare folder on your desktop containing the ISO.
2. Create a virtual machine in VMware or VirtualBox with two virtual hard disks — one for Windows, one for storing the captured image.
3. Install Windows 10 Pro in the VM and complete the initial setup with a local account.
4. Debloat the installation using the Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility (tweaks + updates) and O&O AppBuster (remove all Windows apps).
5. Optionally uninstall OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and Microsoft Edge, then install your preferred browsers and apps.
6. Initialize and format the second virtual disk as a “Data” partition in Disk Management.
7. Boot into Advanced Startup > Command Prompt and run dism /capture-image /imagefile:D:\install.wim /capturedir:C:\ /name:Windows10 to capture the image.
8. Set up VMware Shared Folders, install VMware Tools, then use AnyBurn to swap the original install.esd in the ISO with your custom install.wim.
9. Save the modified ISO as “Windows 10-Debloated” and flash it to a USB drive for installation.

What You Need Before Starting

This process requires a few things: the official Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft, virtualization software like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox, at least 50 GB of free disk space, and administrator privileges. If you are using a Chromium-based browser, you can press F12, open Network Conditions, change the User Agent to Chrome OS, and reload the Microsoft download page to get a direct ISO download link without the Media Creation Tool.

Tip: Create a folder called “VMShare” on your desktop and copy the Windows 10 ISO into it. You will need this folder later for shared folder access between the VM and your host PC.

How to Set Up the Virtual Machine

Open VMware and create a new virtual machine. Select “I will install the operating system later,” choose Microsoft Windows as the guest OS, and set the version to Windows 10 64-bit. Leave the VM name and disk capacity at their defaults and click Finish.

Before powering on the VM, right-click it and open Settings. Increase memory to 8 GB and processors to 4 (adjust based on your hardware). Under CD/DVD (SATA), select “Use ISO image file” and browse to the Windows 10 ISO in your VMShare folder. Then click Add at the bottom, select Hard Disk, choose the recommended virtual disk type (NVMe if available), and create a new virtual disk with default settings. You now have two disks — one for Windows, one to store the captured image.

Power on the VM and press Spacebar immediately when prompted to boot from the ISO. Install Windows 10 Pro with a local (offline) account. Skip the product key, accept the license, choose Custom install, select Drive 0, and let it finish. During setup, turn off all the location and diagnostic toggles — I always do this for a cleaner baseline.

How to Debloat Windows 10 for Gaming

Once you reach the desktop, right-click the Start button, open Windows PowerShell (Admin), and run the Chris Titus Tech Windows Utility:

irm https://christitus.com/win | iex

In the utility, go to the Updates tab and select Security Recommended Settings so you only receive security patches, not feature updates. Then switch to the Tweaks tab and select Recommended Desktop Tweaks. Click the button to activate the Ultimate Performance power plan, then click Run Tweaks. This removes Microsoft Edge (it will no longer launch), disables telemetry, and strips out unnecessary services.

After the tweaks finish, restart the VM. Then open PowerShell as Admin again and relaunch the utility with the same command. This time, use the Install tab to add any browsers or apps you want baked into your ISO. I installed Thorium and Floorp, but you can pick whatever you prefer.

Next, open a browser and download O&O AppBuster. Run it, go to Actions > Select all Windows apps, and click Remove. This strips out every remaining preinstalled app. After that, uninstall OneDrive from Settings > Apps, and if you do not plan to use the Microsoft Store, remove it with PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Clean up any remaining shortcuts from the desktop, taskbar, and Start menu. Go to Settings > Privacy > Background Apps and confirm everything is off. After a restart, open Task Manager — you should be down to around 50 processes, compared to the 140 you started with. That is a massive reduction in overhead for gaming.

Note: If you want an even easier approach to debloating and optimizing Windows, check out Winhance — my own Windows enhancement utility that handles all of this in one tool. For Windows 10 and 11 installations, UnattendedWinstall can also automate the debloating during the initial setup using an answer file.

How to Capture the Custom Windows Image with DISM

Before capturing the image, you need to prepare the second virtual disk. Click Start, search for “Disk Management,” and open Create and Format Hard Disk Partitions. When prompted to initialize the new disk, leave GPT selected and click OK. Right-click the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, click through the defaults, and set the volume label to “Data.” This label helps you identify the drive in the next step.

Now go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Restart Now under Advanced Startup. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. After selecting your account, you will land in a recovery command prompt. Use dir on each drive letter to identify which is your Windows installation (look for the Windows, Users, and Program Files folders) and which is your empty Data partition. In my case, C: was Windows and D: was Data.

Navigate to the root by typing X: and pressing Enter, then run the DISM capture command:

dism /capture-image /imagefile:D:\install.wim /capturedir:C:\ /name:Windows10

Replace the drive letters if yours are different. This command captures your entire customized Windows installation into a single install.wim file on the Data drive. It takes a while — just wait until you see “The operation completed successfully.”

Type exit and select Turn off your PC to shut down the VM.

How to Build the Bootable ISO with AnyBurn

Before relaunching the VM, you need to set up shared folders so the VM can access your host computer’s files. Right-click the VM in VMware, open Settings > Options > Shared Folders, select Always Enabled, click Add, and browse to the VMShare folder on your desktop. Back on the Hardware tab, uncheck “Connect at Power On” under CD/DVD so the VM boots from the hard disk instead of the ISO.

Power on the VM. Install VMware Tools by clicking Player > Manage > Install VMware Tools, then running the installer from File Explorer with default settings. Restart when prompted. After restarting, open File Explorer, click the Network tab, enable Network Discovery when prompted, and navigate to VMware-host > Shared Folders > VMShare. You should see your original Windows 10 ISO file there.

Now download and install AnyBurn (free). Open it and click Edit Image File. Browse to the ISO file through Network > VMware-host > Shared Folders > VMShare. Open the Sources folder inside the ISO, find the install.esd (or install.wim) file, select it, and click Remove. Then click Add, navigate to your Data drive, and select the install.wim file you captured earlier. You have now swapped the default Windows image with your custom debloated one.

Click Next, rename the output file to something like “Windows 10-Debloated,” and click Create Now. AnyBurn saves the ISO directly to your host computer through the shared folder. Once it finishes, shut down the VM — you are done with it.

How to Use Your Custom Windows 10 ISO

Your custom ISO is now a fully bootable Windows installer. Flash it to a USB drive using Rufus and boot from it on any PC. The installation skips the initial setup screens entirely — it loads straight into your user account with all debloating already applied, your preferred apps installed, and background processes minimized.

After installing, you may notice the process count is slightly higher than the 50 you had in the VM (some services re-enable during a fresh install). If that happens, just run the Chris Titus Tech utility one more time with the same recommended tweaks to bring it back down. From there, install your graphics drivers and games — that is all you need.

For a complete walkthrough on installing Windows from a USB drive, check out my guide on how to install Windows 10 from USB. If you are interested in other approaches to creating custom ISOs, I also have a guide on the best custom Windows ISO tools and a tutorial on using Tiny11 Builder to create a debloated Windows 11 ISO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a virtual machine to create a custom Windows 10 ISO?

A virtual machine is not strictly required. You can install Windows 10 on a spare physical drive, debloat it there, and capture the image the same way. However, a VM is safer because it isolates the process completely and you can delete it when you are done without affecting your main system.

Will my custom ISO work on any computer?

Yes. The ISO is hardware-agnostic because Windows handles driver installation during setup. The only thing baked in is the Windows edition (Pro, Home, etc.) you selected during the initial install. You will need to install the correct graphics and hardware drivers after installing on each new machine.

What if the DISM capture command fails?

The most common cause is incorrect drive letters. In the recovery command prompt, drive letters can shift — use dir on each letter to confirm which drive contains your Windows files and which is the empty Data partition. Also make sure you have enough free space on the Data drive to hold the captured image (typically 5-10 GB).

Can I add my own software and drivers to the custom ISO?

Absolutely. Install any programs you want before running the DISM capture command. Browsers, game launchers, utilities — whatever you install becomes part of the image. Just avoid installing hardware-specific drivers (like GPU drivers) since those should be installed fresh on each target machine.

Is there an easier way to debloat Windows without creating a custom ISO?

If building a custom ISO feels like too much work, you can use UnattendedWinstall to create an answer file that automatically debloats Windows during installation. Alternatively, Winhance can debloat and optimize an existing Windows installation after the fact — no ISO creation needed.

This post How to Install Windows 7 in VMware Workstation (Step-by-Step) first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

These are the 15 free Windows utilities I still keep installed on every bench machine in my repair shop — covering debloating, tweaks, productivity, privacy, recovery, and diagnostics. Every tool listed is free and actively maintained (or flagged below if it isn’t), and most integrate well with my own Winhance and UnattendedWinstall workflows.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 15, 2026

1. Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility

Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility is a PowerShell-based tool that debloats, tweaks, and bulk-installs software. I run my own Winhance for most debloat work now, but Chris Titus is still the one I reach for when a customer wants a preview of what different tweaks do before committing. Key features:

• Bulk Install Software: Save time by installing multiple programs at once.

• Debloat Windows: Remove unnecessary components to speed up your system.

• Tweak Settings: Customize Windows settings to protect your privacy and improve performance.

Launching the Utility

Launch it directly from an elevated PowerShell or Terminal window with one command:

irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

The utility runs in-memory without installing — the command fetches the latest script from Chris Titus’s site and executes it in PowerShell. For my full walkthrough, see the Chris Titus Windows Utility guide.

2. WinAero Tweaker

WinAero Tweaker is the most complete tweaker I have used on Windows. Where Winhance focuses on debloating and sensible defaults, WinAero is the tool I pull out when a customer wants deep, granular control over every Windows behaviour. Key features:

• Extensive Tweaks: Access a wide range of tweaks organized into categories for easy navigation.

• Search Functionality: Quickly find the tweak you need using the built-in search bar.

It is essential if you like to personalise every detail of Windows that the Settings app does not expose.

3. Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is the official Microsoft utility bundle — actively maintained, signed, and safe to trust. My quick picks on what to enable first are in 5 PowerToys every Windows user should know. Some highlights:

• Always On Top: Keep specific windows pinned above others for better multitasking.

• Color Picker: Easily select and identify colors from anywhere on your screen.

• Image Resizer: Quickly resize images in bulk.

PowerToys gets new modules every few months — FancyZones, PowerRename, and Keyboard Manager are the three I use every day.

4. Bleachbit

BleachBit is a lightweight open-source cleaner — the honest answer to CCleaner, which I have not recommended since its Avast acquisition. For serious disk cleanup, see my full C drive cleanup guide. Key features:

• Clean Up Junk Files: Delete cookies, temporary files, and browsing history.

• Open Source: Trustworthy and privacy-focused, unlike many commercial alternatives.

I recommend BleachBit over CCleaner every time — same cleanup power, none of the telemetry or nag popups.

5. Ventoy

Ventoy turns a USB drive into a multi-ISO boot device — install it once, then drag-and-drop ISOs on like regular files. See my Ventoy rescue USB guide for the full walkthrough. Key features:

• Multiple ISO Files: Store and boot multiple ISO files on a single USB drive.

• Simple Setup: Install Ventoy once and simply drag and drop ISO files as needed.

I keep a single 128 GB Ventoy USB in my toolkit with Windows 10, Windows 11, a Linux live distro, and GParted on it — one stick covers 90% of what I need in the shop.

6. PolicyPlus

PolicyPlus is a free Group Policy Editor replacement for Windows Home, which ships without gpedit.msc. Key features:

• Edit Advanced Settings: Access and modify group policies usually reserved for Windows Pro users.

• User-Friendly: Ideal for those who want more control over their system settings without upgrading to Windows Pro.

For the full install walkthrough, including how to get the policy definitions files, see my Group Policy Editor on Windows Home guide.

7. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is the industry-standard free tool for screen recording and live streaming — open-source, cross-platform, and the software I used to record every video on this channel. Key features:

• Cross-Platform: Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it versatile for all users.

• High-Quality Recording: Perfect for creating tutorials or live streaming.

Nothing free comes close. Paid competitors like Camtasia add polish, but for raw recording quality and control, OBS is the benchmark.

8. TranslucentTB

TranslucentTB makes the Windows 11 taskbar fully transparent or translucent with per-state rules (e.g., opaque when a window is maximised, clear on the desktop). For the full setup with Windhawk Start Menu Styler, see my transparent taskbar guide. Key features:

• Transparency Settings: Easily make your taskbar translucent or fully transparent.

• User-Friendly: Accessible through the system tray for quick adjustments.

On Windows 10, a built-in registry tweak achieves a similar effect — see my Windows 10 transparent taskbar guide for that approach.

9. Wise Force Deleter

Wise Force Deleter handles files that Windows refuses to delete because they are locked by another process. Key features:

• Unlock and Delete: Easily remove files that Windows cannot delete on its own.

• Save Time: Avoid the frustration of dealing with locked files and folders.

I use this multiple times a week in the shop — every customer who brings in a PC with “cannot delete X” problems ends up needing something like this.

10. Wise Folder Hider

Wise Folder Hider hides and password-protects folders on Windows — useful for privacy on a shared PC. Key features:

• Drag and Drop: Simply drag a folder into the app to hide and protect it.

• Enhanced Security: A simple yet powerful way to keep sensitive information safe.

It is not a replacement for real encryption (VeraCrypt or BitLocker are the serious answers there), but it is enough to keep casual snoopers out of a folder.

11. Libre Hardware Monitor

Libre Hardware Monitor is an open-source fork of OpenHardwareMonitor, actively maintained with support for newer CPUs and GPUs. For CPU temperature monitoring specifically I prefer HWiNFO (see my CPU temperature guide), but LibreHardwareMonitor is lighter and has a cleaner tree view. Key features:

• Monitor System Stats: Check temperatures, fan speeds, voltages, and more.

• Open Source: Continuously updated with new features and fixes.

The main advantage over HWiNFO is that it exposes sensor data over a REST API — useful if you want to pipe readings into a dashboard like Grafana.

12. Norton’s Power Eraser

Note: Norton discontinued Norton Power Eraser as a standalone download in 2024 — its functionality now lives inside Norton 360. As a free portable alternative, I recommend Malwarebytes Free or ESET Online Scanner. For a complete cleanup workflow, see my malware removal guide. The original Power Eraser content is kept below for reference.

• Portable Tool: No installation required, making it easy to use on the go.

• Effective Disinfection: Matches scan results to a list of trusted and malicious applications.

For any active infection today, start with a full Malwarebytes scan, follow up with AdwCleaner (below), and finish with a Windows Defender offline scan.

13. AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner from Malwarebytes specifically targets adware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), and browser hijackers — the junk that full antivirus scanners often ignore. Key features:

• Easy to Use: Simple interface for quick scans and removal of adware.

• Effective Cleaning: Works well in tandem with other security tools like Malwarebytes.

AdwCleaner is my second-pass tool after Malwarebytes — it catches browser hijackers, toolbars, and sponsored shortcuts that slip past the main scan.

14. Photorec

PhotoRec (bundled with TestDisk from CGSecurity) is free file recovery software that does deep signature-based recovery — it reads raw sectors looking for known file headers, so it works even when the filesystem is damaged or reformatted. Key features:

• Recover Any File Type: Supports a wide range of file systems and formats.

• Cross-Platform: Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.

For the step-by-step recovery workflow, see my free file recovery guide.

15. Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)

Note: Microsoft officially ended support for Windows Subsystem for Android on March 5, 2025. The Microsoft Store version no longer receives updates, but unofficial community builds keep WSA alive on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Use MustardChef’s WSABuilds on GitHub for a maintained unofficial version. Key features:

• Android Emulator: Developed by Microsoft, providing a seamless experience.

• Compatibility: Officially available for Windows 11, with unofficial versions for Windows 10.

Since official WSA is discontinued, BlueStacks remains the more future-proof Android emulator if you need long-term support. For sideloading APKs with native-feeling integration, WSABuilds is still my pick.

For more info, check out my guide on Installing Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10/11.

Conclusion

Those are my 15 go-to free tools — the ones I keep coming back to year after year. Some entries have changed (Norton Power Eraser discontinued, WSA officially ended), but the category stays the same and the alternatives I have noted above are solid replacements. If you want an opinionated, one-click approach to most of the Windows 11 debloat and privacy settings these tools can tweak individually, Winhance is the tool I built specifically for that job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free software for customizing Windows?

WinAero Tweaker and Translucent TB are excellent tools for customizing your Windows experience.

Can I use these software tools on Mac or Linux?

Many of these tools, like OBS Studio and Photorec, are available on Mac and Linux as well.

How can I protect my privacy while using these tools?

Tools like Bleachbit and Wise Folder Hider focus on privacy, ensuring your data is safe.

What should I do if I can’t delete a file or folder?

Use Wise Force Deleter to unlock and delete stubborn files or folders.

Is it safe to use these free tools?

Yes, all the tools mentioned are trustworthy and widely used, with many being open source.

This post 15 MUST-KNOW Free Software for 2024 and Beyond first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To download and install Google Chrome on Windows 7, open Internet Explorer and navigate to www.google.com/chrome, then click “Download Chrome.” However, Google Chrome dropped Windows 7 support with Chrome 110 in February 2023, so the latest version you can install is Chrome 109 — which no longer receives security updates and contains known vulnerabilities.

Applies to: Windows 7 (SP1) | Last updated: April 9, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Chrome 109 is the last version that runs on Windows 7 — Google ended Windows 7 support with Chrome 110 in February 2023, so no further updates are available
• You can still download Chrome 109 from google.com/chrome on a Windows 7 machine, but it will not receive any security patches or feature updates
• Running an outdated browser is a serious security risk — Chrome 109 has over two years of unpatched vulnerabilities as of 2026, making it unsafe for banking, shopping, or entering passwords
• The best long-term solution is upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 — you can upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing your data
• If you must stay on Windows 7, consider browser alternatives that may still receive updates for longer than Chrome did

Quick Steps

1. Open Internet Explorer on Windows 7
2. Navigate to www.google.com/chrome in the address bar
3. Click “Download Chrome” (you will see a warning that your OS is no longer supported)
4. Click “Run” when prompted, then accept the security prompt
5. Wait for the installer to finish — Chrome will open automatically

How to Download Google Chrome on Windows 7

Windows 7 comes with Internet Explorer pre-installed, and that is what you will use to download Chrome. Open Internet Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu, then type the following address into the address bar and press Enter:

www.google.com/chrome

This takes you to the official Chrome download page. You will see a message that says “This device won’t receive updates because Google Chrome no longer supports your operating system.” That is expected — it means you will get Chrome 109, which is the final version compatible with Windows 7.

Click the “Download Chrome” button. If the download does not start automatically, click “Download Chrome manually” on the next page. When prompted, click Run to launch the installer directly, or click Save if you prefer to keep the installer file for later.

How to Install Google Chrome on Windows 7

If you clicked Run, the installer will launch immediately. If you clicked Save, navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click the installer file. You may see a Windows security prompt asking if you want to allow the program to make changes — click Run or Yes to continue.

The Chrome installer is fully automatic. It downloads the necessary files and installs Chrome without any additional input from you. The entire process usually takes less than a minute on a decent internet connection.

Once the installation is complete, Google Chrome opens automatically. You can go through the initial setup wizard to sign in to your Google account and choose your default settings, or skip it entirely and start browsing right away.

Security Warning: Chrome on Windows 7 Is No Longer Safe

Warning: Chrome 109 has not received a single security update since February 2023. As of April 2026, it contains over three years of known, unpatched security vulnerabilities. Using it for online banking, shopping, or entering any passwords puts your accounts and personal data at serious risk.

This is not a theoretical concern. Browser vulnerabilities are actively exploited by attackers, and Chrome 109 is missing hundreds of security patches that newer versions have received. Every major browser vendor has dropped Windows 7 support at this point, which means the entire operating system is a security liability.

If you absolutely must use Windows 7 for compatibility reasons, I strongly recommend using a VPN for an extra layer of security and limiting your browsing to non-sensitive activities only. Do not log in to banking, email, or any account with important personal information from an unsupported browser on an unsupported operating system.

Should You Upgrade from Windows 7 Instead?

Honestly, yes. Windows 7 reached end of life in January 2020, which means it has not received security updates from Microsoft in over six years. Running an unsupported OS with an unsupported browser is a compounding security risk that only gets worse over time.

The good news is that you can upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing any of your files or data. Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates and supports the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, and every other modern browser. If your hardware can run Windows 7, it can almost certainly run Windows 10.

If you need a fresh copy of Windows 7 for a specific use case like running legacy software in a virtual machine, I also have a guide on how to download the official Windows 7 ISO.

What About Other Browsers for Windows 7?

If upgrading to Windows 10 is not an option right now, you may want to look at alternative browsers that still support Windows 7. Some smaller browsers based on Chromium or Firefox continued to offer Windows 7 builds after Chrome and Firefox dropped support, though even these are becoming increasingly rare in 2026.

No matter which browser you use, running it on an unsupported operating system means you are not fully protected. A browser can only do so much when the OS underneath it is no longer patched. Upgrading remains the only real solution for long-term security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still download Google Chrome on Windows 7 in 2026?

Yes, you can still visit www.google.com/chrome from Internet Explorer on Windows 7 and download Chrome. However, the version you get is Chrome 109, which was the last release to support Windows 7. It will install and run, but it does not receive any security or feature updates.

What is the latest version of Chrome that works on Windows 7?

Chrome 109 is the final version that supports Windows 7. Google released Chrome 110 in February 2023 with the Windows 7 requirement removed, meaning Chrome 110 and all later versions will not install or run on Windows 7 at all.

Is it safe to use Chrome 109 on Windows 7?

No, it is not safe for any activity involving sensitive information. Chrome 109 has not been patched since early 2023, which means it contains years of known security vulnerabilities. If you must use it, avoid logging in to banking sites, email, or any accounts with personal data. Your best option is to upgrade to Windows 10 so you can run a fully supported browser.

Why does Chrome say my operating system is no longer supported?

Google ended Chrome support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 starting with Chrome 110 in February 2023. When you visit the Chrome download page on Windows 7, Google detects your OS version and displays this warning. You can still download the older Chrome 109, but it will not update beyond that version.

Do I need Service Pack 1 to install Chrome on Windows 7?

Yes, Chrome requires Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed. If you have not installed SP1 yet, you will need to do that first. I have a guide on how to install Service Pack 1 on Windows 7 that walks you through the process.

This post How to Download and Install Google Chrome on Windows 7 first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

To download and install Tor Browser on Windows, go to torproject.org/download, click Download for Windows, run the installer, select your language and install folder, then click Install and Finish. Tor Browser launches automatically and you can start browsing privately right away.

Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 23, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Tor Browser routes your traffic through multiple encrypted relays, masking your IP address and making it much harder to track your browsing activity.
• The installer comes from torproject.org — always download from the official site to avoid tampered versions.
• Tor installs to your Desktop by default, but you can change the location during setup. No system-level installation is required.
• Tor is not a VPN — it anonymizes browsing inside the Tor Browser itself but does not protect other apps running on your PC.

Quick Steps

1. Go to torproject.org/download and click Download for Windows
2. Open the downloaded installer file
3. Select language (English by default) and click OK
4. Choose install location (Desktop is the default) and click Install
5. Leave both checkboxes ticked and click Finish — Tor Browser launches automatically

What Is Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is a free, open-source browser that routes your connection through the Tor network — a series of volunteer-operated servers called relays. Each relay only knows the previous and next hop in the chain, so no single server can see both who you are and what you’re visiting. Your real IP address is replaced with the IP of the exit node.

It is legal to use in most countries. Common uses include bypassing regional censorship, accessing .onion sites, and general privacy-conscious browsing. Tor does not make you completely anonymous — logging into accounts, downloading files, or enabling JavaScript on hostile sites can still expose your identity — but it significantly raises the bar for passive surveillance.

Note: Tor Browser only anonymizes traffic inside the browser itself. Other apps on your PC — your email client, Windows Update, background processes — bypass Tor entirely. If you need system-wide protection, use a VPN alongside it.

How to Download Tor Browser

Visit torproject.org/download and scroll to the download section. You will see platform options — click Download for Windows. The file is a standard Windows installer (.exe), around 90–100 MB.

Only download Tor from the official torproject.org site. Unofficial mirrors or third-party sites may distribute modified versions that compromise your privacy rather than protecting it.

How to Install Tor Browser on Windows

Once the download completes, open the installer file. Windows may show a SmartScreen warning — click Run anyway if prompted; this is normal for newly downloaded executables. The installer will ask for a language, then an install location.

By default, Tor installs to your Desktop rather than Program Files. This is intentional — Tor is designed to be portable and doesn’t write extensively into the system. If you prefer to keep your Desktop clean, click Browse and pick a folder under your user profile. Then click Install and wait for it to complete.

On the final screen, leave both checkboxes ticked: Run Tor Browser and Add a Start Menu shortcut. Click Finish and Tor Browser will launch automatically.

First Launch and Connecting to the Tor Network

When Tor Browser opens for the first time, it shows a connection screen with a Connect button. Click it and Tor will establish a circuit through the relay network — this normally takes 10–30 seconds. Once connected, the browser window opens and you can browse immediately.

If the connection fails, click Configure Connection and try the Bridges option. Bridges are unlisted Tor relays that can bypass ISP-level blocking in countries where direct Tor access is restricted.

Tor Browser vs VPN — Which Do You Need?

Tor and a VPN solve related but different problems. Tor provides strong anonymity for browser traffic by routing through multiple independent relays — no single entity can correlate your identity with your destination. The tradeoff is speed: Tor is significantly slower than a direct connection due to the relay chain.

A VPN like ProtonVPN encrypts all traffic from your device — not just the browser — and is much faster for general use. It hides your activity from your ISP and changes your apparent location, but the VPN provider itself can see your traffic. For everyday privacy and streaming, a VPN is usually the better choice. For high-risk anonymity needs, Tor is more appropriate.

Some people use both together (Tor over VPN), though this adds complexity without always adding meaningful protection for typical use cases. If you just want to change your IP address or hide browsing from your ISP, a VPN alone is simpler and faster.

Keeping Tor Browser Updated

Tor Browser checks for updates automatically and shows a notification in the toolbar when a new version is available. Click the notification and select Restart Tor Browser to Update. Keeping Tor updated is important — security patches ship regularly and outdated versions may have known vulnerabilities.

You can also check manually by clicking the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and selecting About Tor Browser. If an update is available, it downloads in the background and installs on the next restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tor Browser legal to use on Windows?

Yes, using Tor Browser is legal in most countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe. Some countries with heavy internet censorship (Russia, China, Belarus) restrict or block Tor at the network level, but the software itself is not illegal in Western countries. Always use it in compliance with local laws.

Does Tor Browser guarantee complete anonymity?

No. Tor makes it significantly harder to trace your browsing, but it is not foolproof. Logging into personal accounts, enabling plugins like Flash, or downloading files and opening them outside Tor can reveal your identity. Tor also cannot protect you against malware on your device or a compromised exit node intercepting unencrypted traffic.

Why is Tor Browser so slow?

Tor routes your traffic through at least three relays, each adding latency. Connection speeds vary widely depending on which relays you’re assigned. If performance is a priority and you just need basic privacy, a fast VPN like ProtonVPN will be much quicker. Tor is designed for anonymity, not speed.

How do I uninstall Tor Browser?

Since Tor installs to a folder rather than integrating deeply into Windows, you can uninstall it by simply deleting the Tor Browser folder (default location: Desktop) and removing the Start Menu shortcut. There is no traditional uninstaller entry in Windows Settings.

Can I use Tor Browser to access .onion sites?

Yes. Tor Browser is the standard way to access .onion (hidden service) addresses, which are only reachable through the Tor network. Regular browsers cannot resolve .onion domains — they are not part of the public DNS system.

This post How to Download and Install Tor Browser on Windows 10 and 11 first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory

HP CoolSense is a cooling management utility for HP laptops that automatically adjusts fan speed and thermal settings based on your usage and environment. To install it on Windows 10 or 11, download the installer from HP’s FTP server, enable .NET Framework 3.5 through Windows Features, then run the setup from the extracted files on your C: drive.

Applies to: HP laptops running Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 8, 2026

Key Takeaways

• HP CoolSense automatically manages cooling on HP laptops — it adjusts fan speed and thermal performance based on whether the laptop is on a desk or your lap
• The installer requires .NET Framework 3.5 — this is built into Windows 10 and 11 but needs to be enabled manually through Windows Features
• Download directly from HP’s FTP server at ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp60001-60500/sp60051.exe — your browser may flag it as insecure, but it is an official HP download
• After installation, find HP CoolSense in Control Panel — it does not appear in the Start menu or Settings app
• The latest version is 2.2 and it works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11

Quick Steps

1. Download HP CoolSense from HP’s official FTP server
2. If your browser warns about an insecure download, click More Options > Keep > Keep Anyway
3. Enable .NET Framework 3.5 via Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features on or off
4. Navigate to C:\Software Setup in File Explorer, right-click Setup, and select Run as Administrator
5. Open Control Panel and click HP CoolSense to toggle it on or off

How to Download HP CoolSense

HP CoolSense is available as a free download from HP’s support website. You can either find it on the HP CoolSense support page or grab the installer directly from HP’s FTP server using the link below.

The direct download link is: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp60001-60500/sp60051.exe

Note: Your browser will likely warn you that this file “can’t be downloaded securely” because it uses HTTP instead of HTTPS. This is normal for HP’s FTP server. Click More Options, then Keep, then Keep Anyway to proceed with the download.

Once the download completes, run the installer. It will extract the CoolSense files to a folder on your C: drive called Software Setup. The actual installation requires .NET Framework 3.5, so the installer may prompt you to install that first.

How to Enable .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows

HP CoolSense requires .NET Framework 3.5 to run. When the installer prompts you to install it, clicking “Yes” will open a Microsoft webpage that says .NET Framework 3.5 is “no longer available for download.” This is misleading — .NET Framework 3.5 is actually built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, it just needs to be enabled.

To enable .NET Framework 3.5, open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. Change the view to Small icons or Large icons, then click Programs and Features. On the left side, click Turn Windows Features on or off.

In the Windows Features dialog, find .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) and check the box next to it. Click OK and select Let Windows Update download the files for you. Windows will download and install the necessary components — this may take a few minutes.

How to Install HP CoolSense

After .NET Framework 3.5 is enabled, you need to run the CoolSense setup manually from the extracted files. Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Software Setup. This is the folder where the HP CoolSense installer extracted its files earlier.

Right-click on the Setup file and select Run as Administrator. Click Next through the installation wizard, accept the license agreement, and let the setup complete. You should see a confirmation message once HP CoolSense has been installed successfully.

Tip: If you have other missing drivers or software after a Windows reinstall, check out my guide on installing drivers in Windows 10 and 11 for additional help.

How to Access and Use HP CoolSense

In my repair shop, HP laptops would often come in running hot because CoolSense was not installed after a Windows reinstall. The utility does not appear in the Start menu — you will only find it in the Control Panel.

Open the Control Panel and look for HP CoolSense in the icon view. Click on it to open the CoolSense interface. You will see a simple on/off toggle that controls whether CoolSense is active. The latest version is 2.2, which you can verify in the CoolSense window.

When CoolSense is turned on, it monitors your laptop’s temperature and usage patterns to automatically adjust fan speed and thermal settings. If your laptop is sitting on a desk, it may prioritize performance. If it detects the laptop is on your lap, it will reduce heat output for comfort.

If your HP laptop is running hot even with CoolSense enabled, I recommend checking your CPU temperature to make sure there is not a deeper issue like thermal paste degradation or blocked vents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HP CoolSense actually do?

HP CoolSense is a utility that automatically adjusts your HP laptop’s fan speed and thermal management based on usage and positioning. When enabled, it balances performance and surface temperature so the laptop does not get uncomfortably hot during normal use.

Does HP CoolSense work on Windows 11?

Yes, HP CoolSense version 2.2 works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, including the latest versions (24H2 and 25H2). You just need to make sure .NET Framework 3.5 is enabled before installing.

Why does the .NET Framework 3.5 download page say it is no longer available?

Microsoft’s download page is misleading. .NET Framework 3.5 is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, so there is no separate download needed. You enable it through Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features on or off, and Windows Update will install the required files.

Where do I find HP CoolSense after installing it?

HP CoolSense does not appear in the Start menu or Windows Settings. You can only access it through the Control Panel in icon view. Look for the HP CoolSense icon and click it to open the on/off toggle interface.

Can I uninstall HP CoolSense if I do not want it?

Yes, you can uninstall HP CoolSense through Control Panel > Programs and Features like any other program. Removing it will not harm your laptop — your system will just use the default Windows thermal management instead of HP’s adaptive cooling.

This post How to Install HP CoolSense on Windows 10/11 first appeared on Memory's Tech Tips and is written by memory