This video showcases 16 third-party applications designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 11's aesthetic, improving user experience and modernizing the operating system's feel. Key areas covered include enhancing Windows Explorer, providing alternative system utilities, improving media playback and viewing, and offering aesthetic customization and productivity tools.
Introduction to the Problem #
- Windows 11's inconsistent design, with some apps looking modern and others outdated.
- Goal: Find apps that match the modern Fluent Design language of Windows 11.
File Explorer Enhancements #
- Files App (Free):
- Modern design, tabbed interface, dark mode, column view.
- Adds features like tagging, custom folders, and FTP/SFTP support.
- QTTabBar (Free):
- Adds tabs to the native File Explorer.
- Highly customizable with grouping and multi-level undo.
System Utilities and Customization #
- EarTrumpet (Free):
- Replaces the built-in volume mixer with a more modern and functional one.
- Per-app volume control, multiple device management.
- PowerToys (Free):
- Suite of utilities from Microsoft that enhances Windows.
- Includes FancyZones for window management, Image Resizer, PowerRename, Color Picker.
- RoundedTB (Free):
- Customizes the Windows 11 taskbar with rounded corners and dynamic resizing.
- Adjusts padding and segments.
- TranslucentTB (Free):
- Makes the taskbar translucent or completely transparent.
- Several modes (Fluent, Blur, Acrylic, Clear, Opaque).
Media Playback and Viewing #
- PotPlayer (Free):
- Feature-rich media player with extensive codec support.
- Highly customizable, modern UI.
- Alternative for those who don't like VLC's UI.
- ImageGlass (Free):
- Modern image viewer, supports many formats.
- Clean interface, basic editing features.
- QuickLook (Free):
- Mac-style quick preview for files by pressing the spacebar.
- Supports various file types including documents, images, and videos.
Productivity and Tools #
- Rambox (Free/Paid):
- Aggregates multiple messaging and social media apps into one window.
- Supports hundreds of services, notification manager.
- ModernFlyouts (Free):
- Replaces outdated flyouts for volume, brightness, and airplane mode with modern ones.
- Customizable position and duration.
- Auto Dark Mode (Free):
- Automatically switches between light and dark modes based on time of day.
- Can also switch wallpapers.
- Ventoy (Free):
- Tool for creating multiboot USB drives.
- Drag-and-drop ISO files, no reformatting needed.
- ShareX (Free):
- Advanced screen capture and recording tool.
- Many capture modes, automatic uploading and sharing options, basic editing.
Calculator and Terminal #
- Windows Terminal (Free):
- Modern command-line interface from Microsoft.
- Tabbed interface, customization options (themes, fonts), support for various shells.
- Unified Calculator (Free):
- Modern, feature-rich calculator with scientific, programmer, and unit conversion modes.
- Better alternative to the built-in Windows calculator.
Conclusion and Recommendations #
- These apps help create a more consistent and modern Windows 11 experience.
- Encouragement to explore these fluent design apps.
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