Supercharge Windows 10: Replacement apps that blow away standard Windows programs
Give Windows 10 more power
If you're a Windows 10 user, you're always looking to do more in less time. In this gallery, we spotlight 15 apps you can use as alternatives to those that came with your Windows install.
Replace Camera with ManyCam
Although Camera will allow you to use your webcam, ManyCam goes far beyond. The free version is feature rich, but the Studio version adds a lot more capabilities, including green screen support.
Replace Windows command line with Bash Shell
If you have years of Linux (or even UNIX) experience, one thing you may really miss is a "real" shell. No more. You can now use the Bash shell on Windows (and it's supported by Microsoft).
Replace Quick Assist with TeamViewer
While Quick Assist can be helpful, TeamViewer is what the pros use. There's a free version for helping your mom, but if you want to scale up and equip an entire help desk operation, TeamViewer is there for you, too.
Replace Alarms & Clock with Alarm Clock HD
If you want to wake up with bold and beautiful options, consider replacing the standard Alarms & Clock with Alarm Clock HD on the Windows Store. There are in-app purchases.
Replace Calculator with Microsoft Mathematics
If you need to do some math, the Metro-based Calculator app is disappointing indeed. But Microsoft still makes Microsoft Mathematics available and it is definitely worth the download.
Replace Calendar with WinPIM Calendar
If you want your calendar to sync with Google Calendar, iCloud, Yahoo, and even ownCloud Calendar, then WinPIM Calendar is your choice. Personally, I live in Google Calendar, itself a valid choice.
Replace Paint with Paint.Net
Paint.NET has been around for more than a decade, but it's been upgraded constantly. There's no question about it: replace the installed Paint app with Paint.NET.
Replace Snipping Tool with Snagit
The Snipping Tool is actually quite helpful, but why use a scissor when you can use a nuclear-powered, definition-of-overkill image capturing monster? That's Snagit.
Replace File Explorer with Directory Opus
If Snagit is screen capture overkill, Directory Opus is a file management powerhouse. At $89, you'd expect it to exceed expectations, and it does.
Replace Reading List with Feedly
Microsoft has deprecated the Reading List app because some of its functionality is now in Edge. But if you want a powerful RSS reader you can access from anywhere, the go-to solution is Feedly.
Replace Photos with FastStone Image Viewer
If you want a powerful gallery management tool for a large library of images, FastStone Image Viewer is your friend. It's far more capable that Photos, and it's free.
Replace Reader with Foxit Reader
PDFs can sometimes contain embedded scripts. Foxit Reader won't run those scripts, which is a good thing if they contain malware. Adobe Reader is clearly the king, but Foxit Reader is a good alternative.
Replace Groove Music with Spotify
Groove Music is better than earlier Windows music apps, but that's not saying much. On the other hand, Spotify rocks. There's a free and premium service. If you love music, you'll love Spotify.