Essential software you must have in a new laptop or PC in 2025

Setting up a new laptop or PC is one of the most exciting things, but it can soon become overwhelming when you have to download or purchase essential software. With so many software options available for your laptop or PC, it is important to determine which applications can call your computer home. So, if you just unboxed your new laptop or PC, here is all the essential software you must have.

Important software for laptop

The most important software for a laptop or PC depends on how you plan to use your device. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a casual user, the software you need will vary. However, there are some software applications that are universal and might be right from day one. Here are the important software programs for laptops in 2025.

Office Suite

If you brought home a Windows PC then there is a good chance it already came installed with Microsoft Office as the productivity suite. For Mac users, you can download Microsoft Office or even take a Microsoft 365 subscription. With Microsoft 365, you get cloud integration, cross-device sync, and AI in the form of Copilot. For basic productivity needs, you can try LibreOffice for free or use Google’s productivity tools online.

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Web browser

A fast and secure browser is essential to go online. For work, study, and streaming, a web browser is an important software. In 2025, Google Chrome still ranks as one of the best web browsers, but you can also download Firefox for its privacy features or try Microsoft Edge, which now runs on Chromium and has lots of AI features.

Communication tools

If you are a professional, then one of the most important software is a communication tool that delivers reliable video conferencing and team messaging. For meetings and webinars, Zoom is undoubtedly the best option, while Slack still ranks the best for team communication. If your employer offers a Microsoft account, then Teams would be a better or default environment for integrated communication.

Antivirus and Security

Antivirus software is your first line of defence against viruses, malware, and cyber threats. While your Windows PC has Windows Defender and Mac has XProtect, you may need a third-party antivirus software such as Bitdefender, Norton Antivirus, etc.

File Management

In addition to the above-mentioned software applications, you will also need powerful file management software. A file management software will help you manage compressed files, and for most users, 7-Zip remains a lightweight and open-source software that works well.

Necessary laptop applications

While there are important software programs, there are some that can be deemed as necessary. Here’s a roundup of necessary laptop applications you must have in a new laptop or PC in 2025:

Spotify or Apple Music

A music streaming platform is one of the necessary laptop applications right now, and when it comes to music streaming, you can’t go wrong with either Apple Music or Spotify. Spotify, in particular, works well with both Windows and Mac, while Apple Music works very well on Mac. While they both boast an extensive library, Apple Music supports lossless audio, while Spotify’s discovery remains unmatched.

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VLC Media Player

For offline audio and video files, you cannot go wrong with VLC Media Player. It is a powerful media player that also happens to be free, and it supports almost every video and audio format.

Customisation

While both Windows and Mac offer a long list of customisation options, power users might want more. With Microsoft PowerToys and Alfred 5, you can customise your Windows PC and Mac, respectively, to improve your workflow and get a personalised computing experience.

In addition to the above apps and software, you can also download programs such as Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Discord, WhatsApp, 1Password, and others to keep yourself connected, entertained, and protected online. The definition of essential applications for a laptop or PC will vary depending on your needs, but most of the apps mentioned above will meet the needs of most laptop users.