Highlights

  • MSI Afterburner: Overclock your GPU and get detailed metrics on your PC components like GPU temperatures and RAM allocation.
  • VoiceAttack: Use voice commands to execute key presses, macros, and Windows functions, making gaming and navigation easier.
  • Bitwarden: Store all your passwords in one secure place for easy access across multiple devices.

Nowadays, one doesn't need to be a Twitch streamer to rock a killer PC build. So then there's no sense in stopping at the hardware level. In fact, there are a plethora of third-party apps out there to make navigation and maintenance a darn sight better than what vanilla Windows 10 offers out of the box.

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Today, let's take a look at some of the best apps to install for any gaming PC. These apps tackle a number of different things, but when installed in conjunction, they can transform a regular rig into a fully fledged, entertainment tour de force.

Updated on January 5, 2024, by Jack Pierik: Whether you just built a beefy new gaming rig and you need some pointers on what to install, or you're just genuinely curious about any potential apps you've missed out on, this article has you covered. In this update, we've added three new apps that help with displaying component statistics, like GPU usage or CPU temperatures, and having more fine-tuned control over max framerates for your games, centralized password management, and handy, customized voice commands you can say to enact key presses, macros, or Windows functions. All things considered, it's a pretty good time to be a gamer.

18 MSI Afterburner

Two separate, mostly black and grey windows showing PC component statistics in white and green text.

MSI Afterburner can do all kinds of things, and while it's typically used to overclock your GPU, it has plenty of other uses that don't require the inherent risk of forcing higher base clocks or voltages on your PC components.

An optional part of this app, for example, is RivaTuner, a handy stats tool that can not only provide overlayed metrics of your PC components, like GPU temperatures and percent usage, or RAM allocation, but it can also show frametime graphs and enact framerate caps on any of your games.

17 VoiceAttack

A split image showing multiple white windows with black text showing tips and profiles on an audio recognition app.

VoiceAttack, despite the somewhat scary name, is actually a fantastic application that will recognize specific voice commands that you set, and once recognized, enact key presses, macros, screenshots, Windows functions, or almost anything you need it to do.

You can grab it on Steam for a pretty modest price, and is quite popular among the Star Citizen community and other playerbases like it to make navigating complex games easier. Although, you could also use it in regular games like Fallout 4; imagine saying "stimmy" or "heal me" to make your character instantly pop a Stimpak.

16 Bitwarden

A mostly black and grey window with white text and a lock icon showing a login prompt.

Whether it's CD Projekt Red asking you to make an account for their Cyberpunk 2077 launcher, Ubisoft requiring you to make an account for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands, or something else, it's no secret that gamers tend to accrue heaps of accounts over time.

If you want a centralized, secure solution for storing all of your passwords in one place, Bitwarden will get the job done. Heck, even the free version is fantastic, allowing you to store an unlimited amount of passwords across multiple devices.

15 Steam

Gaming PC Apps Steam

It may be a little obvious that you should have Steam on your PC but for some, it just flies under the radar, so it's still incredibly important to mention. Steam is a staple for any PC gamer and will end up being one of the best and most useful free apps you have.

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For those who are unaware, Steam is essentially software that acts as a store for all the games you choose to purchase on there. It's pretty much the go-to place for developers when looking to publish their games since Steam sells every game available unless another company buys the rights to it. Nevertheless, you can buy anything from free-to-play games to brand new titles. Steam is a must-have, and it's free to install. You still need to buy the games though.

14 Epic Games

Epic Games Store

As with Steam, installing software like Epic Games might seem obvious. However, if you've never bought PC games on this platform - perhaps everything you wanted was always available on Steam! - you may have never bothered to check it out.

The big reason you want to install Epic Games - even if you don't already own any games on this service - is because they give away a free game or two every week! You don't even need to have a paid subscription, just an account! Sometimes the game will be an indie title you've never heard of, but sometimes it will be a great old game that you've been meaning to try for years. If you come back each week and pick up whatever they're giving away, you'll build up a substantial library in no time.

13 Razer Cortex: Game Booster

Gaming PC Apps Razer Cortex Game Booster

Don't be fooled by the name. The Razer Cortex Game Booster isn't just for those who have kitted their setup with all things Razer. It's designed to optimize your PC's settings no matter the gaming platform you choose to use.

This free app is perfect for setups of any price, power, or performance and doesn't need any PC wizardry to run it either. It will begin enhancing your settings instantly which makes it a wonderful app for your gaming PC, especially if it's your first.

12 Discord

image of the purple Discord logo on a black background

The days of Ventrilo and TeamSpeak are essentially long over. Even Skype is not nearly used as much for gaming as it once was. This might be due to many games developing their own chat systems, but the smart money bets on Discord. This likely includes anyone who has ever played Among Us.

Its diversity of features, ubiquity and freemium model make it an obvious choice for many. Like Slack, it also allows for more organization within a single Discord. You can also navigate from one Discord to another seamlessly using the sidebar on mobile and desktop apps.

11 KeyTweak

image of the KeyTweak interface

Investing in a super high-end keyboard isn't really necessary these days. You can get an RGB keyboard with cherry keys in a variety of designs for less than $30 in some cases. However, many players are also switching to non-traditional keyboards out of necessity or desire.

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This requires a program like KeyTweak that allows people to remap their keyboard layouts. The less than 500kb program doesn't currently have dev support, but it is compatible with Windows 10 PCs. Some alternatives include programs like Autohotkey or Sharpkeys for people who want a supported program.

10 Opera GX

Opera GX Browser example

Opera GX is an alternative browser for gamers. It does run on Chromium, so you won't be escaping Google with this browser (try Firefox for that), but you will be gaining a bunch of awesome features.

Most important for many gamers is the ability to limit the browser's GPU, RAM, and Network usage. In addition, chat and streaming programs like Discord, Twitch, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and others can be built into the sidebar and pop out on a whim with just one click. They disappear when you click away, or you can pin them to the page. There are tons of customization features to be excited about, a built-in VPN, and more to discover.

9 Equalizer APO

image of Equalizer APO interface

At first glance, this little program doesn't look like much, but it's actually one of the most robust audio equalizers available. It can act as a full-on replacement for a sound card's undoubtedly limited audio options.

Equalizer APO features a list of items that can be stacked vertically to customize the perfect sound environment. In addition to a 15-band, 31-band, and variable EQ, users can also stack a preamp, low and high pass filters, loudness correction, and VST plugins. Once configured, it will run silently in the background, eliminating the need to fuss with secondary audio apps.

8 F.lux

image of f.lux interface

More and more, there is a focus on protecting our eyeballs from blue light. Though Windows comes with a "nightlight" function, it doesn't account for brightness across different rooms and programs. f.lux aims to fix that by making a PC display adjust throughout the night and day.

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This program is especially useful for gaming laptop users. Apparently, people can also control their smart lights with f.lux, too.

7 Vortex

Vortex software start screen (NexusMods software)

If you're a PC gamer, you're probably already modding your games. If you're not, you don't know what you're missing out on! Every game is a little bit different, and each group of fans will have their preferences, but NexusMods is a site that hosts mods for many popular games, including Skyrim, Red Dead Redemption 2, Jedi: Fallen Order, Elden Ring, and more.

Vortex is a program made by NexusMods to manage mods you download for you! It makes the entire modding process a lot simpler to have this program connect directly to the site.

6 Bluestacks

image of Bluestacks interface

Itching to play Android-based games and apps on a PC? Then an emulator is the way to go and Bluestacks seems to be the platinum standard. This handy little program creates an Android environment within Windows as a self-contained bubble to play games in/on.

You'll need to enable virtualization on their motherboard in order to fully take advantage of virtual machines like Bluestacks. This can vary depending on specific hardware in any given PC. Luckily, a quick Google search or thumbing through the MoBo manual can show people how to enter their BIOS and turn this feature on. Most will have it disabled by default.

5 CleanMyPc

image of CleanmyPC interface

Keeping any computer clean regarding files is almost as challenging as keeping Henry Cavill clean during The Witcher. And though there are many competitors, MacPaw's interface for CleanMyPC is one of the best. It's intuitive, user-friendly, and easy to understand.

With a few clicks, you can clean out the build-up of garbage files that accumulate in a system, set Autorun programs, and shred files, and Recycle bin items so they can't be recovered. The only tricky thing is the Registry cleaner as this feature carries many inherent risks in today's technological ecosystem.

4 CCleaner

CCleaner example image

CCleaner is an alternative for CleanMyPC. There's a free and a professional version, so you can choose what you're willing to invest in. Much like CleanMyPC, CCleaner scans your computer for junk files that don't need to be there anymore.

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The free version removes pesky trackers and useless files. If you invest in the professional version, it can do much more, including helping to manage your startup apps, keeping your drivers and apps updated, help optimize your computer's performance, and more.

3 QuickLook

image of Quicklook interface

This free app from Paddy Xu can be found in the Microsoft Store. It's one of those "never knew I needed it" kinds of programs that can make Windows navigation so much better. Essentially, Quick Look emulates the Mac OS-inspired Preview function triggered when someone highlights a folder or file and taps the space bar.

This particular version of Quick Look is far more powerful than the Mac equivalent. Features such as mouse wheel volume control and zoom functionality take it to the next level. It's a great way to quickly view photos, document content, movies, or folder data with a simple button press.

2 Winlaunch

image of Winlaunch interface

Mac users are already familiar with the kind of interface Winlaunch offers. But this particular app is leaps and bounds beyond the Apple rival. This extremely useful launcher eliminates the need to clutter a desktop with unsightly icons or navigate the Start menu.

Winlaunch can be configured to pop up however a user prefers. One example is by just a tap of the middle mouse button. From there, users can add program executables and drive folders with a few clicks, assign custom icons, and rearrange tiles on the fly across multiple pages that can be scrolled via the mouse wheel. It's a convenient and tidy way to manage a library of apps and games.

1 OBS Studio

image of OBS Studio interface

There are many programs out there that let people record games and audio. But OBS Studio might be one of the best free options available. It also has continuous updates that add new features and improvements.

It is pretty widely used, so tutorials on how to set it up abound. The file sizes are also not nearly as gargantuan as they can be on other similar programs like Fraps. For those who want to get into streaming or just want to record games, OBS Studio is the way to go.

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