If you’re looking to boost productivity, improve your creative workflow, or simply replace limited built-in apps, open-source software is one of the best investments you can make—without spending anything. The Windows ecosystem has matured, and in 2025, we have access to powerful free tools that rival (and sometimes beat) paid software.
In this article, we explore the top 6 free and open-source tools for Windows that you should absolutely install this year.
1. Joplin — The Best Open-Source Note-Taking App
Replacing OneNote has never been easier. Joplin is one of the best free note-taking tools available.
Key features:
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Full Markdown support
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Sync via OneDrive, Dropbox, or WebDAV
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End-to-end encryption
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Plugin support for themes and customization
Joplin gives you full control of your notes with zero lock-in.
Link to download – https://joplinapp.org/
2. Greenshot — A Better Screenshot Tool Than Snipping Tool
The Windows Snipping Tool is convenient but limited. Greenshot is a lightweight, open-source alternative packed with features.
Why it’s better:
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Capture region, window, or full screen
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Built-in editor for annotations, arrows, highlights
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Easy export to clipboard, email, and apps
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Completely free
Perfect for bloggers, testers, and documentation creators.
Link to download – https://getgreenshot.org/
3. DaVinci Resolve — Professional Video Editing for Free
If you create videos for YouTube or content platforms, DaVinci Resolve is a must-have.
Highlights:
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Hollywood-level color grading
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Advanced timeline tools
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Fusion VFX engine
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Professional audio editing through Fairlight
It’s one of the most powerful free video editors available on Windows.
Link to download – https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/in/products/davinciresolve
4. Shotcut — Lightweight Video Editor for Everyday Use
Want something simpler than DaVinci Resolve? Shotcut is a clean and user-friendly open-source video editor.
Benefits:
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Simple interface
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Wide format support
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GPU-accelerated filters
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Great for quick edits & basic projects
Perfect for beginners and quick YouTube edits.
Link to download – https://www.shotcut.org/
5. Shutter Encoder — The Most Powerful Free Video Converter
Shutter Encoder is built on FFmpeg and can handle nearly any video or audio task.
Capabilities:
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Convert videos to any format
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Compress large files
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Extract audio
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Re-encode for YouTube or social media
Ideal for content creators and editors who need reliable encoding.
Link to download – https://www.shutterencoder.com/
6. VLC Media Player — The Universal Media Player
VLC remains the most reliable free and open-source media player for Windows.
Why VLC still rules:
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Plays almost every file format
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Supports subtitles, DVDs, and network streams
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Lightweight and customizable
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Zero ads, zero bloat
It’s the only media player most users ever need.
Link to download – https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Why Use Open-Source Tools on Windows?
Open-source tools offer:
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More customization
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No subscription fees
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Better privacy
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Regular community-driven updates
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Cross-platform compatibility
They often outperform proprietary tools while being completely free.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a student, creator, developer, or professional, these free and open-source Windows tools can drastically improve your workflow in 2025. From note-taking and screenshots to video editing and media playback, they provide unmatched value without costing a rupee.