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Best IPTV Players for Windows PC in 2024

By admin February 24, 2024

In this blog, we will discuss some of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 which can bring any television channel of the world to your doorsteps.

Till now, the primary source of watching television shows was broadcast channels supported by antennas, satellite dishes, and fiber optic cables.

However, with the rapid growth of the Internet and the smart devices market, watching TV channels directly from a desktop PC has become a new trend.

All thanks to the Internet Protocol television services, a.k.a IPTV. You can use an IPTV player to watch entertaining TV shows, video on demand, live TV channels, and lots more. Through the IPTV Players, you can boost up the ways of your entertainment. No matter where you are and from where you belong to, with the help of IPTV Player you can stream any sort of TV shows and movies quite effortlessly. What you need to do is just sign-up and login at once. Thereafter, watch your preferred movie or TV shows without any sort of hindrance.

Before we move on to the list, let’s first understand what an IPTV player is, how it works, and why it’s important to get the best one for your desktop. Later on, you’ll get to know about the best Windows IPTV Player!

What is IPTV Player?

Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a service that provides support for multimedia streaming through Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Users can buy an IPTV subscription and watch all TV channels, live media and video on demand (VOD) services anytime over their desktop PCs, laptops as well as Android and iOS devices using an IPTV player.

How Does IPTV Work?

IPTV provides access to television channels and other digital content via IP based networks. It relies on a packet-switched network that covers both unicast (video on demand) and multicast (live TV) streams.

Why Do You Need An IPTV Player For Windows?

In today’s world of digital binge-watching, the traditional television formats, including broadcast/cable networks are on the verge of extinction.

Nowadays, watching movies online and streaming live TV and sports directly from PCs, laptops and tablets has become a new normal. In light of this, a dedicated IPTV player comes extremely handy in playing various streaming protocols on Windows devices.

22 Best IPTV Players For Windows 10, 8, 7 In 2024

Turn your Windows PC into a live TV with best IPTV players. Choose the best-suited one from the complete list discussed below!

1. VLC Media Player

This widely acclaimed IPTV player does not need an introduction. It is an open-source multimedia player that can effortlessly manage all your local media and stream IPTV content, without compromising your security and privacy. It uses m3u files to stream IPTV and other multimedia content.

How to Use VLC Media Player?

All you need is the latest version of VLC and follow a few simple steps to stream IPTV into your VLC player.

• Launch VLC Player.

• Open Network Streams from the Media section.

• Enter the URL of the IPTV network and press Enter.

• All your IPTV channels should now be visible in the left panel of VLC.

Key Features of VLC Media Player:

• It offers support for a number of streaming protocols, multimedia files and DVDs and CDs.

• Built-in codecs – MKV, MP3, MPEG-2, WebM, etc.

• Completely free from computer viruses, spyware and harmful ads

• Highly compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile platforms.

VLC Media Player comes with a simple interface and is undoubtedly one of the most user-friendly IPTV players.

Read Also : Best Free Phone Spying Apps 2024

2. My lPTV Player

My IPTV is another powerful media player that comes with an electronic program guide (EPG) to help you watch the best IPTV channels on your Windows PC or laptop.

If you have an active IPTV subscription, you can use My IPTV app for listening to online radio channels and watching digital TV and video on demand (VOD).

How to Use My lPTV Player?

Follow the simple steps below to setup My IPTV app on your Windows:

• Lunch My IPTV on your Windows computer or laptop.

• Navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu.

• Load your m3u playlist, select your preferred IPTV channel, and then click ‘OK’.

Key Features of MY IPTV:

• The software supports multiple channels easily

• By default, all channels are grouped based on their genre

• You can easily protect your data with a PIN

• The player has a simple process to follow for adding new channels

It comes with an easy to use interface and can seamlessly stream your m3u playlist from either local storage or any other remote location. If you want to give it a try, you can download the My IPTV app from Microsoft Store for free.

3. Kodi

Kodi is another stunning application that not only lets you watch your local media content but also serves as a great alternative to IPTV player for Windows PC. You can use its media player to play your favorite digital channels directly from your desktop PC.

You can also install various third-party add-ons to stream live TV and watch videos on demand (VOD).

How to Use Kodi?

If you wish to use Kodi as an IPTV player for Windows 10, 11 follow the simple steps below:

• Launch the Kodi application and select the ‘Settings’ option.

• Install the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on on your Kodi application.

• Add the M3U playlist to the add-on for streaming IPTV.

• Wait for the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on to finish the process of importing channels.

• Once done, select the channel you wish to watch and click the ‘Play’ or ‘OK’ button.

Key Features of Kodi:

• The player has a simple and user-friendly interface

• To watch any programs you can simply paste the URL in the software and it will show you all the results

• It offers the best cross-compatibility features

• The player is fully customized, you can change any part of the player easily

For a free software, Kodi media player definitely offers more than it should, taking into account its simple interface and excellent streaming capabilities.

4. Free TV Player

Free TV player offers easy access to all of your favorite TV shows, movies, channels, and Internet Radio, making it one of the best IPTV players for Windows.

To enjoy live TV shows on your desktop or laptop, simply upload your M3U playlist and you are good to go.

How to Use Free TV Player?

Below are a few simple steps to set up Free TV Player and stream IPTV on desktop PC:

• Launch the Free TV player app on your device

• Enter the URL of M3U playlist provided by the IPTV service provider

• Select your favorite channel and click on the play button

Key Features of Free TV Player:

• It offers both free as well as paid plan

• You get more than 40 channels on the free plan

• Other than the default channels you can easily paste links and stream in no time

• The player has a built-in list of shows to stream

This lightweight free IPTV player definitely deserves a try, if you want to watch a lot of exiting digital content and live TV programs in a hassle-free manner.

5. Simple TV

Simple TV is one of the best and most used IPTV players for PC. It offers a convenient and free mechanism for viewing TV shows and other multimedia content right from your laptop or computer.

You can use this portable application to watch IPTV and listen to radio channels. It comes with an organized interface that supports easy browsing of IPTV channels.

How to Use Simple TV?

You can use Simple TV as a free IPTV player for PC by following some easy instructions provided below.

• Launch SimpleTV player on your Windows device.

• Right-click ‘Playlist’ on the navigation bar and select the ‘load playlist’ option.

• Next, choose the ‘load from m3u file’ option.

• Once the M3U playlist is ready, you can play the IPTV channels of your choice by simply clicking on them.

Key Features of Simple TV:

• Snapshot capabilities and crop features

• Contrast, brightness, and volume adjustment functionality

• It can download playlists created by other users

• It can support LUA script and many more

6. ProgTV/ ProgDVB

ProgTV is another well-known IPTV app for Windows used for streaming live TV channels and listening to radio on PCs.

It works on two independent interfaces and is known for its easy access to digital content and comfortable user experience.

It can remotely control your Home Theatre PC and can also function well with a mouse. ProgTV supports IPTV channels, Internet TV and radio, Rodina TV, Sovok TV, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T2, and many other data sources.

How to Use ProgTV/ProgDVB?

Follow the steps given below to set up ProgDVB and ProgTV app as a IPTV player for Windows:

• Choose the ‘TV Sources’ option from the main menu of the ProgTV application.

• Select the ‘IPTV Client’ option and then input your M3U URL in the playlist box.

• Next, choose the channel you wish to watch from the ‘Channel list’ in the main menu.

Key Features of ProgTV/ProgDVB:

• Radio and TV channel recording

• Network Broadcasting and Teletext

• HD TV support

• 10 Bands equalizer and a fast preview of Mosaic channels

7. IPTV

This is currently ranks among the best IPTV players for Windows PCs and laptops as it allows you to watch your favorite TV shows and digital channels via numerous live media sources for free.

However, the IPTV app doesn’t broadcast any of these media sources for streaming digital multimedia, it just offers you a platform where you can watch IPTV content.

How to Use IPTV?

Follow the simple steps below to stream IPTV on PC:

• Launch the IPTV app on your Windows computer or laptop

• Go to the Settings option

• Enter the URL (Provided by the IPTV service provider) to load your M3U playlist

• Click on OK to stream your preferred channel

Key Features of IPTV:

• It offers an easy user interface which is ideal for every user

• To stream, you can easily add a playlist or EPG source

• It has a feature to simply paste URL for searching

• Huge list of channels to satisfy any user

Moreover, it comes with an elegant interface that aims to provide modern TV experience. Users can download this IPTV player for free from Microsoft Store.

8. GSE SMART IPTV

This is one of the most popular IPTV solutions to watch digital channels and TV shows on your device. GSE SMART IPTV is primarily designed for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android devices, but if you wish to use it on your Windows 7/8/8.1/10 PC, you can do it by using an emulator.

For this IPTV application to work on your Windows device, you should install BlueStacks first. BlueStacks is a popular emulator that helps Android OS based applications to run on Windows and macOS devices.

How to Use GSE SMART IPTV?

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use Smart IPTV player on Windows PC:

• Launch BlueStacks and then sign in with your Google credentials.

• Download GSE SMART IPTV app from either Google Play Store or using the below link.

• Install the application and open it.

• Enter the URL and upload your M3U playlist.

• Click on ‘OK’ and then watch any live IPTV channel as per your liking.

Key Features of GSE SMART IPTV:

• GSE SMART IPTV player for Windows comes in multiple beautiful themes.

• It provides effective parental control options for managing kids’ activity and screen time.

• It lets you add external subtitles for streaming IPTV content.

9. OttPlayer

Don’t have enough money to pay the monthly subscription of your television channels? We got you secured, here we present OttPlayer which is one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 PC. IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. By using OttPlayer you can watch your favorite TV channels and shows for free by using your pc and internet. OttPlayer allows its users to watch IPTV from your internet service provider or any other source on your phones, tablets, and set-top box or TV, and all this facility in a centralized control via the website. Enjoy IPTV Enjoy life.

How to Use OttPlayer?

Follow the steps below to setup OttPlayer and stream your favorite IPTV channels:

1.First of all, you have to arrange a list of channels, which you can take from any of your convenient sources.

2.You need to get an account from https://ottplayer.es

3.Put registration info i.e. login and password

4.Download the playlist to the website i.e. you downloaded previously, https://ottplayer.es

5.Put the playlist on any compatible device

6.Enjoy IPTV watching.

Key Features of OttPlayer:

• OttPlayer supports various protocols like HLS, RTSP, TS by UDP RTMP

• It also provides playlist support M3U8.

• Provides easy management of channels through icons of respective channels.

• Service to the users is absolutely free and with no ads.

Among all the best IPTV apps, this application is quite interesting and worthwhile. OttPlayer’s easy-to-use interface makes it is an ideal choice for millions of users across the world.

10. Plex

Plex is the most stunning IPTV Players that you should definitely try to enjoy smart video streaming. Plex is highly capable of transcoding almost any sort of media file. Moreover, the user interface is quite easy and simple to use. Plex lets you stream your personal content as well including videos, music, movies, and so on.

How to Use Plex?

Here is how to access Plex as an IPTV player for PC.

• Firstly, signup for a Plex account and then, install the Plex media server by running the setup file.

• After this, launch Cigaras IPTV channel and then select Channels under the online content head category.

• Thereafter, navigate to the IPTV addon and click on it, then click on Settings.

• Now, paste the URL of your IPTV .m3u file, then click on the Save button.

• Next, search for the channels available and add them to your Playlist and enjoy.

Key Feature of Plex:

• The player is compatible with multiple platforms

• It offers great quality video output for every screen

• You get more than 200 free movies and shows

• Free version also has 100+ channels

11. MYIPTV

Looking for the best IPTV players for Windows? Then, MyIPTV is the one that fits perfectly. You can use all of its supreme-quality features for absolutely free. With this, you can play live TV programs, and videos through m3u playlists quite effortlessly. Its user interface is extremely easy to understand.

How to Use MYIPTV?

Here are the steps that you need to follow to access it!

• Head to the Settings.

• Now, you need to add an all-new playlist and EPG source.

• Now, add any URL or local list of channels.

• Switch back to Settings.

• After this, choose the channel playlist and click on the refresh option.

Key Features of MYIPTV:

• The player lets you easily stream live TV programs and videos

• It offers a very easy to operate interface which can be adopted by anyone

• You can easily add a new playlist and EPG source from the settings tab

• The player lets you easily record program for later access

12. Perfect Player Windows

Perfect Player Windows is a free IPTV player that you can try. This player offers amazing digital content right to your PC without charging any money, which is why it is one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 and previous versions. This is an advanced program that comes with a semi-transparent OSD and a full-screen display option.

How to Use Perfect Player Windows?

Here are the instructions you need to perform to use Perfect Player as IPTV/Media player.

• Launch the Perfect Player application on your Windows system.

• Click on the ‘Add Playlist’ button, paste M3U URL, and then choose ‘OK’.

• As soon as your playlist gets loaded, you can click on the channel name followed by ‘Play’ to begin streaming IPTV content.

Key Features of Perfect Player Windows:

• You can easily set up the player and use it as per needs, it is a flexible player.

• You can even enjoy a full-screen display for your favorite content without paying any charges.

• The player supports multiple languages, which means every human from all around the globe can use this amazing player and stream their favorite content. The supported languages include English, Spanish, Russian, Greek, Portuguese, and many others.

• The formats which are supported in the player are m3u, and XSPF for playlist and EPG along with the other two.

13. IPTV Smarters for PC

Earlier this player was not available for Windows users but now even Windows users can enjoy their favorite content with IPTV Smarter for PC players. This is one of the best IPTV apps for Windows 10, 11 and older versions. You can easily stream and enjoy live TV, movies, series, and videos on demand.

How to Use IPTV Smarters for PC?

Below are detailed instructions on how to set up IPTV Smarters for PC.

• Launch the IPTV Smarters Player application.

• Select the ‘Load Your Playlist or File/URL’ option, fill out the details (e.g., playlist name, playlist type, and file/URL), and then click on the ‘Add User’ button.

• Once the M3U content loading is complete, you can click on the ‘Live TV’ button to see the IPTV channel categories.

Key Features of IPTV Smarters for PC:

• This program works on Xtream codes but still, it can be used in Windows versions including 32 and 64 bit.

• Other than that you can easily use this program on mobile devices, and Smart TVs.

• You can record the live programs and enjoy them whenever you want.

• The best part about this IPTV player is that it supports all major video formats, so you won’t miss any of your favorite content.

14. TiviMate IPTV Player

Next up in the list of Windows IPTV players is TiviMate. The software is basically designed for Android devices. If you wish to use this software then you have to get an Android Emulator. You can use this software on Windows 7, 8, and 10 easily. This was just a short brief about the software.

How to Use TiviMate IPTV Player?

Check below to know more about the process to use the software.

• Open the Playstore and download the software.

• Click on the icon when the installation completes.

• Now click on the icon and search for the name which you wish to watch

Key Features of TiviMate

• The software offers a clean and simple interface that can be easily adapted

• The user can add multiple playlists in the software to view

• It can also schedule a TV guide

• The user can add favorite channels to the home screen and access them

15. IP-TV Player

IP-TV Player is another great pick as it offers high-quality video output at very little data consumption. It is very rare to witness this among the other IPTV players in Windows. It truly is a versatile player which can easily support all types of media files.

How to Use IP-TV Player?

IP-TV Player is a very smooth and easy-to-use software, to demonstrate that we have listed the steps below.

• Install the software from the official website

• Open the software and tune to the list of M3U format list

• You can view the channels list in the side panel

• Tap on the channel to view

Key Features of IP-TV Player

• The software has a simple and easy interface

• All major file formats are compatible with this software

• The user can easily record and take screenshots while viewing

• The software even offers a feature using which user can control from a smartphone

16. PowerDVD

Next, 2024’s best IPTV players for Windows with PowerDVD. It is a great IPTV if you wish to access a huge content library. You can use PowerDVD to access local media files, play music, and perform many other tasks. Moreover, its compatibility with Dolby professional audio and rapid play technology sets it apart from similar software.

How to Use PowerDVD?

You can follow the three-step process shared below to use this software.

• Firstly, install the PowerDVD Windows application.

• After installing the app, select Media Library from the top left corner.

• Now you can select the IPTV channels, movies, and shows to watch.

Key Features of PowerDVD

• 4K and 8K resolution support

• Supports HDR 10

• Lets you watch 360-degree videos

• Supports conversion of video files to MP4

• In-built support for video casting on media streaming devices

• Digitalization of media files

• In-built video editing tools

• Availability of 100GB of cloud storage

17. Flix IPTV

Next, 2024’s best IPTV players for Windows with Flix IPTV. You can use Flix IPTV on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Android TV, and FireStick. Parental controls, M3U link support, a user-friendly interface, and the ability to change themes make this IPTV player a perfect choice for streaming IPTV content. It offers a 1-week free trial, thereafter you can buy the pro version at a one-time fee of about $7.99.

How to Use Flix IPTV?

Listed below are the following methods to download and use Flix IPTV on Windows PC:

• Download the Flix IPTV APK on your PC.

• Install the software and open it.

• Enter the URL and upload your playlist.

• Now, you can stream IPTV content.

Key Features of Flix IPTV:

• Easy to use and versatile IPTV player.

• Supports all screen resolutions of smartphones, sticks, PCs, and tablets.

• Allows you to add channels and series/movies to Favorites.

• Get to access features like a sleep timer, subtitles, video details, backward/forward video, and a lot more.

18. MaxPlayer

Next on this list of best IPTV players for Windows PC is MaxPlayer. It gives each member of the household the ability to customize their own preferences for their favorite programs, channels, movies, language settings, and viewing time for video on demand (VOD), with support for up to 5 sub-users and 5 devices.

In addition, if your TV service provider records show for you, you will have the ability to instantly rewind those shows. If your Internet service provider provides video-on-demand (VOD) material, MaxPlayer can customize it to work with your device. They provide versions that are compatible with LG and Samsung TV, in addition to MacOS and Windows. You get a whole week to test out MaxPlayer without spending a dime.

How to Use MaxPlayer?

• Visit the official website of MaxPlayer.

• Create your account on MaxPlayer.

• Once registered, you get a 7-day free trial.

• After that, you can continue using the service with one of the provided plans.

Key Features of MaxPlayers:

• All your information and data are secured and protected.

• Supports multiple languages.

• One account can be accessed on multiple devices and platforms.

• Several customization options are available.

19. PotPlayer

Lacking the funds necessary to pay the monthly fee for your membership to the various television channels? We’ve got you covered, and now we’re going to show you PotPlayer, which is one of the top IPTV players for Windows 10, 11, and other PC operating systems.

PotPlayer gives its customers the ability to watch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) on their mobile devices, tablets, set-top boxes, and televisions, with all of this functionality being controlled centrally via the website. IPTV may come through your internet service provider or any other source. Enjoy some IPTV. Have fun with life.

The abbreviation “IPTV” refers to “Internet Protocol Television.” If you have PotPlayer installed on your computer, you can use it to watch all of your favorite TV stations and programs for free by simply connecting it to the internet.

How to Use PotPlayer?

• Visit the official website of PotPlayer.

• Download the PotPlayer.

• Use the tool as you want with ease.

Key Features of PotPlayers:

• The playback of the video is fluid and unbroken

• When you have two sound cards available, choose which one to use.

• You are able to mark your favorite scene or chapter for later viewing.

• Take a look at the scene in advance with these photographs.

20. MyIPTV Player

The next name on this list of the best IPTV players for Windows 11/10 devices is MyIPTV Player. MyIPTV Player is a free to use tool that has been downloaded and used by over thousands of users. The tool offers a variety of genres and content to watch. From movies, TV shows to so much beyond, you will find everything at MyIPTV Player.

How to Use MyIPTV Player?

• Visit the product page of MyIPTV Player on Microsoft Store.

• Download the MyIPTV Player.

• Use the tool as you want with ease.

Key Features of PotPlayers:

• There are a variety of channels to select from.

• You can PIN protect the tool for additional security.

• The tool comes with an integrated support for EPG.

• You can even download and save content for later.

21. IPTV Extreme

You are welcome to test out IPTV Extreme, one of the best free IPTV player tools for Windows. This player’s earlier versions since it delivers incredible digital material directly to your own computer without costing you any money. This is a sophisticated software that comes with an option to show the whole screen as well as opaque operating system display.

How to Use IPTV Extreme?

When you want to utilize IPTV Extreme as an IPTV/Media player, the procedures that you need to follow are as follows.

• Make sure that the IPTV Extreme program is running on your Windows computer.

• First, choose the “Add Playlist” button, then paste the M3U URL, and last, select the “OK” button.

• After your playlist has finished loading, you can start streaming IPTV material by clicking on the channel name and then pressing the ‘Play’ button after that.

Key Features of IPTV Extreme Windows:

• Russian, Greek, English, Spanish, Portuguese, & a great number of languages are among those that come with support.

• The player is able to support the m3u & XSPF formats for playlists & EPGs respectively.

• Additionally, you are not required to pay any fees in order to take use of a full-screen display for your preferred material.

• Due to the fact that the player supports different languages, it is possible for every single human being from every single part of the world to utilize this incredible player and stream their preferred material.

• You may simply configure the player and utilize it in accordance with your requirements; it is a versatile player.

22. MegaCubo IPTV Player

Here’s another one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10 and other operating systems. This is a free alternative that you can try and watch on IPTV. Using this tool, you can easily use your smartphone on the TV.

How to Use MegaCubo?

• You should first download the tool from the official website.

• Install it and launch it on the system.

• Connect the app to your device and use it as required.

Key Features of MegaCubo:

• Supports a plethora of operating systems

• You can PIN protect the tool for additional security.

• Allows you to save any title and record.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IPTV Players

Q1. Are IPTV Players Legal?

Yes, ITPV Players are 100% legal. They don’t offer any streaming services or host content of their own. ITPV Players just provides a platform to play multimedia files and streaming protocols.

Q2. Type of IPTV Services

• Video on demand (VoD)

• Live TV

• Start Over TV

• Catch-Up TV

• Live Media Streaming

Q3. How to Access IPTV from PC?

To access IPTV from a PC, you need to download and install one of the above-listed IPTV Players on your PC. You can download the above-listed IPTV Players from their official support website. Once you installed your most liked IPTV Players, thereafter, allow all the permissions they asked, to proceed further. Then, follow the wizard instructions and don’t change anything except the installation destination. Now run the installer, then start up the program and add the list of channels in your playlist. That’s how you can easily access IPTV from your PC and stream your most liked TV shows and movies.

Q4. What are the Main Services Offered by IPTV?

IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is the platform using which users can enjoy television broadcasting on various devices including mobile and computers. It delivers using the traditional terrestrial, satellite, and cable television format.

Q5. Is There Any Alternative to IPTV?

Yes, there are many IPTV alternatives present in the market, some of them are:

• 1332 Kodi

• Splash

• Super Internet TV

• CoolStreaming

• FreeTuxTV

Q6. Is an IPTV player available for free?

Yes, there are multiple Internet Protocol Television services that are available for free. We have mentioned some of the best ones in the article. Undoubtedly the best option for an IPTV player is VLC Media Player.

Q7. How to use IPTV Player?

Although the working of each IPTV player varies the general steps to be applied are as follows

• Download and install any one of the above-mentioned IPTV player alternatives.

• Launch it on your device and select the network streams option available under media.

• Paste the URL of the network of your IPTV and press the enter key to run.

• Now all the channels of IPTV will be visible on the screen of your IPTV player.

Q8. Is IPTV better with VPN?

IPTV can work without a VPN. But if you want to protect your data online from snoopers or ISP, or get access to restricted content in your geographical location, VPN will help you. Moreover, if you use a VPN with your IPTV it offers a reliable experience. As VPN improves the speed of your internet connection, it is followed by a better experience of IPTV.

Which is the Best IPTV Player for Windows PC & Laptops?

So, this concludes our rundown of some of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 8, 7 in 2024. There are several other options available as well, but the ones mentioned above are the best in terms of features and usability.

And if you are looking for our opinion, then we would like to recommend OttPlayer. It is one of the best IPTV players that you can access to stream your preferred TV shows and movies. You can use OttPlayer for live shows and on-demand shows as well. That’s what we think about the best IPTV player, however, the final decision is completely yours.

So, what are you waiting for? Download any of these free IPTV players now and turn your PC into an amazing entertainment gadget. Lastly, if there is something you think that we might have missed out to mention, then don’t feel hesitate in sharing your suggestions with us. We’ll feel amazed by hearing your suggestions and improve our list of best IPTV Players for Windows PC & Laptops.

That’s all for the present moment, we’ll back again with yet another crispy tech story, till then, stay connected with us! Primarily, don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter to rule the tech world.

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The best VPN service in 2024

By admin February 23, 2024

The best VPN service in 2024, The best VPN of 2024 is an essential tool for staying safer online, no matter where you live. With the help of my team of experts, I’ve tested dozens of VPNs hands-on to work out exactly which ones truly prioritize your online privacy, and which ones promise the world but fail live up to their claims.

Virtual Private Networks are a kind of software that help keep your online activity hidden from your ISP, the government, and even hackers. In simple terms, they do this by encrypting all your traffic and routing it through their own servers located around the world, hiding your real location and your activity in the process. They’re also great for unblocking streaming content, and evading government censorship.

If you just want quick access to the three best VPN services of 2024, simply pick from ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark below – in my expert reviews I rate them as the very best in their respective price ranges. However, If you want more in-depth info, simply keep scrolling for my rundown of the 10 top VPNs available today, and details of how I test VPNs at the bottom of the page.

The best VPNs in 2024

1. ExpressVPN

The best VPN on the market overall

ExpressVPN takes the top spot with its easy-to-use apps that take the complexity out of setting up a VPN and leave the difficult stuff to the experts. My ExpressVPN review showed that it unblocked anything and everything I threw at it with a peerless quality.

On paper, ExpressVPN already impresses: over 3,000 servers in 160 locations spread across 105 countries around the world, a kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscated servers. While some providers have more servers in total, very few have such a wide spread – meaning that wherever you’re based, you’ll get swift, reliable connections. It has an especially impressive range in Asia, which is often neglected by other providers.

All apps use super-secure, industry-standard AES-256 encryption, paired with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Lightway is the standout here, and the in-house, open-source protocol delivers excellent speeds – although this is an area where Express is just beaten by close rivals Surfshark and NordVPN. However, unless you’re using a 1Gbps+ connection you won’t notice a difference.

The best VPN service in 2024

2. NordVPN

The best VPN with a full security suite

Sitting at #2 is NordVPN, and in my full NordVPN review I found that the biggest name in VPN is still one of the very best.

With over 5,500 servers in a generous 60+ countries, NordVPN practically guarantees a speedy server wherever you are – and while it’s not present in as many locations as ExpressVPN, you’ll still be very well served. You’ll likely be connecting to those servers with Nord’s own NordLynx protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard. In short, it’s stable, and delivered searing connection speeds of over 950 Mbps in my testing – the fastest VPN in my testing.

You’ll get split tunneling, an effective kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and you’ll even get some unusual options like Onion over VPN and Double VPN which are designed to keep you even safer when browsing the web. Another interesting feature is Threat Protection – but while it’s a nice addition, dedicated tracker blockers do work more effectively.

Nord’s apps are powerful and fairly pleasant to use, but while the map-based interface works well on larger screen such as PCs and tablets, on smartphones it can be more of a hindrance than a benefit – simpler interfaces like ExpressVPN’s tend to work better here.

A recent update also means the PC client can’t be resized, and there are inconsistencies between platforms. Despite that, though, the apps are very capable, and you’ll be able to install it on a huge range of devices – for just $3.39 a month, it’s excellent value.

Nord’s most interesting new feature, however, is Meshnet. This allows users to link devices anywhere around the world via encrypted NordVPN connections, creating its own secure network. This has real power, and while Nord hasn’t quite worked out how to make the feature clear to users yet, I’m very excited to see where it goes.

When it comes to streaming, however, NordVPN really impresses. You’ll be able to unblock tons of Netflix locations, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more – and in recent months Nord and the related Surfshark have proved to be a little more reliable with Netflix than my top choice overall ExpressVPN.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and some attractive deals running throughout the year, NordVPN is a quality service that only misses out on the top spot thanks to some small UI quirks – and, frankly, the sheer quality of the competition.

3. Surfshark

The best cheap VPN available today

If you’re looking for a cheap VPN that outperforms products twice its price, look no further than Surfshark. The services in this guide are ranked by quality, not price, so to see a VPN that’s so affordable sitting at #3 is seriously impressive.

In my Surfshark review, I found its apps great to use, and offer all the privacy and security essentials such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and the superfast WireGuard protocol.

Surfshark’s been hard at work on extra features like MultiHop, and Nexus – the latter of which is not currently fully formed, but looks promising. According to the company, “connecting to Nexus means that your traffic gets routed through a whole network of servers rather than a single VPN tunnel.” Decentralizing your connection is a very interesting innovation, and it’s great that Surfshark is exploring new ways to improve VPNs as a whole.

Currently, Nexus offers an IP Rotator – your IP address will be changed every 15 minutes or so – and an IP Randomizer feature is coming soon. This will change your IP address every time you visit a new website

If you’re a hardware hoarder, Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy may put it above my #1 and #2 picks. You can install one plan on any number of devices – great for complete protection, or even sharing with those in your home. And, as a Linux VPN, Surfshark is one of the few providers to offer a full GUI – most others are only command line. Very impressive for a VPN that costs well under $2.50 a month.

In the most recent testing, connection speeds rose considerably, and on my 1 Gbps connection, it maxed out at a staggering 950 Mbps. That makes Surfshark one of the fastest providers I’ve ever tested – beating out the likes of ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost. Plus, it’s currently proving to be very reliable for streaming. I’ve had some issues before, but almost every provider has at some point.

However, when I put Surfshark’s kill switch through my rigorous testing procedure, we did manage to catch it out and get it to reveal us very briefly. However, the situation in which this happened is unlikely to happen in the real world. And, unfortunately, Surfshark’s support isn’t quite as good as ExpressVPN’s or NordVPN’s.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent budget option, and when you consider its price, what small sacrifices you may need to make seem really quite insignificant.

4. Private Internet Access

Excellent value, and very useful for torrenting

Private Internet Access has been around for a long, long time, but unlike other dinosaurs of the VPN game, it’s stayed on an upward trajectory rather than falling to the new guard.

In fact, it’s risen another place to #4 since my last Private Internet Access review.

While PIA doesn’t disclose its server network size, I believe it to sit at around 20,000 servers, which makes it by far the most server-rich provider on the market. Combine that with 84 available countries and you’ve got yourself quite the spread.

PIA really stands out when you get under the surface a little. Its desktop apps offer port forwarding – a relative rarity – and its kill switch is super reliable.

Also, its proxy browser extensions are also very good, with updated tech that allows for faster browsing. For newbies and those looking for a simpler experience, though, this could very well be a little annoying or intimidating.

It’s great for streaming, with access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. I have expanded my streaming testing even further this time round, and as an improvement on last time, PIA was able to unblock every single service.

What’s more, Private Internet Access also offers all subscribers unlimited simultaneous connections, just like Surfshark.

This means that you can keep as many devices as you like protected – and potentially share your details with your family and friends if you’re feeling generous. For some, this might not be a huge selling point, but for gadget obsessives, it’s a must-have feature.

We’re also still waiting for PIA to complete a full independent security audit, but the good news is that it’s started the process. The zero-logging policy has been audited and confirmed as true, so now I’m just waiting on the full shebang.

For those looking for a highly featured, reliable service that’s keenly priced, I’d recommend giving PIA a go – it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

5. Proton VPN

Privacy favorite keeps getting better

The Swiss-based Proton brand has had quite the makeover recently, and its star product Proton VPN has been given a well-earned bit of zing. Now that the fresh new look matches its stellar performance, it’s even easier to recommend.

Connections speeds with WireGuard are good, topping out at 460 Mbps, although even with the proprietary VPN Accelerator tech, it can’t match up to the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN.

However, when using the old faithful OpenVPN (essential for Stealth Mode), you’ll see speeds of up to 350 Mbps. That’s faster than almost every other VPN out there when configured the same way, outpaced only by Mullvad and CyberGhost in my testing. Very impressive.

You’ll also get a comprehensive zero-logging policy and string encryption, and Proton VPN will certainly appeal to those looking to use their VPN for absolute online privacy.

What’s more, Proton VPN also offers its Secure Core servers, which are located in physically secure locations in privacy-friendly countries. You can choose to use these, and then route to a destination of your choice for added anonymity. Proton Unlimited also adds the entire privacy suite of Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar for a fairly reasonable price.

However, it’s not all work and no play for Proton – in my testing for the full Proton VPN review it proved to be a real standout when it comes to unblocking Netflix, reliably accessing a number of useful locations, as well as BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

However, Proton VPN really stands out thanks to its commitment to helping users around the world access a free and uncensored internet. One such example of this is its partnership with news company Deutsche Welle. Even free users can connect to a dedicated server and access unbiased news anywhere in the world.

For example, this is a godsend for those in countries like China and Russia who prefer not to consume state-controlled news.

It’s getting trickier by the day to pick faults with Proton, but there are still a couple of sticking points. Firstly, while some servers do support P2P traffic, there are relatively few compared to the competition – although if Proton detects P2P activity, it’ll seamlessly redirect you to a compatible server.

Prices have recently dropped across the board, but it’s still not cheap. However, sign up for 2 years and you’ll get a decent deal, with a generous 10 simultaneous connections to boot.

Overall, Proton VPN is very much on the up, and it’s evident the developers are putting in some hard work rather than resting on their laurels. Thanks to that, Proton VPN is a service we can wholeheartedly recommend.

6. CyberGhost

Excellent for torrenting and streaming

CyberGhost is another long-standing name in the world of the best VPNs, and in that time it’s developed a reputation for privacy, streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers.

With over 9,700 servers, CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks in the industry, and with a spread of 91 countries, there’s plenty of variety when it comes to picking which to connect to.

In my expert CyberGhost VPN review, the Romanian provider delivered great connection speeds of up to 630 Mbps (although this is down since my last test), and while few users will have base connections capable of such heady heights, it’s still quite an accolade.

CyberGhost’s apps had an overhaul in 2021, and with the introduction of Version 8, the experience is much more modern and sleek.

However, you’ll only be able to install CyberGhost on 7 devices – and after that, you’ll need to unregister a device to use another, rather than simply logging out on one device like almost all other providers allow.

This can be a real pain if you’re right on the edge of how many devices you’re active on. We’d implore CyberGhost to change this silly feature – why not go unlimited like fellow Kape Technologies stablemate PIA?

Back to positives, CyberGhost’s apps offer some very useful dedicated streaming features like Netflix and iPlayer-optimized servers. It’s fairly capable when it comes to unblocking, and in my last testing I saw it unblock some Netflix libraries, iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

Disney+, however, was unavailable, and the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark are better providers for streaming.

One of my biggest issues with CyberGhost in my last review was that it hadn’t undertaken a security audit of any kind. This time round it’s still not perfect, but it has had its no-log policy audited by Deloitte. Let’s hope a full server and app audit is in the works.

Overall, CyberGhost is a cheap, effective VPN provider that impresses when it comes to torrenting and general privacy. However, it’s honestly quite outclassed by the providers above.

7. Windscribe

Tons of features and an excellent Chrome extension

Our expert Windscribe review found the provider’s free VPN that gives users 10GB of data a month very useful, but it also offers a fairly-priced paid service that delivers unlimited data and lets you connect as many devices at once as you like. Most other VPN services permit only five to 10 at a time.

Windscribe is compatible with many platforms – including routers and Amazon Fire and Kodi TV set-top boxes. The service offers a great variety of connection options, has a wide geographic reach with hundreds of servers, and presents an appealing, if minimal, user interface.

It’s also good for watching overseas Netflix, and has dedicated ‘Windflix servers’ to enable this. One failure I did notice, however, was unblocking amazon Prime Video.

The service’s Chrome VPN extension is a standout feature. As one of the best on the market, it offers tons of features and can be used without installing the desktop client – great for work computers of other devices you can’t install software on.

For those that do install the desktop client, you’ll notice the brand-spanking Windscribe 2.0 software has tidied up the interface and offers a ton of nifty features – although newbies may be overwhelmed. One such feature is Decoy Mode on Android which, although very niche, could be invaluable to dissidents in truly extreme situations.

Once of my previous complaints was that Windscribe simply wasn’t very fast compared to others, but since then it’s upped the ante, topping out at an excellent 950 Mbps.

This matches up to the very fastest providers on the market, and it’s great to see Windscribe pushing more established [players like this.

You can pay for a Windscribe subscription with Bitcoin, you don’t even have to provide an email address, and the service is based in Canada, which may appeal to users wary of US authorities.

8. IPVanish

Feature-packed, but not a perfect streamer

IPVanish is a US VPN that’s been in the game for a long time, and it’s widely regarded as a safe, reliable, and trustworthy provider. It’s designed for the more techy user, it boasts a bunch of useful additions and powerful apps that display all the data you could wish for.

In my testing for the IPVanish review, I saw the provider deliver incredible speeds of around 950 Mbps when using WireGuard, which is comparable to close rivals NordVPN and Surfshark.

Its OpenVPN speeds are average at best, at just 225 Mbps in my testing, but most users will be using WireGuard anyway.

‘Scramble’ is an interesting feature that allows VPN use in countries like China, and while it’s not quite as robust as other specialized China VPN services, it’s still very useful.

When it comes to streaming, it’s also a mixed bag. I got access to US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Prime (which is an improvement from last time we checked), but unlike providers further up this list, we couldn’t tap into any other Netflix locations like Australia or Canada.

One of my biggest criticisms in my last review was that IPVanish rarely updated its apps – and it looks like the devs were listening.

The brand new interface looks great, retains many of the in-depth features I loved, while integrating a Favorites function as well as in-app support.

However, on the flip side, it’s a shame that some niche features have been removed, rather than tucked away more neatly.

Overall, though, while it’s lost a little ground on the top services, IPVanish is still well worth considering, especially if you’re a fan of in-depth, techy software.

9. Mullvad

Privacy extraordinaire lives up to expectations

In my expert Mullvad review, I found that the Swedish provider eschews ‘gimmicks’ for true privacy performance. However, while this certainly endears Mullvad with techies and old-school VPN veterans, the crowd-pleasing likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN arguably offer a better proposition for the casual user.

With no tricks and a very transparent website, Mullvad’s one of the few providers that avoids making disputable claims of “unblocking anything” or
“guaranteed anonymity”.

Rather, it leads by example by never taking any personal details, accepting cash payments sent through snail mail, and offering simple, effective and open-source apps. New additions include the ability to purchase account numbers through Amazon – an anonymity plus point – and a fresh DNS server audit.

It also avoids the incredible complexity of other ‘expert’ VPNs, and while a very small selection of users will want to tweak countless DNS settings, many will simply appreciate the no-nonsense approach to online privacy.

As I said, though, Mullvad does lack in some important areas that many users won’t want to compromise on. While connection speeds are very impressive, in line with IPVanish, CyberGhost, and the like, it’s not able to unblock any streaming services – and likely never will.

On that connection speed note, though, in my last testing it topped out at a very respectable 900 Mbps – almost as fast as the highest flyers.

What’s more, though, is that when using OpenVPN, Mullvad outpaced every other provider I tested, topping out at a heady 530 Mbps. If you’ll be using OpenVPN and don’t about streaming, it could be a great choice.

The apps also lack some fairly commonplace usability features like automatic selection of the nearest/fastest location, and no favorites list. Plus, if you run into any issues you’ll have to rely on email support or the bare-bones support site rather than live chat.

Overall, though, if you’re looking for a transparent, privacy-focused VPN, you could do a lot worse than Mullvad.

10. Hide.me

Superb customization and well-suited for experts

Hide.me has been around since 2011, and in that time it’s developed quite a following and has made quite an impression on the VPN industry.

With around 2,000 servers in 75 locations, it’s in the mid-pack when it comes to network size – outstripped by PIA, CyberGhost, NordVPN, and others – but in practice this is more than enough for just about any user. Connections are lightning-fast too, topping out at a mega 950 Mbps in my last round of testing.

Hide.me’s Windows VPN apps are powerful and configurable, with plenty of protocol choices, DNS protection, torrenting support, and more. It’s evidently aimed at the advanced user, and those with the knowledge and inclination to trawl through the settings will be greatly rewarded.

However, for many, it’s quite possible that it’ll all be too much and won’t deliver such a seamless experience as more welcoming providers like ExpressVPN – and its Mac offerings are much weaker than the competition.

It’s also worth noting that I experienced some minor technical issues with the apps, including an issue with the kill switch which could potentially compromise users when changing server.

In my streaming testing, Hide.me impressed. It’s able to access a number of Netflix locations alongside BBC iPlayer, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Finally, Hide.me also has some excellent privacy credentials – although it hasn’t undertaken any kind of audit since 2015, and even then there’s very little detail. But, overall, it’s a great choice, especially if you like to tinker with your software – and the new free 2TB cloud storage plan courtesy of Internxt isn’t to be sniffed at.

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Software

Best software for PC 2024

By admin February 14, 2024

Best software for PC 2024, If you are a computer-savvy person, know about the must-have software for Windows 10 you should use in 2024 to make the most out of your brand new PC and laptop.

Microsoft’s beloved operating system – Windows 10 – comes with an array of most up-to-date features and functionality to give you a better and personalized computing experience. From work to gaming, we rely on a bunch of Windows 10 apps to cater to all our computer needs.

In spite of that, every now and then you may find yourself on the lookout for some additional apps for Windows 10 depending upon your requirements.

To solve this problem once and for all, you should start loading your system with all the essential and useful Windows 10 programs that would create a great impact on your work and play.

Keeping all this in mind, below we have mentioned some of the essential apps for Windows 10 that you need to make a note of ASAP. Move down the list and download the must have software for Windows 10, 11, or older version devices.

What Are the Must-Have Best Software For Windows 10, 11 In 2024?

Here we present you our curated list of must-have apps for Windows 10 and 11 that everyone should install on their PC right away. Let’s check out the best PC programs for Windows 10.

1. Win Riser- The Best PC Optimizer and Booster

Let us introduce you to Win Riser. It is a program you will find extremely useful to speed up your computer and optimize its performance. Win Riser is among the top most-used Windows PC software for its brilliant PC cleaning and optimization capabilities. It is well-known for its deep scan and removal of accumulated junk, invalid and faulty Registry remover, integrated driver updater, and the following delightful features.

Key features of Win Riser

• Tracks and removes malware with a single click

• Deeply scans your PC for driver updates, junk files, or problems impacting its performance

• Creates a backup of existing drivers and allows their easy restoration whenever you want

• Creation of a system restore point, allowing you to restore your system if anything goes wrong

• Boasts an integrated tool to manage your device’s startup items

• You can customize the paths, apps, locations, etc., for scanning

• Allows you to ignore the registry items or drivers you do not wish to scan

• You can schedule the computer scans

Read Also : How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10

2. Driver Update Software

“A must have program for Windows 10 to update outdated drivers”

A driver or a device driver is a computer program (also known as cluster of files) that allows one or more hardware devices such as speaker, printer, graphic card, etc. to build connectivity and communicate with the computer’s operating system.

Without the correct drivers, the operating system would not be able to know what kind of a device is attached to the computer and how to operate or control its functions.

Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your Windows drivers up-to-date always for a smooth and healthy functioning of hardware components.

Using corrupt or out-of-date system drivers, you may face various compatibility or driver-related issues such as no sound, blue screen of death, shuttering or crashing problems, Wi-Fi connectivity issues, or some of the devices like printer may completely stop working.

The safest and easiest way to prevent such device conflicts is to use the best free driver updater software for your Windows 10 PC. Moreover, the driver updater is also an important software for Laptop Windows 10, 11, or older versions.

It is a powerful and extremely user-friendly utility that effortlessly auto-scans your entire PC and helps users install the latest, manufacturer-recommended drivers in just a blink of an eye.

Taking all the essential features of an ideal driver update into consideration, we suggest using Bit Driver Updater that can not only takes care of all driver-related issues but also maximizes the performance and processing speed of your computer. The best software for Windows 10, 11, 8 or 7 updates drivers on your system with minimal effort.

The best thing about this product is that you don’t need to shell out a fortune for it, it’s FREE!

3. Duplicate Photo Finder – Free Up Disk Space

“A must-have program for Windows 10 to clean duplicate photos”

With the rise of widespread adoption of smartphone technology, taking selfies and pictures of everything that catches our attention has become more than just a trend.

However, these identical-looking selfies and duplicate photos tend to get piled up over time, consumes up to gigabytes of disk space, and makes it extremely difficult to manage your digital collection of albums. What if you find out basic software for Windows 10 or other versions that can clear up all the clutter and duplicate data from your device automatically?

To keep your photo gallery and system optimized, all you need is a dedicated duplicate photo cleaner software.

Since Windows 10 PC doesn’t come with an in-built duplicate photo remover tool, it is important to add this utility to your list of must-have apps for Windows 10.

Quick Photo Finder is one of those nifty, renowned software available in the marketplace that can make your job much easier.

It effortlessly finds and removes the multiple copies of duplicate ones, plus also helps you recover a significant amount of lost storage space that you forgot you ever had, all in just a matter of seconds!

4. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

“A must-have software for Windows 10 to keep online identity secure”

Next on our list of essential software for PC is NordVPN. Depending on the country you reside in, there is a chance you might have to put up with geo-restricted content or your government blocking certain websites.

What if the list contains your favorite social media platforms or movie streaming sites?

So, have you ever wondered that your IP address, browsing activity, location, and online identity could be at risk? Well, cybercriminals and spies around the world can see everything you do online such as the websites you’ve searched for, the pictures you’re posting, the movies you’ve been watching, and lots more.

Therefore, it is important to use a good VPN service to hide your IP address and encrypt sensitive data to keep it secure from prying eyes.

The best thing about VPN is that it not only provides a safe passage for your internet traffic but also lets you bypass the censorship to access blocked websites from anywhere in the world along with superfast streaming and unlimited bandwidth.

Having trouble shortlisting the ideal service provider, see the list of Best Free VPN for Windows 10.

5. Cleaner Software

“A must-have software for Windows 10 to unleash its maximum performance”

Cleaner Software is another must have programs for Windows 10. You don’t even want to know the amount of junk your computer can store up and how it can make your system lag behind in its functioning. All those files, caches, and digital debris that you most definitely don’t need.

To avoid that, you need an effective cleaner software. To save you from the hassle of finding one, we have below mentioned a couple of best Windows 10 software which are a must-have Windows applications for cleaning your PC and laptop efficiently.

IObit Advanced SystemCare

When the talk is about the best cleaning apps that you must have on Windows, we cannot skip IObit Advanced SystemCare. The best Windows software is a powerful and easy-to-use software has many interesting features, such as more than 30 troubleshooters ( for example, AI Mode, firewall protection, anti-tracking, and large file cleaner) to clean, protect, and speed up your computer.

You can make a click on the link below to download this cleaner-cum-booster to get the ultimate PC performance.

CleanMyPC

CleanMyPC is a powerful tune-up utility tool developed by MacPaw Inc. to help you get a safer and cleaner PC. With the help of this tool, you can effortlessly scan every nook and cranny of your computer to delete megatons of junk files and boost the speed and overall performance of your PC.

CCleaner

This powerful cleaning utility from Piriform is one of the best PC software on the face of the earth. It automatically deletes broken Windows registry entries and the temporary files. It also detects and identifies all the software that your system doesn’t require.

Bid those extra bits and bobs goodbye, and work with a fast functioning computer.

6. File & Photo Recovery Software

“An essential app for Windows 10 to recover lost or deleted data”

It happens a lot of times that we delete some important files obliviously and then regret this action for quite a long time.

But we might just have something that would ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

Whenever you delete a file, even from the Recycle Bin, the file isn’t actually wiped off the face of the earth. Its sector is still on the hard drive, and you can use that to recover your file (Yay!).

Now, let’s take a look at some of the file/ data recovery software & programs that you must have in Windows 10.

Stellar Data Recovery

The next on our list of PC software list for most essential apps os Stellar Data Recovery. It is one of the most capable and popular software used by Windows users to recover lost or deleted data. With the help of the free version of this program, you can easily retrieve up to 1 GB of lost or deleted files from Windows PC, laptop, USB stick, hard drive, etc.

Recuva

Image source: Cloudwards

Recuva, a file recovery tool, assists the user to recover and restore her/his deleted files in the system.

After loading the software, the user just needs to choose which file she/he wishes to recover and from which location. Once the search is configured, the software will start a scan process and find the files matching the entered criterion. The user can, subsequently then, select the desired files to be recovered. There is one another file recovery software named EaseUS which also works fine.

7. Utility Software

“Must-have Windows app for managing and improving the performance”

Another one on the list of best programs for Windows 10 is a Utility software. It is a one-stop solution for maintaining your PC. The software offers many tools which can help you in managing, optimizing, and analyzing the performance of the PC. The list of tools includes a disk defragmenter, backup utilities, disk cleaners, disk compression, network utilities, virus scanner, and many others.

By reviewing Utility software we have shortlisted the best must-have software for Windows 10 and an older version which you can install for maintaining your PC.

Revo Uninstaller Pro

Revo Uninstaller is a great software that can help you in various aspects of protecting and maintaining your PC. The best part about this software is that it can be used on mobile devices as well. It moreover offers some of the best tools like Windows app remover, force uninstaller, installation monitor, advanced scanning for residuals, logs database, and many others. We would recommend you to try this software for better performance and improve the life of the PC. All these features make Revo Uninstaller as best software for personal computer to improve the performance of your device.

8. Multimedia software

In the present day world, having multimedia software installed on your computer is quite a necessity. You need these programs for a variety of purposes, such as playing, downloading, and converting videos from one form to another.

Hence, if you wish to have a multimedia program on the PC, you can pick one from our top recommendations shared below.

ByClick Downloader

For all those who want top-notch software to download videos from a variety of platforms, like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Dailymotion, etc., ByClick Downloader is among the great picks.

In addition to downloading videos in multiple resolutions (for example, 720p, 1080p, 4K, and 8K), it also lets you convert them into formats, like MP3, MP4, AVI, FLV, WMV, etc.

Moreover, the best thing about this software is that it not only lets you download YouTube playlists/channels but also Instagram pages with a single click.

4K Video Downloader

If you are looking for the must-have multimedia software to watch videos offline and download private YouTube videos (accessible to you), the 4K Video Downloader can be a perfect choice for you.

It offers some incredible features, such as downloading videos (in various resolutions, such as HD 1080p, HD 720p, 4K, and 8K) from YouTube or other websites (like Facebook),

Moreover, you are surely going to like it for its other features, like 3D and 360º video downloads.

Furthermore, it also boasts a unique Smart Mode that saves and applies your preferred settings to all future downloads.

9. Security Suite

“A must-have software to protect your computer from virus and malware attacks”

Your system’s security should be the foremost crucial thing that you should take any step towards. Always remember, prevention is cheaper (sometimes free) than cure in the case of computer damage by various threats. So it is always better to opt for a strong ‘Anti-virus Software’ that would cater to all your needs.

Our pick for the security suite is McAfee Antivirus. This software is one of the most popular and most successful antiviruses. The antivirus is one of the best software programs and has been used by more than 600 million device owners. This Antivirus protects financial information, data extraction, and threat entry on your device. You can choose the plan depending on your usage, it offers Individual, Family, and Multi-Device plans.

10. Internet Browser

“An essential app for Windows 10 for fast and secure web surfing experience”

What are we without the Internet in our lives? Just a shell of a 21st-century human being. And nobody can’t change this fact.

Browsing is a necessary daily activity for more than half of the computer users in the world. So logically, there has to be a perfect browser to resonate with these needs and tasks. It should be fast, secure, and obviously easy to use.

Is there a perfect browser out there? We think there is.

Here are some of the must-have apps for Windows 10, designed exclusively for all Internet users to experience the web in a much faster and safer environment.

Google Chrome

Image Source: Google Chrome

Google Chrome tops the position in the list of Windows software must-haves. All hail the king of the browsing world. It’s not just a favorite; it has become a part of people’s lives. It’s free, fast, and efficient — and comes with an abundance of add-ons so you can customize it to your liking. And the option of incognito windows helps to keep the data and history private. What more does anyone want?

Brave Browser

Image Source: Brave Browser

Brave is another famous name in the world of web browsers. It’s completely free to use and offers support for every major operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS) out there.

It comes with a plethora of privacy and security features that focuses on blocking online trackers and harmful ads to provide you a top-notch Internet experience.

The interface is intuitive and elegant allowing you to track your every move on the Internet and surf the web more privately. If you’re tired of using Chrome, you can give Brave browser a try and it surely won’t disappoint you.

Another popular alternative to Google Chrome and Brave browser which offers similar features is Firefox. It has tons of incredible plugins and makes the browsing experience very personalized.

So, if you no longer desire to use the Microsoft Edge web browser, then these are amongst the best Windows 10 apps you should use in 2024.

11. Media & Entertainment Software

“Must-Have software for Windows 10 to satisfy entertainment cravings”

Image Source: Dreamstel

Media and entertainment are an integral part of our lives. We seek out some fun and recreation everywhere we go. Then why not incorporate this fun on our Windows system?

In addition to this, we have below-mentioned some of the essential programs for Windows 10, especially for people who love to listen to the hottest music videos and binge watch Netflix shows anytime, anywhere.

VLC Media Player

A media player like VLC is a must have app for your Windows 10 PC. Its ability to play all sorts of files without installing any third-party codecs makes it a favorite all over the globe and indeed a useful software for PC and laptops.

Spotify

One of the major issues that people have while working on their computers is the lack of good music. Long gone are the days when an individual had to download songs and play them on her/his computer for a joyful ride.

But it isn’t the same now. You have flooded with an array of music streaming apps for literally each and every one of your devices.

And our, as well as many others’, the favorite is ‘Spotify’. One of the most recommended apps for Windows 10, Spotify is a music streaming application that works wonders and is updated with all the new and the old songs quite rapidly as compared to their counterparts.

Netflix

How can you watch popular web series (like Stranger Things, Dark) on your PC? With an app like Netflix, obviously. Netflix is a one-place destination for all the most talked about movies and TV shows, all of which you can either watch online or stream right to your Windows 10 laptop, smart TV, mobile, etc. No need to say anything more. Its power and user base speak for itself.

In a nutshell, all we can say is that Netflix currently ranks among the top Windows 10 apps for binge watching your popular TV shows and movies.

12. Social and Communication Apps

“The most popular, essential apps for Windows 10 to communicate with others”

Image Source: Better Internet Kids

It is a given that you can’t stop socializing ever. And by socializing, I don’t mean actually meeting people and talking to them. I am referring to our constant social media and online connectivity. And who says we can’t continue with it even when we are on our PCs. You can install some of the best Windows 10 applications through the Microsoft store and have fun networking.

Skype

Everyone’s go-to choice for chatting, video calling, and long-distance communication.

Everyone’s one-stop application to be connected with their loved ones all around the world.

Instagram

Everyone’s favorite social media application.

13. Office Suite

“Must-Have software for Windows 10 to carry out everyday computing tasks”

Image Source: Play Store

Most likely, you will need to work on documents, files, presentations, spreadsheets, and other work-related things at some point in time. And you can’t do all these without having a tool that adheres to all your needs.

This is where an office suite comes for your rescue, just like a knight in shining office features.

LibreOffice is the best knight of this kingdom. One of the essential apps for Windows 10, LibreOffice includes alternatives to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and other more applications.

It includes a few little aesthetic differences from MS Office, but there’s just that. Every Windows and ex-MS Office users will love it and work through its interface smoothly.

14. Reading Application

“Must-Have Windows 10 apps for all the book lovers out there”

With the advancement of technology, eBooks have now taken over the traditional reading style for several good reasons.

In addition to this, below we have mentioned some of the must-have apps for Windows 10 that you should install right away for reading books of your favorite authors.

Adobe Reader (PDF)

Image Source: You Tube

If you don’t have this installed, then my friend, what are you even doing? Most of the files, or books we find online, are available in PDF format. This software has different reading modes, features like highlighting text, adding notes, digital signatures, etc.

It also supports a tabbed view.

EPUB Reader

If you find yourself as an EPUB files aficionado (because of their super small size and great availability), then getting an EPUB reader should be on top of your priority list.

Some other great reading applications for Windows 10 users are:

• Icecream eBook Reader Pro

• Kobo

• Caliber

• FBReader

• Bibliovore

• MOBI Reader

• DjVu Reader (for viewing DjVu files and documents)

15. PC Optimizer Software

“An essential program for Windows 10 to make it run faster than ever before”

Image Source: Your Story

Is your computer system lagging behind in its tasks and actions? Do you feel like it needs an optimum boost?

Then a PC optimizer is your best bet to treat it. They are one of the best PC software as they remove various kinds of junk from the hard drive and make the computer more efficient.

If you want to know which is perfect for you, then you can take the help of our write-up on best PC optimizing software for Windows 10.

16. Video Conferencing Software

“One-stop solution for businesses to host virtual meetings”

Image Source: Computer World

Since working remotely is becoming a common workplace trend, having a dedicated video conferencing app installed on your Windows 10 PC is need of the hour.

It comes with a wide array of video conferencing and collaboration tools that you can use for face to face interactions, host live webinars, chat with colleagues, and what not.

With an app of such caliber at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about wasting your time and money on soul crushing commute. And that’s what makes it one of the must-have programs for Windows 10 PC.

Having trouble finding a perfect one for your Windows 10 computer? Check out the list of Best Video Conferencing Software.

17. Email Client Software

“Must have apps for Windows 10 users to manage multiple accounts effortlessly”

If you’re not already using a webmail client on your desktop PC, we would like to recommend Mailbird as the best Windows 10 application to manage all of your email accounts with great ease and hence manages to retain its place in the list of must have apps for Windows.

Something that makes it stand out from the crowd is that it allows you to access all of major apps (Such as Twitter, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, etc.) from one screen.

If you want to see a complete list of the world’s leading email clients, you can then take the help of our write-up on best email clients for Windows 10 PC.

18. PDF Creation and Editing Software

“A must-have Windows 10 software to create and edit PDFs”

Portable Document Format, commonly shortened to PDF, is one of the most widely-used document formats in the business world. Like many large and mid-size businesses, if you’re also striving towards a paperless office, then having a dedicated PDF editing software installed on your system is a must for you.

Nitro PDF

If you wish to create, edit, or protect PDF documents, then it may be the right time to move beyond a plain PDF reader to a more feature-rich PDF editor. However, if you’re not sure which one is right for you, then you can use our favorite – Nitro PDF. It is one of the best Free PDF Editing Software available on the marketplace currently. With this software, you can create, edit, convert, sign, and protect PDF files and digital documents.

19. Educational Software

“Must-have software for Windows 10 users for teaching or self-learning”

Educational programs are a must in the list of essential programs to have in 2024. Whether you are young or old learning never stops, and to make learning more interesting. The developers have created programs that can help everyone learn new things easily with the help of new programs and different interfaces.

Below we have listed some of the programs which can help in making learning easy, check them out.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a very essential program for Windows that can help you in learning new languages without any tutor. You can easily pick the language that you wish to learn and start learning them at home. The program includes languages like Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and many more. The best part about the software is that it is available for free.

WeDo 2.0 LEGO Education

The next essential educational software is WeDo 2.0 LEGO Education. This can be the ideal program for kids who wish to learn coding. The unique interface of the software helps kids in learning the basics of coding easily using LEGO bricks.

Other than this the program also has crucial science and engineering practices that can help them in real life. This software can teach your kids every essential skill that can help them in the future which is why we have kept this software on the list of best essential programs to have in 2024.

20. Cloud Storage

“A must-have program for Windows 10, and 11 to back up and securely access all your files from any device.”

File storage should not be something we often think about, but with the pictures & videos we all capture with our friends & family, and of course, those funny memes we save, our device’s storage capacity can get full pretty quickly.

And, here comes Cloud Storage as a savior. It can certainly make your life much easier by keeping your precious and important files safe and also, saving storage space on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

The most interesting thing about cloud storage is that even if you forget to back up your files before upgrading or just lose your phone in an accident, all your files or data are still in the cloud and you can easily access them.

Cloud Storage is especially useful for people working from home who have to frequently share files with their colleagues.

Google Drive

Talking about the best cloud storage, then Google Drive is a safe palace to back up files and securely access them from any device. It offers rich features and affordable backup and sync services. Google Drive comes with the collaboration of apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Photos & Slides (which together are known as Google Workspace).

Using this platform, you can seamlessly create, store, edit, view, and sync files, without any hassles. Google Drive gives you a free storage space of up to 15GB when you create a new account. And, the paid plans start at $1.99 (monthly) for 100GB. In addition to this, one can also upgrade their storage to a maximum of 30TB which costs $299.99 monthly. Google Drive can be used on iOS and Android, as well as on macOS and Windows.

21. Image Editor Software: Paint.NET

Images have become a great source of keeping memories intact. Capturing screenshots, enhancing them, or trying basic image editing is needed by almost all the tech users. And here comes the need for Image Editor Software. Photoshop is a common tool but is not available for free. But there are plenty of alternatives for image editing software. Paint.NET is one such reliable software to edit images on your Windows devices.

The tool is powerful enough to meet the basic needs of editing. Blur out the extra sections of the image, level images to make the appearance better, and edit them by adding text. Also, you can add numerous plugins to expand the core functionality of the tool.

22. Screenshot Software

“A must-have program for Windows 10 to capture the contents of the visible screen”

A few years ago, screenshots or snapshots were not that vastly popular among PC users. At that time, it was only utilized for sharing the error codes on the screen.

But, nowadays, screenshots are widely & routinely used in our day-to-day life. For example, capturing a screenshot of a particular post available on any social media platform or a funny message. Students also capture a screenshot for education purposes. Now, if you are wondering how to do that with ease, then you can use our top recommendation mentioned below.

Greenshot

Greenshot is one of the popular and best screenshot software for Windows that you can use to take snapshots or screenshots. With the help of this utility tool, you can easily and quickly take screenshots of a particular area, window, or full screen. Not only that, but you can also capture entire web pages from Internet Explorer.

In addition to this, you can even highlight or annotate parts of the screenshots. It is an easy-to-use and configurable tool for software developers, testers, project managers, technical writers, or anyone else who wants to take screenshots.

23. File Compression and Extraction Software

“A must-have tool for Windows to easily compress files to save space”

With limited Storage availability on systems, it is important to manage data. And to do so you can use the best compression tools. Compression tools help in compressing and decompressing files to make more space in the system. It is basically a data reduction technique that reduces the file size. Now, let’s proceed with the best file compression and extraction software available in the market.

WinRar

WinRar is one of the most popular file compression and management software. This utility tool is great for file compression, encryption, sharing, and backup. Using this windows program, you can archive and compress files so that you can save or distribute them more effectively. The tool lets you easily and quickly zip or unzip files, saving time and space.

WinRar is an easy-to-use and powerful tool that one must have installed on their Windows PC. The program offers a free trial and enables you to access all the features of WinRar free for 21 days. However, once the trial period is over, you will have to buy a license to continue using the tool.

24. Professional Messaging Tool

“A must-have software for Windows to control all the messaging platforms and apps.”

To connect with any individual or user in this world of technology, you can take the help of a messaging app. A messaging tool is surely part of the Must-Have Software For Windows 10. Especially if you are working with the corporate sector, then a messaging app becomes a must to manage all the messaging platforms in a single palace. Let’s have a look at one such tool.

RamBox

RamBox is one of the most reliable and trusted messaging apps of the decade. With the help of this tool, you can easily control all the messaging apps and platforms in a single space. This tool is generally used by businessmen and working professionals who want an entire control of the messaging platforms at their fingertips.

The platform is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux-based devies and operating systems. You can use this tool for free. However, you may need to pay some money to get the ability to add unlimited messaging apps after a certain period. This workspace simplify is just the thing you need if you have multiple social media and messaging platforms to control your DMs.

25. Backup Utility Programs

“Must-have Windows app to protect your PC from physical threats by creating smart and easy backups.”

The last category on this list of the best programs for Windows 10 is a backup utility. The personal or physical computer is vulnerable and exposed to a lot of different threats. These include attacks from hackers, physical damages, system failures, etc. All these threats can very well affect the important files or data present on the PC’s storage. Hence, to stay ahead and protect yourself from such threats, you should install reliable backup utility software.

To help you with the same, we have shortlisted the best must-have software for Windows 10 for backup purposes. Check these out.

AOMEI Backupper

Whenever it comes to creating or taking a backup of the Windows OS or its files, the name of AOMEI Backupper shines the brightest. This is the best free backup software for Windows that allows you to back up everything and anything from your Windows device. You can also use this software on Mac. The strong backup capabilities of the software make it one of the best ones ever. With the tool, you can also avail yourself of free cloud storage of up to 1 TB. Using the AOMEI Backupper, you can back up data on SSD, HDD, and various other internal and external devices.

26. Storage Management Tools

“Must-have Windows apps to efficiently manage the storage of your Windows device.”

At the end of this list of the best programs for Windows 10, we have Storage Management tools. As there is always a limited storage capacity on any Window device, it becomes tough at times to manage the space effectively. With the help of storage management tools, you can do the same. These tools allow you to analyze the storage used in any device and free up the same with ease.

Below, you will find the shortlisted best must-have software for Windows 10 for ease of software management. Try them out.

TreeSize Free

TreeSize Free is one of the most amazing and easiest tools to control the storage of the device. With the help of this tool, you can analyze where most of your storage space is spent. Additionally, you can clean your disk space with the tool. To do the same, the tool will help you get rid of temporary files with a single click. The tool divided the storage usage into color-coded structures. You can use the color codes to determine the threat levels of the tool. You can try the free version of this must-have Windows app and then proceed to get the professional version if satisfied.

27. Some Bonus Must-Have Apps for Windows 10

Below are a few additional useful programs for Windows 10 that every user should install in 2024:

A. F.lux

We are all guilty of embedding our eyes onto our computer screens till the late hours of the night. But there’s one app that will help in reducing eye strain and improving the sleep patterns.

f.lux, a multi-platform application, adjusts the brightness and screen light automatically depending upon the color of the room one’s in, time of the day, and the light sources around.

B. LastPass

Don’t tell me that you don’t feel flustered and overwhelmed about the sheer amount of accounts you have and the passwords that you have to remember? I am so sure that you do.

A password manager will ease all your troubles indefinitely. LastPass is an apt choice.

You require only a ‘master password’, for the password manager and all the other passwords will be uniquely generated for every website being used.

All the information and data are stored in the cloud with AES-256 bit encryption.

C. Unchecky

You know how when you are installing software in your system, and suddenly you realize that there has been a lot of junk downloaded as well? Super annoying, right?

Unchecky is an application that dynamically watches check-boxes while you are installing software and keeps checking to see that you don’t install any third-party junk.

D. ClipClip- Clipboard Manager

Another best free and must-have software for Windows 10 or 11 devices in 2024 is ClipClip. With the help of the software, you can copy multiple texts, images, or other files on the clipboard. These multiple files can be browsed and Saved under specific names. To view the list of files copied on your clipboard use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + V.

Manage your Clipboard and use it as a screen-capturing tool. Additionally, you can perform multiple actions through in-built editor; such as transforming images, formatting text, and so much more with just a few clicks.

E. Microsoft To Do

The next best free and must-have software for Windows 10/11 is Microsoft To Do. Just like the name of this tool suggests, Microsoft To Do is a versatile tool that allows you to track and manage your respective and miscellaneous tasks with ease. With the help of the software, you can generate your planner and follow it as necessary.

The tool allows other software, platforms, and accounts to integrate with TO DO so that all the tasks are housed by one software.

F. Rufus

If you want a tool to boot your flash drive, then Rufus is the best choice. This is a must-have software for Windows 10 that allows you to boot any type of operating system to your memory sticks and devices. You can even select the GPT or MBR partition to boot the OS.

This is a completely free must-have app for Windows 11 that you should keep on your device.

And these were the must-have software for Windows 10. If you don’t have them in your system, then man you are surely doing something wrong. If we missed out on any, do let us know in the comments.

Now go and install them!

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Best Windows 11 Themes, Backgrounds And Skins 2024

By admin February 9, 2024

Best Windows 11 Themes, Backgrounds And Skins 2024, Windows 11 Themes, Backgrounds, Skins, and Icons can offer a unique look to your computer coupled with unlimited customization possibilities.Using different skins and Themes For Windows 11 you can change your desktop icons, icon packs, background wallpaper, mouse cursor, color scheme, widgets, screensavers, wallpapers, and even system sound effects.

Thanks to Windows 11 Skin Packs it’s even possible to transform your Windows desktop background to look like a macOS or Linux computer.

As the title suggests, in this article, we have shared some of the best Windows 11 Themes And Icon Packs out there.

1. macOS Monterey SkinPack

First on the list is the new macOS Monterey SkinPack. The name says it all, this Windows 11 SkinPack will help you to replicate the latest macOS Monterey.

After applying the theme your background wallpaper, icons, the taskbar, buttons, and even software windows will look and feel like macOS.

The lite version of this Windows 11 Theme is free but you have to pay a small amount to get the icons. Do note that the developer suggests that you delete every existing SkinPack or Theme before applying the macOS SkinPack.

DOWNLOAD macOS Monterey SkinPack

2. 3D Theme

Next on the list is the 3D Theme for Windows 11. The feature-packed theme consists of 17 background HD wallpapers that will completely change the look and feel of your PC.

3D Graphics of this free Windows 11 Theme enhance your desktop and you can even couple 3D Theme with any of your existing themes.

Lastly, the installation is quite simple as well.

After downloading the 3d.deskthemepack file all you have to do is open and it will automatically apply to your PC.

DOWNLOAD 3D Theme

Best Windows 11 Themes, Backgrounds And Skins 2024

3. Ubuntu SkinPack

Once again the name says it all, Ubuntu SkinPack for Windows 11 will help you to transform your Windows PC into a Ubuntu PC.

The Unix-based OS SkinPack is very light and can run flawlessly on low-powered laptops and aging desktops. Sadly, it doesn’t support every Windows program but apart from that, the theme does offer a left-aligned taskbar with Ubuntu icons.

Similar to other packs on the list Windows 11 Ubuntu Theme is free to use but you can unlock some cool features by paying three dollars.

DOWNLOAD Ubuntu SkinPack

4. Xbox Series X theme

Xbox Series X theme is another great theme for Windows 10 that will be compatible with Windows 11 as well. As the name suggests this theme offers Xbox Series X console wallpapers.

If you’re a fan of Xbox consoles then do check out this theme. You can download the Xbox Series X theme from the Microsoft Store for free and it consists of 16 premium wallpapers.

DOWNLOAD Xbox Series X Theme

5. Mountain Light Premium

Next on the list is Mountain Light Premium. This Windows 11 Theme can be directly downloaded from the Microsoft Store and it’s completely free.

The theme consists of around 18 high-quality 4K premium mountain images from around the world. After applying them the Windows 11 accent color will change based on the color of the wallpaper.

DOWNLOAD Mountain Light Premium

6. Windows Nostalgia Bliss

If you consider yourself a long-time Windows user then do check out the Windows XP-inspired, Windows Nostalgia Bliss theme for Windows 11. With this theme, you will get access to the beautiful Bliss wallpaper.

The wallpaper is updated to make it compatible with Windows 11. The resolution of this wallpaper is 1920*1080.

DOWNLOAD Windows Nostalgia Bliss

7. Hacker Theme

Hacker Theme is ideal for anyone who wants to make his PC look and feel like a hacker’s rig.

In addition to Windows 11, this dark theme is compatible with Windows 10 / 8 / 8.1 / 7.

The slideshow of wallpapers offered by the Hacker Theme consists of many classic hacker symbols including the anonymous logo.

Another noteworthy feature of the Win 11 Theme is the green text that changes after every 30 minutes. This theme also gives a look of dark theme for windows 11.

DOWNLOAD Hacker Theme

8. Squid Game Theme

Anyone who is a fan of the Squid Game TV show should definitely check out the Squid Game Theme for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

After downloading and installing this Windows 11 theme you will get access to a total of 15 high-quality wallpapers from The Squid Game Netflix series.

Similar to other wallpaper themes on the list Squid Game theme doesn’t change icons and cursor.

DOWNLOAD Squid Game Theme

9. Northern Lights

If you are looking for a minimalistic theme that will enhance the overall look and feel of Windows 11 then do check out Northern Lights.

Northern Lights can be directly downloaded from the Microsoft App Store. The free theme for Windows offers a set of 15 high-quality wallpapers.

DOWNLOAD Northern Lights

10. Fortnite

Last on the list we have Fortnite. Yes, you read it right, there’s a Fortnite Windows 11 Theme. In addition to Windows 11, the theme is compatible with Windows 10 / 8 / 8.1 / 7.

This free Themepack for Windows 11 consists of 15 wallpapers and you will even get app icons with this Fortnite theme.

DOWNLOAD Fortnite Theme

11. World National Parks

World National Parks was one of the best themes for Windows 10 and now the theme is available on Windows 11 as well.

The theme consists of 18 high-quality images of spectacular national parks from all around the world. The theme is completely free and can be directly downloaded from the Microsoft store.

DOWNLOAD World National Parks

12. Polar Animals Theme

The name says it all, the theme Polar Animals has visually impressive images of snow leopards, polar bears, snowshoe hares, and other snow animals.

If you would like to experience winter vibes right on your desktop then do check out this well-crafted theme.

DOWNLOAD Polar Animals Theme

13. Beach Time PREMIUM

Beach Time PREMIUM is one of the best beach themes for Windows 11. This premium Windows 11 theme consists of 15 idyllic 4k images.

Beach Time PREMIUM is ideal for anyone who wants his desktop to look refreshing and clean. Using this theme you can even set a slideshow. If you do so images will automatically change after regular time intervals.

DOWNLOAD Beach Time PREMIUM

14. Vanilla

The theme Vanilla has been in existence since Windows 7 and now it’s available for Windows 11 as well.

Vanilla features a clean interface that makes your PC looks minimal and since it’s a borderless theme you won’t see any boundaries around open Windows.

DOWNLOAD Vanilla

15. Cosmic Beauty

Next on the list of the best Windows 11 themes and skins we have Cosmic Beauty. This free-to-use theme for Win 11 consists of 20 spectacular photos from outer space.

These photos feature strange planets, nebula, black holes, quasars, stars, and much more. You can download Cosmic Beauty directly from the Microsoft store.

DOWNLOAD Cosmic Beauty

16. Botanical Garden

This theme is offered by Microsoft Corporation and showcases seven aesthetically pleasing wallpapers. For those who prefer simplicity over vibrancy, this could be a perfect fit.

Though the theme solely provides backgrounds, it is an excellent pick for individuals who appreciate simplicity without animated visuals.

The captivating photography ensures a good greenish vibe on your desktop.

DOWNLOAD Botancial Garden

17. Classic Manga Action

Are you an Anime fan? Then you will like this Manga theme for Windows 11.

You get 8 different wallpapers that capture the different shades of the Manga characters.

This fresh Win 11 theme, available for free on the latest Windows, infuses the wallpapers with a burst of color and brings out the character’s energy.

DOWNLOAD Classic Manga Action

How To Apply Windows 11 Themes

If you have selected a good Windows 11 now it’s the time to apply it on your PC. So here’s how to apply themes in Windows 11.

1. Right-click anywhere on your desktop and click on Personalize.

2. Next select Themes. You can now apply any of the installed themes on your PC or click on browse themes to find some more themes on the Microsoft Store.

How to Install Custom Themes On Windows 11

To install a non-microsoft theme on a Windows 11 PC follow these simple steps.

NOTE: Before following this method either create a restore point or an image backup. So if something goes wrong you can always revert back.

1. Firstly, download and install UltraUXThemePatcher on your PC.

2. Next, copy all of your downloaded theme files to “C:/Windows/Resources/Themes“

3. You can now apply your custom theme from the Control Panel’s Personalization menu.

CONCLUSION

So these were some of the best Windows 11 Skins and Themes out there. We will continue to update the post as more and more themes become available for Windows 11.

Windows 11 Themes FAQs

Where can I download themes for Windows 11?

You can download themes for Windows 11 from the official Microsoft store or sites like DeviantArt, Skinpacks and Themepack

How do I customize my desktop in Windows 11?

You can customize your desktop on Windows 11 by using or customizing themes, wallpapers, widgets, apps, start menu, system tray, etc.

Which theme is best for Windows 11?

macOS Monterey SkinPack and Northern Lights are considered to be the best themes for Windows 11.

What are the best themes for Windows 10?

If you are looking for windows 10 themes you can find some of the best ones here in this list.

What are the best Windows 11 themes for Windows 10?

Find out the best Windows 11 themes for Windows 10 in this article.

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Featured

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024

By admin February 7, 2024

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024, Are you bored with the Windows user interface? Are you tired of its default customization options? Then maybe it is time for you to make your desktop look unique by downloading, installing, and using a new mouse cursor theme. There are plenty of cool cursors available on the internet.

Most of the pointers are animated, some are excellent for gaming or inspired by games, others are simply well-designed and fresh. In this article, we are going to share with you thirty of the best free mouse pointer schemes for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let’s get started.

NOTE: You can install and use the following custom cursors in Windows 11, Windows 10, as well as older versions. Here’s how to tell what Windows you have. To make sure that the files are safe, we scanned them with ESET Internet Security.

How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows

Mouse schemes downloaded from the internet can usually be installed with the help of a file that is included in the archive file that you download. This file has an INF extension, and it’s usually named install.inf. Once you have downloaded the custom mouse cursor pack (usually a ZIP or RAR file), extract the files to a temporary folder on your computer or device, then follow the instructions from these tutorials, depending on whether the pack includes an INF installer file

• If the mouse cursor pack includes an INF file: How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows

• If there is no INF file included in the archive, to install the new cursors manually, follow the directions found in this tutorial: How to use custom mouse cursors and pointers in Windows

•

Also, if all you want is to change the size or color of your mouse pointers, not necessarily install custom new ones, read this tutorial: How to change the mouse pointer size and color in Windows.

Now, let’s look at what we think are the best free mouse pointers out there:

1. Numix Cursors

This is our favorite set of custom mouse cursors for Windows PCs. Numix pointers are smooth, elegant, and look entirely professional. Furthermore, the pack includes both dark and light versions of the cursors, and also install.inf files that you can run to easily install the mouse cursor theme you prefer.

Mouse cursor download: Numix Cursors

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024

2. Oxygen Cursors

Created for KDE, this mouse cursor set was ported to Windows and is one of the most famous mouse pointer sets of all time on DeviantArt. The set contains 37 different color schemes.

Mouse cursor download: Oxygen Cursors

3. Breeze Cursors for Windows

KDE is one of the most popular and beautiful desktop environments for Linux. Therefore, it also has some of the best mouse cursor themes you can find. That’s what inspired the Breeze Cursors for Windows pack. It features gray pointers with white borders and some orange and blue variations. Take a look at them in the screenshot below and, if you like them, download and install them. Unfortunately, this pack does not have an INF file, so you have to set each of the cursors manually.

Mouse cursor download: Breeze Cursors for Windows

4. macOS cursor pack for Windows

Are you a fan of MacOS? Did you recently switch to a Windows PC? Maybe you’d like to use some cursors that resemble the ones on your Mac. That’s what macOS cursor pack for Windows gives you.

The mouse pointers look great, and there are different sizes and types to choose from.

To download the cursor pack, go to the following webpage, tap or click on the green Code button, then on Download ZIP: macOS-cursors-for-Windows: With 2 types and 3 different sizes.

5. Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2

Since we presented a cursor pack similar to the ones used on macOS, it seems fair to show you one made specifically for Windows 11. The cursors come in two packs, Dark and Light, and both packs feature a clean design that perfectly matches the refreshed interface of Windows 11.

Download the cursors here: Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2 by rosea92

6. Android Material Cursors (Blue)

If you are an Android fan and you love Google‘s material design a lot, maybe you would enjoy a taste of it on your Windows computer too, by using the Android Material Cursors scheme. Fortunately, it also comes with an INF file, so it is easy to install it.

Mouse cursor download: Android Material Cursors.

7. Overwatch Pointer

Overwatch is currently one of the most popular first-person shooter games, with over 60 million players around the world. If you’re one of them, or if you like gaming cursors, you’ll love the Overwatch Pointer cursor pack.

You can get the standard pack here: Overwatch Pointer, and the black version here: Blackwatch Pointer.

8. GTCC

GTCC is a custom cursor pack that offers clean and monochromatic pointers for Windows. The pointers are gray and have a curved appearance, unlike most other cursors in our list. Their shape has drawn our attention, and because we liked them, we believe some of you might too. Furthermore, you can easily install them on your Windows PC by running the install.inf file included in the pack.

Mouse cursor download: GTCC – cursor for Windows.

9. Opera Gx Cursor

Opera GX is a special version of the Opera browser, built specifically for gamers. The browser has some unique features: CPU, RAM, and Network limiters, Discord & Twitch sidebars and more. It also has a very particular design, which is now matched by this excellent cursor pack:

Mouse cursor download: Opera Gx Cursor

10. Volantes Dark Cursor Set

Here’s another dark cursor pack that we like. The archive includes standard-sized cursors, as well as smaller versions.

Mouse cursor download: Volantes-Dark.

11. Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set

Okay, too many dark cursors in the list, time to liven things up a little. The Metro X1 package has quite a few multi-colored cursors, if that’s your thing:

You can download the Metro X1 Cursor Set here: Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set.

12. Gant Cursor Pack

This cursor pack is based on the popular Gant icon set that is used for customizing Windows, Linux, etc. This pack of mouse cursors contains two color schemes: yellow and blue, and each of them has two cursor sets. In other words, there are a total of four sets of mouse cursors, located in four separate folders.

Mouse cursor download: Gant Cursor Pack

13. VS cursor (version 2.0)

This mouse cursor theme features a clean and simple design, with just enough color to keep it interesting. The archive contains two separate cursor packs, one with shadows and one without.

Mouse cursor download: VS cursor (version 2.0). The user who created this pack has also created quite a few other beautiful cursor packs. You can find all of them here: vladsukhetskyi – Interface Designer | DeviantArt.

14. Oxy-Neon Cursors

Do you want something more visible? Well, it doesn’t get much more visible than having neon-colored cursors. You have several colors to choose from: blue, orange, pink, red, white, and our favorite, ow-my-eyes green. Each set has its own installation file, so it’s super-easy to add the theme to your Windows device.

Download the mouse cursor theme here: Oxy-Neon Cursors.

15. Kuttu and Chinnu cursors

If you’re tired of the same ol’ designer cursors, with fluid design and macOS look, here’s a pointer pack that’s the complete opposite: made with free lines and hand drawing, without any design rules in mind. The creator of this pack also draws cartoon characters, and it shows:

Mouse cursor download location: cursors by anoop-pc.

16. Cursors Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty

For those who love the worldwide phenomenon that is Hello Kitty, here is a mouse cursor set featuring the cute Japanese icon. This cursor scheme does not contain an INF file. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description.

Mouse cursor download: Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty. Please note that you have to wait 35 seconds before the download begins if you don’t want to create an account on the website.

17. Direction

Here is Direction, a more unusual set of mouse pointers, which you might enjoy. You can see how they look in the picture below.

Mouse cursor download: Direction

18. Mario Gant

Here’s a set of high-quality custom cursors based on the Super Mario character. Pretty awesome, right?

Mouse cursor download: Mario Gant

19. UNDERSized

A set of simple and small-sized cursors for those who like tiny mouse pointers.

Mouse cursor download: UNDERSized

20. Krystall CS

A unique and colorful mouse pointer set. This cursor pack does not include an INF file for easy installation. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description to assign each custom mouse cursor manually.

Mouse cursor download: Krystall CS

21. Anathema Pink Cursor

How do you feel about the color pink? If you like it, here’s an excellent animated cursor pack by Anaidon-Aserra. The pack has a clean, modern design and contains 15 cursors (plus a few bonus ones).

The pack is available for download here: Anathema Pink Cursor. The good news is that if you like the design but dislike the color, you can also download the set in red, blue, and white.

22. Crystal Clear

Crystal Clear is a translucent mouse cursor set. If you want to see what is behind your mouse pointer, you should try this scheme. It uses material design and blends nicely with Windows’ flat UI.

Mouse cursor download: Crystal Clear v4.1

23. StartCraft 2

Are you a StarCraft fan? If the answer is yes, the StarCraft 2 mouse cursor theme is precisely what you might need to complete your StartCraft computer customization. The only downside is the fact that this theme does not offer any installer, so to get it on your computer, you have to follow the steps from its readme file.

Mouse cursor download: StartCraft 2

24. Radium 2

If you’re searching for a mouse cursor theme that’s intricate and simple at the same time, look no further, as Radium 2 is probably what you want. The detailed design and the beautiful shapes of the custom cursors will surely make you want them on your desktop. Radium 2 also includes an INF file that you can use to install the custom cursor theme on your computer.

Mouse cursor download: Radium 2

25. Vigyori 2

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like emoticons? Why not try some emoticon-based mouse cursors? What could be better than seeing a smiling face each morning when you turn your computer on? For a brighter and happier desktop, try Vigyori (which, by the way, means Smile in Hungarian). ?

Mouse cursor download: Vigyori (2nd version)

26. Cupcake

Have you ever wished for a mouse cursor pack that is so cute that your heart melts? OK, maybe not yours, if you are a tough guy, but your daughter’s might, if you get the Cupcake mouse cursors on her Windows device.

Mouse cursor download: Cupcake

27. Mickey Mouse

This is yet another cute cursor scheme designed primarily for children, but also for some nostalgic grown-ups. ? If your children love Mickey Mouse and everything about it, you can surprise them with these “cartoon mouse” cursors.

Mouse cursor download: Mickey Mouse

28. Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors

If you happen to be passionate about racing cars, you’ll recognize the cursors in this pack immediately. They are all based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, and their quality is excellent: the archive contains both standard and high-resolution cursor packs. You don’t get an installation file, but you can follow the tutorial presented in the introduction to this article to install them on your system.

Download the cursor pack here: Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors.

29. Warframe Cursor Pack 1

Warframe is a role-playing third-person shooter that has captivated the hearts and minds of many gamers. The game itself is free to play and features superb graphics, and these two features are also present on this cursor pack inspired by the game.

Mouse cursor download: Warframe Cursor Pack 1.

30. ASUS ROG Cursor Set

We end this list with a cursor pack made for fans of the ASUS ROG brand. The pack contains 17 cursors which can be installed manually on your computer.

Download the cursor pack from here: ASUS ROG Cursor Set.

What is your favorite mouse cursor pack?

To create this article, we tried lots of mouse cursor schemes, and we shared the best we could find. We hope that you have enjoyed this roundup. If you did, do not hesitate to share it with others. Also, if you feel like searching for more mouse cursor schemes, you should try the Windows Cursors section from DeviantArt. It is a great place to start your search.

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Best VMWare Alternative for Windows and MAC in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Searching for the best VMWare alternative? If yes, then we can help. In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 most deserving alternatives of VMWare for both Windows and Mac. Read the entire guide for complete information.

Every Mac user in the world has at least once felt that Windows is still on the top of the OS world and rules the desktop and laptop domain as well. Many cool and useful applications run on only Windows computers and are not available for Mac users. For example, Microsoft Office has the Access Database which has never been availed to Mac users. This list also includes some magnificent audio and video tools that are possessed by the ‘privileged’ Windows. And, don’t forget about those exciting A-list games that are only available for Windows and poor Mac users can’t feel anything but agony.

So, to relieve this pain and injustice the Mac users started using VM software and especially VMWare that allowed them to use any Windows software on their Macs.

Now, the question arises: what’s a VM and how is it able to let any person use two operating systems, simultaneously. Let’s get to the answer.

What is a VM or Virtual Machine?

A VM or Virtual Machine is virtualization software that allows a person to use an operating system of a company on another company’s PC. For example, a VM installed by Mac users mimics the hardware and functionality of Windows OS on their Macs. So, you can create a VM on your PC and then install Windows, Linux, or any other OS on your VM.

It’s a wonderful solution as it helps us to get the best of two operating systems at once. The only disadvantage in using a VM is that you need a pretty fast computer with a sufficient amount of free memory and storage to run an OS through VM because your computer is running two operating systems at one time.

VMWare is one of the VM software that is available on the internet and it is pretty popular among the users as well. But, if VMWare is popular then it certainly does not mean that it’s the best VM software present on the internet, and there are no VMWare alternatives available.

There are many programs like VMWare which have all it takes to be a competent VM software.

A List of 12 Best VMWare Alternatives in 2024 (Windows and Mac)

Here, we’ve listed some of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac and Windows that you can use if somehow you can’t use VMWare. So, the list of VMWare similar software goes as:

1. Venn

The first name on this list of the top-notch VM software is Venn. Venn is a robust tool that allows you to easily access any desktop or laptop with ease, remotely. Hence, it is one of the most trusted tools for remote connections. This cross-platform tool for both Mac and Windows makes it easy for any user to use the Windows apps and features on a Mac.

This VMWare alternative for Mac offers an amazing and not-so-common feature of virtual connectivity without the need to deploy a virtual machine. The data shared and the connectivity of the tool is entirely secure and encrypted.

This VM on your Mac is highly compliant with strict industry standards including NAIC, SEC, FINRA, NYS DFS, and many others. You can start, stop, or wipe any operation or data from a system with a single click of a button.

Instead of using a public gateway for connectivity, this is one of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac that uses a private company-routed gateway for maximum privacy and protection. The seamless integration of systems with Venn makes it easy for anyone to use a remote system efficiently; whether it is macOS or Windows-based.

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Read Also : Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

2. Parallels

Parallels is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet and the thing that makes Parallels a robust VMWare alternative for Mac and Windows is that it always time its updates with Apple’s own updates with Macs.

Good performance is necessary when running Windows, Linux, or any other OS in a VM on your Mac. That’s why Parallels Desktop 17 includes a new display driver which has done the work of improving the 2D graphics performance of Windows by more than 25% which will get you smoother video playing and a better 2D gaming experience( so you’ll be able to play all the Windows-only platform games that are totally fun and desirable by Mac users.)

The pricing scheme is a little complicated but still, we’ll try our best, the standard edition of Parallels Desktop comes with a perpetual license that requires a flat fee of £79.99. However, you’ll need to pay for the future upgrades that you may require.

Or, you can subscribe to the standard edition for £69.99 per year and that’s a price that includes all the future upgrades. There’s also Pro Edition and Business Edition available for developers and large organizations. But, these only come under annual subscription which costs £79.99 per year.

Even so, Parallels Desktop is considerably less costly than many other VMWare alternatives for Mac available on the internet.

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3. Virtualization Manager

Virtualization Manager is a VM management and monitoring software that helps the user to optimize the VM and resolve any performance issues. This is compatible with many VM software like- VMWare, Microsoft Hyper-V, and so on.

Virtualization Manager is capable of managing virtual machines across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises. It also offers log monitoring that results in faster troubleshooting. The application can be combined with a Hyper-V environment. It provides predictive recommendations that help the user to get the most out of their VM. Virtualization Manager is simply one of the best apps in the list of ‘apps like VMWare’.

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4. VirtualBox

VirtualBox is an open-source emulator that runs on x86 computers. It is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet. VirtualBox has always been praiseworthy because of its ability to create and manage virtual machines with much ease. VirtualBox is compatible with Windows, Linux, BSD, and much more.

VirtualBox supports the drag & drop functionality of Windows 10. It also allows its users to run any application on their PC. VirtualBox shares compatibility with Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris, and OpenSolaris. All these amazing features make the VirtualBox a perfect VMWare alternative open source.

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5. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is built-in software that automatically comes with your Mac. Boot camp is a top-tier VMWare alternative for Mac that allows its Mac users to switch between macOS and Windows whenever they feel like it.

This free virtual machine software helps you to update the AMD graphics driver for the Windows application in Boot Camp. As we said earlier, Boot Camp is a built-in software and you don’t have to download it externally. It allows the user to use the same keyboard for Apple and windows. Boot Camp is compatible with Windows versions- 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

These are the things about Boot Camp that make it one of the best VMWare alternatives. If you’re not a Mac user and don’t have Boot Camp then let’s get on with some more VMWare workstation alternatives.

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6. Kernel Virtual Machine

Kernel Virtual Machine is a VM software for Linux on x86 hardware containing virtualization specifications. KVM offers a virtualization environment and a processor-specific module for running operating systems.

Kernel Virtual Machine allows us to run multiple VMs running unmodified Windows or Linux images. It also provides Hardware and Memory management support to its users. KVM also gives us the power of scheduling and resource control. In addition to that, it also has lower latency and higher prioritization.

KVM is also a great VMWare alternative and it has a good user response as well. One can consider it the best VMWare free alternative.

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7. Proxmox VE

Proxmox is another platform for quality virtualization. This free VM tool helps the user to combine Kernel’s emulator, LXC containers, and networking functionality in a single software.

Proxmox is a VMWare alternative open-source Virtual Machine that allows the user to manage clusters and it also provides disaster recovery tools with a built-in web management interface. Proxmox VE works relentlessly to provide flexibility and speed to your production environment. This software provides full-stack virtualization for Windows and Linux images.

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8. QEMU

QEMU is another user-friendly and top-rated virtual machine that helps the user to provide support for multiple OS to be run on any system.

QEMU also provides hardware virtualization. The thing that makes QEMU stand out in front of many VMs is that it can run on any system. There are no restrictions for the host OS. This system is written in C language. It can also be your perfect VMWare alternative. Let’s proceed to the next VMWare player alternative.

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9. VMWare Fusion

VMWare Fusion is a top-notch VMWare alternative for Mac and a renowned virtual machine. This is famous for its cloud computing and virtualization software. VMWare fusion allows its users to run multiple software of different operating systems at the same time.

Fusion provides integration with many development tools. With VMWare Fusion, you can connect with third-party software for data-center topologies.

This software is compatible with Windows, Linux, NetWare, Solaris, and many other OS on your Mac.

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10. Citrix Hypervisor

Another VMware alternative that provides better virtualization management across your environments is Citrix Hypervisor. The software offers the latest digital workspace by rendering applications and desktops to any machine from the cloud. Especially for Windows 10, it is a perfect virtual machine that simplifies the overall operational management, ensuring an HD (High Definition) user experience for accelerated workloads.

With this, users can get improved and advanced graphics and highly secure virtual environments. Collaboration on large files is easy and safe. In short, Citrix Hypervisor is the best way to support, speed, and secure virtual environments that automatically lead your IT flexibility.

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11. Microsoft’s Hyper-V

Whether you are a tech-savvy, software developer, or IT professional, all of you may need to run different operating systems. Hyper-V by Microsoft is software that allows you to run multiple operating systems as a virtual desktop on Windows. It particularly provides hardware virtualization that lets you create virtual switches, virtual hard drives, and other virtual devices that can be combined with virtual machines.

It allows you to run the software or program that needs an older version of Windows OS. The software can be considered as the best VMWare alternative that makes the task of creating and removing the numerous operating systems much easier. It also provides support for different versions of Linux and is compatible with cloud-based platforms.

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12. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure

Here’s another one of the best VMWare alternatives for you. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is an amazing tool that you can take the help of in place of VMWare. The tool is also quite inexpensive when compared to VMWare. The tool also offers great flexibility to businesses and allows you to add or drop any aspect of the tool whenever required

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Closing Words on Best VMWare Alternative for Mac and Windows in 2024?

So, these were some of the best VMWare alternatives for Windows and Mac that you can consider. Examine each software and choose the one that performs the hardware virtualization best for you.

We hope this guide will help you in the best way possible. Please let us know through the comments box below if you have any questions, doubts, or further suggestions.

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Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024, Screen sharing windows, more accurately known as Remote desktop software, are tools that allow you to access one pc from another pc remotely.By remote, we mean that users can take the access of a mouse and keyboard of a distant PC just like their own. Remote access is highly beneficial for people sitting at long distances, the IT department of large corporates and many more.

However, to do this, you need specialized software which will connect your PC to the host system. Once you have the required software in place, you can easily connect your client pc with the host pc with proper credentials.

Are you scared about the technical aspect of sharing the screen with another computer? Just download a free screen sharing software to get your job done.

List of the 9 Best Remote Desktop Software for 2024

While many Windows computers come with in-built software, however, there are several best screen sharing software that can do the job in a much better way and also provide additional features.

1. Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is a blessing to IT departments and works on a cloud-based software platform. It is one of the best ways to connect to end customers within seconds.

It works on an On-demand mechanism and sends email invitations to its user to connect with the host PC. It supports file transfer, video, and voice chat along with solving rebooting issues on the client-side.

Additional features:

• It comes with an easy to use auto-detect tool.

• It also supports the recording of sessions for monitoring purpose.

• It can also club client system based on their location and functions.

It is one of the best troubleshooting tools for IT companies which can solve all kinds of system-related issues. This stunning application comes in both a free and paid version. With the free version, you can connect with up to 5 machines.

With all the features, this tool is undoubtedly worth a try.

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2. TeamViewer 14

This all-round software undeniably deserves a place in the list of best screen sharing software. This comprehensive tool can support multiple devices with a massive number of platforms.

It’s easy to use UI makes it the right choice. It also comes in a free version for home users. You can connect up to 4k desktops, share files, and also supports alternative VPN’s.

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3. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the easiest and the most straightforward screen sharing application. It works as a chrome extension and is quite easy to install.

You can add multiple users to the host computer using a security pin. The only drawback of this application is that when compared to other players is has a limited number of features to offer.

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4. Remote Desktop Manager

It is a must-have application for SME businesses who are looking for an efficient system to control their computer systems remotely.

It comes with a good range of features and is quite easy to use. Individual users can opt for its limited free edition while large corporates can buy a site license to support all PC.

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5. Remote Utilities for Windows

Another most trusted and reliable option in the category of best screen sharing software is “Remote Utilities for Windows.” It comes with incredible features that can give enough competition to even the paid software.

Users can connect up to 10 PC with this feature-rich tool. It works on 2 platforms, the first one if the Host software that is installed on the Host PC and the Viewer software that need to be installed on the clients pc.

The only downside of this incredible piece of technology is that it can only work on Windows PC.

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6. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn is the ultimate choice for large companies which require a powerful and robust screen-sharing technology.

It is specially developed to support large enterprises and comes with a suite of sophisticated and useful tools that can easily manage multiple systems and users.

The only downside is that it does not suit everybody’s pocket. However, as an additional benefit, you get 1TB of cloud storage with its premium subscription.

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7. Remote PC

Personal or business use, Remote PC is suitable for both. It works on Cloud, which makes it a good option for individual users as well as large enterprises.

Several computers can be configured with the host PC, and additional users can also be added with an access key and password.

All the remove connection are highly secure with AES-256 encryption, and use of access credentials adds on to the security level.

A round the clock support team is also available to help users and customers. Individual users can get this stunning tool in $ 51.12 as first-year subscription.

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8. Connectwise Control

This powerful application is effortless to use and comes with an array of features. It works on 2 key options: Access and support.

Support is a Cloud-based service which supports real-time accessing of users machine. It also uses a 2FA mechanism and AES-256 encryption to ensure high-end security.

Users can schedule meetings, give remote prints, and transfer files. Its standard plan costs $35 annually and allows a single user to connect with 3 different system.

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9. VCN Connect

Another well-known name in the list of best screen sharing software is VCN Connect. It is most suited for multinational companies.

Users can easily connect, monitor, support, and collaborate with the user’s devices. Real-time remote access is quite easy with this powerful desktop tool

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What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows users to access another computer or system remotely in real time and work on it like their local device. It ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops.

While the software can also be used for remote support, a remote desktop tool is typically used by employees to access a machine remotely rather than to resolve a technical problem. Though the maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support solutions, remote desktop tools aid support teams in performing basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station.

Typical use cases of a remote desktop tool include granting employees access to and managing distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop software to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.

What are the common features of remote desktop software?

The following are some core features of a remote desktop tool that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:

• Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides end users access to and control over other devices not in their physical vicinity. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop.

• Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at their workstations to help improve productivity. As a result, the remote desktop tool supports the capability to view multiple monitors at a time.

• Multiple operating system (OS) support: Businesses today use Windows, macOS, Linux, or other OS, and sometimes multiple OS within the same company. Remote desktop software has features to handle viewing and functioning on any OS, independent of the OS the end user is connecting from.

• Mobile device access: Remote desktop tools allow administrators to access connected mobile devices and support mobile OS like Android, iOS, and more.

• Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. The remote desktop tool offers a data encryption feature to secure the connection and protect data.

• File management: Remote desktop software facilitates file sharing and transfers to enable quick and effortless work discussion, collaboration among colleagues, and viewing of relevant documents when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are highly secure as permission to access them is granted only to authenticated user accounts.

• Remote configuration: The software helps configure a remote PC for access so that the end user can take complete control of the device over the internet anytime.

• Chat: The chat functionality of the remote desktop software allows users to send and receive messages between computers.

• Application management: Remote desktop tool centrally manages, configures, and monitors applications on employee devices.

• Session transfer: Access to remote sessions for IT support can be transferred between users using a remote desktop application.

• Session recording: A remote desktop tool provides the ability to record remote sessions at a desired location on the local computer.

• Security: All the data shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in and notify suspicious activities.

• Deployment flexibility: Remote desktop tools can be deployed on the cloud and on-premises, depending on the organization’s requirements.

• Remote printing: Some remote desktop solutions provide remote printing capabilities to help users print documents using a locally plugged or network printer.

• Session usage reporting: Activity log tracking and session analytics is essential for IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) looking to track, manage, and optimize helpdesk activities.

• Branding: Remote desktop systems may let businesses customize client applications to match their websites.

What are the benefits of remote desktop software?

There are several benefits that a business can reap from a remote desktop tool. Below is a list of advantages that the tool offers:

• Efficiency: Remote desktop tools offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need from wherever they are located.

• Cost savings: Remote desktop tools may require the installation of remote client software on user devices. However, some web-based remote desktop software provides remote access with zero endpoint installation or configuration. Clientless, centrally-managed solutions do not require installation, management, and software maintenance on individual devices, thereby cutting down IT support costs. Additionally, these solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection resulting in reduced overhead expenditure for office space, computing equipment, software, utilities, etc.

• Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, at any time, and on multiple devices increases employee productivity and turnover. These tools enable employees to work remotely with a seamless remote desktop connection to one or many desktops at the workplace.

• Business continuity: Remote desktop platform ensures business continuity in times of crisis, such as pandemic outbreaks, harsh weather, and transportation strikes. It provides access to business applications and data from home, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives.

Who uses remote desktop software?

• Customer support teams: Employees on support teams are most likely to use the remote desktop tool. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.

• IT departments: Software and licensing administrators in the IT department can use remote desktop tools for scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the device’s physical location or the administrator.

• Data archive teams: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also benefit from using a remote desktop tool. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems like Linux’s numerous variants, so having a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.

• Software engineers: Remote desktop solutions enable developers and engineers to share a single workstation, use integrated development environments (IDEs), access remote servers, and investigate bugs remotely.

• Educational institutions: Teachers, professors, educators, and administrators use remote access solutions for conducting classes and accessing tools and files from remote locations.

• Remote users: Remote employees rely on these solutions to access company files and servers and complete tasks without being in the office.

What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?

• Remote support software: Remote support and remote desktop tools are so similar that many use the two names interchangeably. There is a slight but notable difference between the two. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device. While remote support software does this as well, these solutions offer more expansive features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop and VDI software have similar characteristics but slightly different target functions. A remote desktop tool tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices. In contrast, a VDI tool hones in on entirely virtual desktops associated with servers or even an OS being run within another OS. VDI software allows for centralized hosting and viewership of numerous desktops, whereas remote desktop focuses on the ability to access numerous physical desktops from a single location.

• Screen sharing software: These systems partially match the functionality of remote desktop solutions by allowing users to share screens and demonstrate processes to viewers. Sales, marketing, and support teams use screen sharing tools to provide demos, brainstorm, and resolve technical issues.

Challenges with remote desktop software

Remote desktop tools can come with their own set of challenges.

• Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via the internet, so connectivity issues can end up disrupting the experience. When implementing a remote desktop tool, users must ensure high internet connectivity.

• Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies partly on the end device’s hardware functioning optimally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, the software may not be able to access the remote device.

• Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain degree of privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or an entire network. Companies need to use strong endpoint protection software when implementing remote support software to protect internal devices.

• Operating system compatibility: Some remote desktop systems may not efficiently support different operating systems such as Linux, macOS. or their outdated versions. This Os non-compatibility makes it challenging for remote users to receive timely solutions.

• High-performance tasks: Network speed and bandwidth variation may impact remote desktop tools’ ability to to complete tasks demanding high computational resources, including video rendering, data analysis, and graphic design.

• User experience: Complex remote desktop applications make it difficult for users to log in, establish connections with remote devices, and share files.

How to choose remote desktop software

Organizations buying remote desktop software must consider business-specific needs and the following factors to maximize the return on their investment.

• Device whitelisting and authentication: Choosing a remote desktop platform with device or endpoint authentication is crucial for preventing unauthorized systems from connecting with remote devices and gaining unattended access.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Remote desktop solutions with 2FA capabilities verify user identity to protect devices and data from brute-force attacks, social engineering, and phishing.

• Security compliance: Buyers must ensure that the remote access tool of their choice meets different security standards, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Also, consider choosing solutions that update security protocols regularly.

• Ease of use: Selecting a user-friendly remote desktop tool is essential for ensuring that even non-technical users have a seamless experience while using the system. Moreover, users should be able to install the application without any difficulty.

• File transfer: Remote desktop tools with file sharing features allow users to share presentations, documents, and data, enabling them to send or receive files immediately. Also, consider looking for systems with remote printing, chat, multi-monitor support, and remote wake-on-LAN functionalities.

• Available on mobile devices: Choosing a system that users can access from a phone or tablet helps technical support specialists resolve issues on the go.

• Price and customer support: Consider thoroughly evaluating customer support availability and features against price to find the best solution.

Depending on their organizations’ sizes, needs, and preferences, buyers must try different tools to find the one that best fits their compatibility, security, usability requirements, and budget.

Remote desktop software pricing

Remote desktop software is available in two deployment models: on-premises and cloud. Based on the models, the software can also be purchased as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. Remote desktop tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software, whereas cloud-based solutions are available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop tools can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.

Remote desktop software pricing varies depending on the number of seats, devices, and features organizations require. Below is a general overview of pricing based on tiers buyers choose.

• Entry-level plans range from $10 to $15 monthly and include basic features. These plans suit individual users and small businesses.

• Mid-range plans can cost businesses up to $35 per month. They provide more features suitable for larger business teams.

• Advanced plans cost around $75 monthly and offer advanced support and user management features. These are ideal for larger enterprises with extensive business requirements.

Implementation of remote desktop software

How is remote desktop software implemented?

There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:

• OS-based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed. For example, some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software.

• Third-party-based implementation: Third-party-based implementation is needed when remote desktop software has to be licensed by the user. Once the buyer has decided on the software that fits their particular needs and installed it, it should be ready for use.

Remote desktop software trends

• Companies will adopt a hybrid workplace model: Companies are now looking at providing the choice of working from the office only for a few days a week. The remote working element in a hybrid workplace is a trend that is expected to grow. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or anywhere else with flexible working schedules. Employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as they provide seamless IT support without letting external factors hinder business processes from running smoothly.

• Organizations will opt for consolidation of remote work tools: Organizations use multiple software solutions such as video conferencing, remote support, and remote desktop to enable effective collaboration across employees, clients, and partners. It is essential to consolidate these tools and provide the organization with better visibility to enhance operational productivity, thereby reducing the need to monitor each device individually. The adoption of centralized solutions is expected to rise, considering it would help companies ensure compliance and tackle software management issues.

• BYOD trends continue gaining popularity: Many organizations encourage employees to use BYOD devices to control capital expenditure costs rising from hardware purchase and maintenance. Employees using their devices often rely on remote desktop solutions to connect with peers or access server files. Remote workers using their devices for office work are more likely to experience cybersecurity threats. Businesses must continue investing in cybersecurity, cloud security, and vulnerability management tools to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access and mitigate remote work tech vulnerability.

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The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024, These top-rated, thoroughly tested web hosting services offer the robust features you need to build attractive, reliable websites for business or personal use.

A business without an online presence seriously jeopardizes its reach and potential profits, because people automatically turn to the internet when searching for products or services. As a result, it’s important that your company has an easy-to-navigate website with strong uptime. It doesn’t need to be fancy; even a simple webpage listing your business hours and contact information gives your venture the air of legitimacy it needs in a cyber-connected world. To do this, you need web hosting to serve as the foundation for your website.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

HostGator Web Hosting

Why We Picked It

HostGator is a fantastic web hosting service with a varied selection, including feature-rich WordPress, VPS, dedicated, and cloud server packages. It also includes useful tools, such as the terrific Web.com website builder. In a nice touch, HostGator lets you select a Windows-based server, something not offered by every web hosting service.

Who It’s For

HostGator is best for small and midsize businesses that want to quickly build a Linux- or Windows-based website, and have room to grow. Its shared hosting packages have unlimited disk space, monthly data transfers, databases, and email addresses across the board.

Bluehost Web Hosting

Best for Building WordPress Sites

Why We Picked It

Bluehost strikes a balance between pricing and features, offering services that appeal to hobbyists and business professionals. Great uptime, WordPress-enhancing tools, e-commerce add-ons, and overall flexibility make Bluehost a web host you can count on for a rock-solid website. Its website builder delivers drag-and-drop simplicity as well, making it all the more appealing.

Who It’s For

A massive portion of the internet is powered by WordPress (more than 40 percent!), so there’s a good chance that you may go that route, too. Fortunately, Bluehost excels at WordPress hosting, offering plans that let you build nearly any website you wish. Plus, Bluehost has custom tools that make building a WordPress site an even easier affair.

The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

InMotion Web Hosting

Best for a Lengthy Money-Back Guarantee

Why We Picked It

InMotion is a top-tier web hosting provider that delivers reasonably priced shared, dedicated, VPS, and cloud hosting plans. Whether you need WordPress-specific plans or reselling options, InMotion has a well-rounded feature set that appeals to nearly every web hosting need.

Who It’s For

This is the web host that you should check out when comparing features, as the company casts a wide hosting net. The big exception here is Windows servers, as InMotion uses Linux-based servers to host websites. InMotion also offers an excellent, 90-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans, which gives you plenty of time to kick the tires.

DreamHost Web Hosting

Best for Cloud Hosting

Why We Picked It

When it comes to delivering dependable, Linux-powered servers, DreamHost ranks as one of the best services that we’ve tested. The company offers valuable website-building tools, as well as excellently priced hosting plans for all of your needs, including shared, VPS, and WordPress-specific servers. DreamHost’s cloud-based servers are also extremely affordable and flexible, earning the host an Editors’ Choice nod for the subcategory.

Who It’s For

With its easy-to-use tools, DreamHost is a great host if you’re new to building websites. It also has fantastic cloud-based hosting with highly competitive rates, and a feature-packed toolset that includes site-building software and unlimited data transfers across the board.

A2 Web Hosting

Best for Stellar Customer Service

Why We Picked It

When shopping for web hosting, a strong foundation makes a good first impression. A2 Hosting offers just that with robust hosting packages, excellent uptime, and superb WordPress plans (for which it is a PCMag co-Editors’ Choice winner). In addition, the company has an incredibly helpful customer service team that quickly addresses your problems or questions.

Who It’s For

If you have WordPress in mind, and don’t mind utilizing Linux-based servers, A2 is a host you should scope out first. Its plans include highly optimized environments specifically designed for WordPress, plus managed options that deliver 24-hour support and supervision.

AccuWeb Hosting

Best for Dedicated Hosting

Why We Picked It

Fantastic web hosting plans and helpful customer service aptly describe AccuWeb’s services. However, the company’s excellent dedicated hosting plans make it stand out in a crowded field. In fact, its dedicated packages are so robust that they earned our Editors’ Choice award. What’s more, AccuWeb has Windows Server options alongside the common Linux OS, so you have an another potential foundation for your website.

Who It’s For

Companies seeking high-powered dedicated hosting. Dedicated plans costs more money than shared, VPS, WordPress, or cloud options, but the steeper price tag comes with storage and data transfer privileges that are second to none. If you’re on the prowl for enterprise-level business hosting, AccuWeb will serve your company well.

Liquid Web Hosting

Best for Managed Hosting

Why We Picked It

There’s serious muscle behind LiquidWeb’s wide range of cloud, dedicated, VPS, WordPress, and reseller server packages. It lacks a low-cost, shared hosting tier, making this web host more appealing to larger businesses rather than smaller ones. Despite that limitation, you can expect white-glove treatment with LiquidWeb’s packages, so your web hosting needs will be handled with exceptional care and attention.

Who It’s For

LiquidWeb offers premium hosting, at a premium price point. The host provides excellent, managed, enterprise-class service, with the muscle to power the website of your dreams. If you want powerful hosting options and impeccable, around-the-clock support, LiquidWeb is a good place to start.

Hostwinds Web Hosting

Best for Reseller and VPS Hosting

Why We Picked It

Shared hosting is a great starting point, but as your traffic and demands grow, so will your hosting needs. VPS is the next step up, and Hostwinds handles VPS hosting extremely well. The versatile web host also has strong reseller hosting plans for people who want to open their own hosting businesses.

Who It’s For

Hostwinds is an appealing hosting choice for a wide range of clients, from mom-and-pop shops to big business, as its services are attractively priced and fairly robust. Give Hostwinds a try if you want to migrate your website to a beefier VPS server, or wish to sell hosting of your own.

WP Engine Web Hosting

Best for WordPress Hosting: WP Engine

Why We Picked it

Many web hosting services offer unique packages to compliment the highly popular CMS, and WP Engine is no different. It delivers valuable and powerful WordPress hosting options, alongside other great plans, cloud-based platform flexibility, and reliable service. For managed WordPress hosting, WP Engine is a strong contender that offers plenty of power.

Who It’s For

If you’re thinking of building a WordPress-powered site, keep WP Engine on your radar. The web host covers most of your WordPress-related bases, provided you don’t mind turning to third-parties for domain registration and emails.

Hostinger Web Hosting

Best for Customized Server Packages

Why We Picked It

Hostinger is a versatile web host that combines excellent uptime, great customer service, and a mix of traditional and cloud-based hosting. The company’s services are fairly customizable, too, letting you create private video game servers for CS: GO or Minecraft.

Who It’s For

Gamers who want to create their own private servers. Of course, Hostinger serves non-gamers, too. The web host constantly adds features to its excellent hosting options, or improves accessibility to make those options easier to use. Check out Hostinger’s customizable packages if you need a web server that requires a specific build.

Ionos Web Hosting

Best for Large-Scale Cloud Hosting

Why We Picked It

When it comes to scale, Ionos by 1&1 is a powerhouse. The web host has many well-rounded packages, including shared, VPS, WordPress, and dedicated servers. However, its cloud hosting plans are particularly feature-rich offerings, making Ionos an Editors’ Choice pick for the subcategory.

Who It’s For

Enterprises looking to open up shop online. Ionos’ cloud-based services are reliable and powerful, and let you easily scale server specs as your company grows.

Buying Guide: The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

What Is Included With a Web Hosting Service?

Web hosting services offer varying amounts of monthly data transfers, storage, email, and other features. Even how you pay (month-to-month payments vs. annual payments) can be radically different, too, so taking the time to plot exactly what your company needs for online success is essential. Many of these companies also offer reseller hosting services, which let you go into business for yourself, offering hosting to your own customers without requiring you to spin up your own servers.

You should also familiarize yourself with the many web hosting tiers that are available. In your research, you’ll find shared, virtual private server (VPS), dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting plans. Each tier offers different specs and features that you should take the time to analyze. We’ll break them down below.

What Is Shared Web Hosting?

Shared hosting is web hosting in which the provider houses multiple sites on a single server. For example, Site A shares the same server with Site B, Site C, Site D, and Site E. The upside is that the multiple sites share the server cost, so shared web hosting is generally very inexpensive. It’s cheap web hosting. In fact, you can find an option for less than $10 per month.

You could think of the sites that share your server as your roommates; there’s really not that much separating you from them. Sure, you can close the bedroom door, but they can still cause nightmares for you in the kitchen and the bathroom. In web hosting terms, all the sites share a single server’s resources, so huge traffic spikes on Site A may impact the neighboring sites’ performances. It’s even possible that another site could take down the shared server altogether if it crashed hard enough.

What Is VPS Web Hosting?

VPS hosting is similar to shared hosting in that multiple sites share the same server, but the similarities end there. In housing terms, VPS hosting is like renting your own apartment in a larger building. You’re much more isolated than in the roommate situation mentioned above; it’s still possible that a neighboring apartment could cause annoyance for you, but far less likely. In web hosting terms, Site A’s traffic surge won’t have nearly as much impact on Site B or Site C. As you’d expect, VPS hosting costs more than shared hosting. Expect to pay roughly $20 to $60 per month, depending on the service.

What Is Dedicated Web Hosting?

Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, is both powerful and pricey. It’s reserved for sites that require an incredible amount of server resources.

Unlike shared or VPS hosting, dedicated hosting makes your website the lone tenant on a server. To extend the housing metaphor, having a dedicated server is like owning your own home. This means that your website taps the server’s full power, and pays for the privilege. If you’re looking for a high-powered site—an online mansion for your business—dedicated hosting is the way to go. That said, many dedicated web hosting services task you with handling backend, technical issues, much as homeowners have to manage maintenance that renters generally leave to their landlords.

On the topic of dedicated hosting, many web hosting services also offer managed hosting. This type of hosting sees the web host act as your IT department, handling a server’s maintenance and upkeep. This hosting option is something that you’d typically find with dedicated servers, so it’s a business-centric addition. Naturally, it adds a few bucks to the hosting cost, but nothing that should break the bank if you have the resources for a dedicated server.

What Is WordPress Web Hosting?

WordPress hosting is for people who want to build their sites on the back of the popular WordPress content management system (CMS) from WordPress.org. There are multiple ways to set up shop using this free, open-source blogging and site-building platform.

You gain the most web-building functionality if you create a self-hosted site. This typically involves transferring the free WordPress CMS to the server or signing up for a web host’s optimized WordPress plan. With an optimized plan, the host automatically handles backend stuff, so you don’t have to worry about updating the plug-ins and CMS, and enabling automatic backups. In these instances, the WordPress environment typically comes pre-installed on the server.

You can also host your website on WordPress.com, but that’s different from the kind of hosting mentioned above. WordPress.com uses the same code from WordPress.org, but it hides the server code and handles the hosting for you. In that sense, it resembles entries in our online site builder roundup. It’s a simpler but less flexible and customizable way to approach WordPress hosting. It’s definitely easier, but if you want to tinker and adjust and optimize every aspect of your site, it might not be for you.

Small Business-Friendly Features

When it’s time to set up shop, look for a web host that offers the aforementioned dedicated servers, as well as advanced cloud server platforms (such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud), custom server builds should you need them, and 24/7 customer support. Depending on your focus, you may need a web host that can handle pageviews or visitors that rank in the high thousands or millions. Many busy hosting plans offer an onboarding specialist who can help you get started, too.

If you’re planning on selling a product, look for a web host that offers a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, because it encrypts the data between the customer’s browser and web host to safeguard purchasing information. You’re probably familiar with SSL; it’s the green padlock that appears in your web browser’s address bar as you visit an online financial institution or retail outlet. A few companies toss in an SSL certificate free of charge; others may charge you roughly $100 per year for that extra security layer.

Extra Web Hosting Info

If you’re not sure of the type of hosting your business needs, you might want to start small, with shared web hosting. You can always graduate to a more robust, feature-rich package of, say, VPS hosting or even dedicated hosting in the future. Unfortunately, some hosts don’t offer all hosting types. Consider how much you expect to grow your website, and how soon, before you commit to anything longer than a one-year plan. It’s worth spending the time upfront to make sure that the host you select is able to provide the growth you envision for your site, as switching web hosting providers midstream is not a trivial undertaking.

Once you decide your price range, you need to consider how long you’ll need web hosting. If it’s a short-term project—say, less than a month or two—you can typically receive a refund should you cancel your hosting within 60 days. Some companies offer 30-day money-back guarantees, others offer 90-day money-back guarantees. Once again, it’s beneficial to do your homework.

What Web Hosting Features Do You Need?

Many web hosts offer limited features in their starter packages and then expand the offerings (sometimes tremendously) for higher-tier plans. Read the small print to make sure the plan you are selecting offers what you need. If you need a site builder application to design your website, make sure that the low-cost web host you are picking actually comes with a site builder.

Many of them require you to pay for the builder as a separate add-on. Website builders usually don’t cost a lot of money, but if you can find a web host that includes one for free, that’s money in your pocket. And, if it’s integrated with your hosting service, you’re more likely to have a smooth, supported experience.

You also want a web host with 24/7 customer support—if not by phone, then at least by chat. Forums, knowledge bases, and help tickets are all well and good, but sometimes you just need to communicate with another human to get things ironed out as quickly as possible. That said, not all 24/7 customer support teams are equal. Companies like GoDaddy and Liquid Web boast incredibly knowledgeable and helpful customer support squads—a fact that we confirmed in our in-depth reviews of those web hosting services.

When it comes to server operating systems, Linux is typically the default option. Still, some services offer a choice of Linux or Windows Server hosting. If you have specific server-side applications that require Windows, such as SQL Server or a custom application written in .NET, then you need to make sure your web host has Windows hosting.

But don’t let the idea of a Linux host intimidate you. Nowadays, most web hosts offer a graphical interface or a control panel to simplify server administration and website management. Instead of typing at the command line, you’ll click easily identifiable icons.

Windows hosting is often more expensive than Linux hosting, especially in the dedicated server area. That’s not always the case, but it’s something you should be aware of as you shop around.

What Is Email Hosting?

If you aim to have a web presence, you must have email. It’s a convenient way for potential customers and clients to send you a message, Word document, or other files. Thankfully, most web hosts include email in their hosting plans. Some web hosts offer unlimited email account creation (which is great for future growth), while others offer a finite amount. You, naturally, should want unlimited email.

That said, not all web hosts offer email. WP Engine, for example, does not. In such instances, you must sign up for email accounts from a company other than your web host. GoDaddy, for instance, sells email packages starting at $5.99 per user, per month. That might sound like a hassle, and just one more thing to keep track of, but there are actually some webmasters who feel that separating your email hosting and web hosting services is smart. That way, one provider going offline won’t completely bork your business.

What Is Web Hosting Uptime?

The aforementioned features are valuable to the web hosting experience, but none match the importance of site uptime. If your site is down, clients or customers will be unable to find you or access your products or services.

We’ve added uptime monitoring to our review process, and the results show that most web hosts do an excellent job of keeping sites up and running. Web hosts with uptime issues are heavily penalized during the review process and are unable to qualify for top ratings.

E-Commerce and Marketing

One thing we learned in reviewing the services listed here (and many more) is that even though the packages are similar, they are not identical. Some are more security-focused than others, offering anti-spam and anti-malware tools at every price tier. Others offer a variety of email marketing tools.

While most of the hosts we’ve reviewed have built-in e-commerce, you may want to consider using a more robust, third-party e-commerce platform, such as our Editors’ Choice winners Shopify and Wix Stores.

Finally, if you’re just getting started in the web hosting game, make sure to check out our primers, how to build a website, how to register a domain name, how to get a free domain name, and the best courses for learning how to build a website.

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Best VPN services for 2024

By admin January 10, 2024

Best VPN services for 2024, Looking for the best VPN to ensure your online privacy at an affordable price? In today’s internet-driven world, protecting your personal and financial data from cybercriminals is more important than ever. Identity thieves, hackers, and other digital miscreants cause substantial financial losses to businesses and individuals around the world every year.

The good news is that a reliable VPN is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways to safeguard your online activities from unwanted network intruders. However, selecting the most suitable VPN for your specific needs and budget can be challenging. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide to the best VPN services covers pricing, features, and all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best VPN 2024

1. NordVPN

NordVPN

NordVPN isn’t free, but with three different encryption protocols (IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx), it’s easy to see that this provider values your privacy. The company has also worked hard to build up its server network to include more than 5,200 servers in 60 countries around the world.

One stand-out feature that makes NordVPN a strong contender for the best VPN service out there is split tunneling. If you’re not familiar, split tunneling is the ability to whitelist some activities (such as gaming or streaming) to bypass the VPN and use the regular “clearnet” for better performance.

Best VPN services for 2024

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s “#1 Trusted Leader in VPN” claim may be a bit difficult to prove, but the service offers a compelling list of features nonetheless. It also constantly tries to make regular improvements in speed and simultaneous streaming capabilities, and with support for all major platforms (Windows, MacOS, Android, etc.), you won’t need to worry about compatibility. ExpressVPN shows up on a number of best VPN lists, including our list of the best VPN for Linux and the best VPN for Windows, so its relatively high prices seem justified.

The more than 3,000 servers are all well-placed throughout common travel destinations and urban centers. Any package will land you high-speed unlimited bandwidth and 24-hour customer service. With so many features, including bypassing ISP throttling, built-in threat protection, and split tunneling, it’s no wonder this vendor is considered the best VPN by many users — although you should note that ExpressVPN only supports up to five simultaneous connections with a single subscription, which is the lowest number of the services on our list.

3. Surfshark

It may not quite rank as the best VPN, but when it comes to price, Surfshark is hard to beat and is a great option for those looking to protect their privacy while minimizing costs. Surfshark is available for as cheaply as $60 for the two-year plan, and to sweeten the deal even more, that includes an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Feature-wise, Surfshark is fairly basic. This isn’t necessarily a problem if you don’t need any bells and whistles and just want a solid VPN on the cheap. In fact, the simple, no-nonsense interface, intuitive setup, and simple operation could easily be selling points if you explicitly don’t want to fuss with unnecessary complications. It supports a host of different devices, and it’s one of our top picks for the best Apple TV VPN, too.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish offers all the key features you could need from a VPN at a great price. With regular sales being part of the IPVanish experience, you can commit for a year at a very low cost, enjoying the protection that comes from a choice of more than 2,000 VPN servers across more than 75 different locations.

Besides offering extensive protection whether you’re browsing from home or using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, IPVanish also makes it simpler to avoid Deep Packet Inspection — a method used by ISPs to limit your internet speed at times. The VPN offers unmetered data transfer caps and there’s no limit on how many devices you can use it with so it’s incredibly flexible for high-volume users and larger local networks.

No logs are kept, plus there’s a choice of multiple connection protocols which is useful if you want to get more involved in your VPN settings. 24/7 customer support means the VPN is always on hand to help you out, too. Not that you should need it too often thanks to simple-to-use apps for all major platforms. It’s a great service and it’ll even help you avoid geo-restrictions on many of your favorite streaming apps.

5. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a newcomer to the VPN industry, but it comes packed with secure and steadfast features that challenge even the big players. What’s amazing about this VPN is that it has a comprehensive free data plan that is one of the best on the market, and if you decide to upgrade to the faster, premium servers, then it only costs $49 per year or $72 for three years. While the server network may be considerably smaller than its competitors, it is a newer service with much more room to expand.

In terms of security, although the service is young, it didn’t cut any corners when constructing the server security. You can feel comfortable knowing you’re protected behind 256-bit encryption, WireGuard protocols, IPv6 leak protection, and a whole host of other features. Whether you’re browsing the internet casually, conducting important transactions, gaming, or streaming, you’ll find that AtlasVPN’s servers are ideal for you.

6. Hotspot Shield

Speed can be a limiting factor with even the best VPN, and Hotspot Shield — a relatively new player in the virtual private network space — sought to make that problem its main focus. With up to gigabit speeds, we can safely say that Hotspot Shield seems to have succeeded in that endeavor.

The virtual private network was named the fasted VPN in 2019 and 2020 by Speedtest.net, too, so that doesn’t appear to be mere marketing. But Hotspot Shield isn’t a one-trick pony and has more to offer than just fast speeds. Its list of features also includes military-grade encryption and unlimited bandwidth (at gigabit speeds, mind you).

Hotspot Shield is also very simple to set up and use, but we’d like to see a few more customization options, such as control over encryption protocols. This is part of the deal you get with this VPN, though, as Hotspot Shield utilizes its own proprietary “Hydra” encryption protocol which the company claims is what makes it so fast. That’s just the nature of this beast, it seems.

7. PrivadoVPN

With VPNs, it’s all about location, location, location. PrivadoVPN is a Swiss company and is thus free from the laws of the U.S. and the European Union. Switzerland has pretty robust privacy laws, as well. It’s also not a member of the “fourteen eyes surveillance network,” so user traffic isn’t logged and passes through privacy-friendly countries. That means you needn’t worry about your true IP address being revealed.

Interestingly, PrivadoVPN operates one of the smaller server networks of all the providers on our list, measuring in at more than 320 servers spread between 58 physical locations in 47 countries, but that doesn’t preclude it from being a contender for the best VPN of 2023. That’s because it only offers physical server locations not virtual ones because it is not willing to compromise the quality of its service so it can promote a higher number.

If routing around region-based content restrictions and other geographical hassles is your priority, you might be better served with a VPN that has a wider global server spread, such as ExpressVPN. Although, having said that, PrivadoVPN is a fraction of the cost and covers a large chunk of countries, so if the one you’re wanting to virtually jump to is on its list, then we’d recommend taking it for a spin.

PrivadoVPN has it where it counts, though, with several encryption protocols to choose from: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SOCKS5. The addition of SOCKS5 proxy support is noteworthy, as it allows for fast and seamless peer-to-peer transferring of large files, which is something many VPNs shy away from. This makes PrivadoVPN perhaps the best VPN service for peer-to-peer file transfers if that’s your primary use case for one of these services.

It’s not the cheapest VPN on our list, although that’s offset by the fact that you can use the VPN on up to ten devices simultaneously. There’s also a free app-based package that gives you 10GB of bandwidth per month.

8. CyberGhost

With more than ten million active users and over 7,000 servers spread across the globe, CyberGhost is a giant in the VPN space. It’s also one of the most versatile virtual private networks out there, both in terms of supported devices/platforms as well as what activities it’s useful for.

CyberGhost VPN is compatible with computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles, and one great feature of the VPN is that it will automatically connect you to the best server for whatever you’re doing at the moment. That’s a vital consideration for bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and streaming.

Another feather in the CyberGhost cap is that it supports peer-to-peer file transfers (read: It’s good to go for torrenting, and as we mentioned, it’ll select the best server for it so you get the fastest upload/download times). The interface is great, too, particularly on the computer. It gives you complete control and lots of configuration options including preferred server setups for your most-used programs and apps.

For encryption protocols, CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, wrapping your connection in AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data and IP address hidden. CyberGhost is based in Romania and has a no-logs policy, and while this should keep you safe from certain prying eyes, this hasn’t been independently audited.

If that’s not a deal-breaker, CyberGhost is a strong contender for the best VPN of 2023 (take a look at our NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison for more information on how it stacks up to the best) if you’re looking for the sweet spot between versatility and price. A limited-time introductory offer lets new subscribers grab their first two years of service for $57, which averages to just over $2 per month.

9. PureVPN

With a name like PureVPN, this virtual private network had better offer some viable protection — and it does. The software’s hallmarks lie in its ability to connect to a mélange of services for different activities, with wide compatibility with various devices and software interfaces.

The service starts at $55 for two years, making PureVPN another one of the best cheap VPNs on our roundup. That subscription includes port forwarding, multiple encryption protocols (PPTP, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and OpenVPN UDP/TCP), malware blocking, P2P support, and an audited no-log policy. You can also get some premium add-ons like encrypted file transfers and a password manager at extra cost.

As with any good virtual private network service, PureVPN will prevent websites from viewing your personal IP address, thus preventing others from identifying you or your geographic location. And with more than 6,500 servers on six continents, you won’t be at a loss for worldwide connection points to choose from.

Like NordVPN, PureVPN features split tunneling that allows you to whitelist certain activities you don’t need or want to go through the VPN, allowing you to use online services and browse the web through the VPN and on the clearnet simultaneously. PureVPN also offers you a personal IP address for you to use with certain sites and services — a good idea for those that require logins.

10. TunnelBear

Our second-to-last pick isn’t as feature-rich as the others listed on our best VPN of 2023 roundup, but it’s nonetheless worth a mention if you’re looking for another no-frills (read: cheap) virtual private network that doesn’t bog you down with features you don’t need. TunnelBear puts ease of use and newbie-friendliness front and center. If you’re new to VPNs and find all this a bit intimidating, this big bear might be the one for you.

The main appeal of TunnelBear is simplicity and ease of use. You don’t have to fuss around with choosing encryption protocols or any other complicated setup. That’s bad news for advanced users who want more control and customization options, but it’s great for average folks who don’t want or need all that stuff getting in the way. TunnelBear does what it needs to do with good encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy, with the added benefit of full yearly independent audits that the company releases to the public.

That simplicity does, however, bring a couple of bear-sized caveats. Firstly, there’s no free VPN trial or money-back guarantee, which could be a non-starter for many who are new to the VPN game and don’t want to fully commit to a service right away. If this describes you, you’re probably better served with a VPN that has a 30- to 45-day refund period.

12. Kaspersky VPN

For those looking for an affordable VPN option that hides your IP address well and protects you online, then Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection might be for you. You can get a full-year subscription to Kaspersky for only $34 right now, or $7 for a monthly subscription.

What’s perhaps even more enticing is the free data service that Kaspersky VPN provides its customers. If you’re unsure about how VPNs work and want to test one out before you commit to a subscription, then you can utilize the free data service first. While there may be other providers that gift users more megabytes per month, the benefit of using Kaspersky’s VPN is the combination of its free service as well as its cheap monthly price. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee for the premium product if it’s not a fit.

Secure Connection has outperformed nearly all others in independent speed testing, making it a great companion for gaming, streaming, torrenting and downloading. It has recently added support for popular streaming platforms, and you can also now connect your router and other devices directly to the VPN to protect your entire network.

13. AdGuard VPN

Stop for a moment and think about the main reason why you typically use a VPN. Ultimately, it’s for privacy and protection and that’s precisely what AdGuard VPN offers, at an incredibly accessible price. If you want to give the service a try, you’ll get 3GB of fast, protected bandwidth all for the low price of free. From there, it’s $2 per month with the current deal – we’ll explain that in more detail below. AdGuard has 1,000+ servers spread across 53 countries worldwide, including just about anywhere you’d want access to, within U.S. borders and beyond.

Following the “Ninja Code,” AdGuard does not record, collect, or share data with third parties, and they have a no-log policy for users. The service utilizes a proprietary fast and secure protocol, developed in-house, that blends both speed and security so there’s no compromise on your part when you’re browsing. It blocks ads and trackers with the help of a DNS server, and you can set up website exclusions, a sort of whitelist for websites where you don’t want the VPN to be active while browsing.

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Best Data Recovery Software in 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Data Recovery Software in 2024, You don’t want to be caught off guard when you lose an important file. Instead, you want to have reliable data recovery software already installed on your system, and this article is here to help you pick the best solution for you.

Our Data Recovery Software Selection Criteria

Here are some of the critical aspects that delineate top data recovery software from the competition.

• Performance & Versatility: A common issue with a lot of these recovery apps is that the rescue tools support very limited file types. A recovery app becomes resourceful when it supports the restoration of a wide range of file types; so, you can confidently restore deleted photos, videos, music files, and other more specific file types, such as XLS, DOC, or PDF files. Another unpleasant realization is that most of your programs do not support the recovery of files from external storage devices such as external HDD, memory cards or USB flash drives. This is quite inconvenient as the major chunk of data loss these days occur on external or portable storage devices. We favored versatile data recovery software with high performance, supporting various file types, file systems, and recovery from external storage devices, while maintaining a high recovery rate.

• Scanning Speed: Time is something nobody has enough of these days. You can’t expect users to spend the whole day waiting for the scanning and recovering processes to finally get their hands on something urgent. Good-performing data recovery software generally has options for high-speed scanning. And some even come with customized scanning while targeting a specific file for recovery. We preferred data recovery software with fast scanning speeds, offering high-speed and customizable scans for targeted file recovery, thus saving time and increasing efficiency.

• File Preview & Recovery Chances: Another important feature is to preview files that have already been identified. Also, the recovered files need to be in their original quality. Reliable data recovery applications also display the recovery chances of each file. We gave preference to data recovery software with file previews, original quality preservation, and displayed recovery chances for informed decision-making.

• User-Friendly UI: There’s no use in having the world’s best data recovery app if it can only be operated by the team behind it. A simple interface and ease of use are essential to any app. A lot of recovery programs feature flashy icons and supposedly high-tech features that are rather useless. The end-user often only needs a well-defined interface that delivers the goods, period. We prioritized user-friendly data recovery software with a simple interface, removing flashy elements, for easy end-user operation.

Now that you know what makes an awesome recovery program, let’s move on to the ranking.

Top 10 Best Data Recovery Software

1. Disk Drill Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Disk Drill is one the best data recovery software for Windows and Mac because of its ability to effortlessly recover lost or deleted data from all internal and external storage devices, regardless of their file system.

✅

Pros:

• Supports hundreds of file formats

• Powerful recovery capabilities

• Lost partition search

• Data protection and backup features

• Intuitive user interface

• Recovers up to 500 MB of data for free (Windows)

• Ability to mount scan results as a folder

❗️

Cons:

• No phone support

• Average scan speed

• Limited support for Linux file systems

Download Disk Drill

User Experience

Developed by the data recovery experts at CleverFiles, Disk Drill is the best choice for professional and casual home users alike, providing an exceptionally polished experience and best-in-class data recovery results. The latest version of the software can recover data in more than 400 file formats from a variety of storage devices and file systems using its advanced scanning algorithms.

Data recovery with Disk Drill is an intuitive process that doesn’t require any expert knowledge. You can filter scan results to find a specific file and preview it before recovery directly inside Disk Drill. If you need to shut down your computer, you can simply pause the scan and resume it later.

The free version of Disk Drill can recover up to 500 MB of data (on Windows), and it provides enhanced data protection with its Recovery Vault and Drive backup features (which makes Disk Drill a backup and recovery tool at the same time). Both of these features are just as easy to use as the data recovery portion of Disk Drill because they share the same polished user interface. Another important aspect of Disk Drill is its ability to recover data with original file names and folder structure.

Users who would like to enjoy unlimited data recovery can upgrade to Disk Drill PRO for just $89.00 and activate it on up to 3 computers. Lifetime upgrades can be purchased for $29 to reliably recover data even on future versions of Windows and macOS.

On top of that, when you buy Disk Drill you actually get two for one. For example, your purchase of Disk Drill PRO for Windows automatically gets you a version for macOS.

Despite the word PRO in its name, the paid version of Disk Drill is just as easy to use as the free one, so even inexperienced home users with no expert knowledge shouldn’t feel intimidated by it.

🔗

If you’re interested in using Disk Drill, check out our full review to learn about its features and performance. We also conducted an analysis of its safety and security, which you can find on our website.

Versions / Licensing:

• Disk Drill Basic: Free

• Disk Drill Pro: $89

• Disk Drill Enterprise: $499

System requirements: Windows 7 SP1+, 44 MB of storage space / Mac OS X 10.8.5+, 22 MB of storage space

Supported languages: English, Arabic, German, Spanish, French, Turkish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Dutch, Polish, Brazilian, Portuguese, European Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Chinese, Hindi

Supported file systems: NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, EXT3/EXT4, HFS, HFS+, APFS

2. R-Studio (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

This comprehensive data recovery software solution is geared toward more experienced users who are able to appreciate its extensive options and powerful features.

✅

Pros:

• Advanced features for data recovery professionals

• Available as a bootable ISO image

• Disk sanitization feature

❗️

Cons:

• Not suitable for non-technical users

• Doesn’t display results during scan

• Can preview only a few file formats

Download R-Studio

User Experience

Whereas most data recovery products on the market target regular home users, R-Studio is intended primarily for professionals who already understand the ins and outs of data recovery. It provides support for all commonly used file systems and partition layout schemes and handles even damaged or deleted partitions.

Instead of guiding users through the recovery process step by step, R-Studio gives them the freedom to start multiple data recovery jobs at the same time in separate tabs. Recovered files can be sorted by their extensions, creation time, modification time, access time, and other parameters. You can preview many supported file types or view files using the built-in hex editor to assess their integrity or perform partial recovery.

When buying R-Studio, make sure you get the right version. The least expensive version of R-Studio ($49.99) can recover data only from the FAT, exFAT, and Ext2/3/4 file systems. To also recover data from NTFS, ReFS, HFS+, APFS, HFS, and UFS, you need to purchase the $79.99 version.

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 or Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 / Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or newer / Any kernel 2.6+ Linux distribution capable of installing .rpm or .deb packages

Supported languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS/ReFS, FAT/exFAT, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, HFS+/APFS/ HFS/UFS

3. PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

PhotoRec has powerful file recovery capabilities and support for a wide range of platforms. Whether it’s a digital camera or a traditional hard drive, PhotoRec has you covered as long as you’re able to figure out how to use it.

✅

Pros:

• Compatible with all major operating systems

• Recovers about 300 file families

• Support for many file systems

❗️

Cons:

• Intimidating for beginners

• All files are automatically recovered during scan

• Unable to restore file names and folder structure

Download PhotoRec

User Experience

Judging by its name, you might think that PhotoRec can recover only image file formats, but that’s not the case at all. In reality, this open-source data recovery software can recover more than 480 file extensions (about 300 file families) from hard drives, memory cards, CD-ROMs, USB flash drives, and other storage devices.

PhotoRec is known for scaring inexperienced users away with its text-only user interface, but we found the data recovery process to be reasonably self-explanatory. Sure, beginners could benefit from even more handholding, but that’s what the official documentation is intended for.

In terms of performance, PhotoRec can measure up to many paid data recovery software applications. It uses a non-destructive data recovery method, which prevents it from writing to the same storage device the user is about to recover from. In certain cases, PhotoRec can successfully recover even fragmented files scattered all over the place.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystem, HFS

4. Recuva (Windows)

Recuva is a small freeware program you can use to recover pictures, music, documents, videos, or any other types of files on your hard drive, memory cards, floppy disks, iPod or MP3 player, or USB sticks.

✅

Pros:

• Low price

• Free version available

• Preview screen

❗️

Cons:

• Can’t recover as many files as high-priced rivals

• The interface is rather outdated

• Limited support of restoring the original folder trees and file names

Download Recuva

User Experience

We like Recuva for its low cost, its clear interface, and its ease of use, but it only recovered two-thirds of the deleted files on my test drive, and that kind of performance may not be good enough in a crisis. The reason why Recuva performs poorly compared with the top 3 listed in this article is simple: it doesn’t support many file formats.

The lackluster file format support may not matter to you if all you want to do is recover files saved in a format that is supported by Recuva. What will matter to you, in either case, is the tool’s usability, which is rather good thanks to its clean interface design and integrated preview screen.

It’s clear, however, that Recuva’s user interface comes from the Windows XP era (Recuva was released during the transition period from Windows XP to Windows Vista). The latest major Rucuva update (v1.53) was released in 2016, and the software has received only minor improvements since then. Fortunately, it still works fine on all recent versions of Windows.

Versions / Licensing:

• Recuva Free: $0

• Recuva Pro: $19.95

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP

Supported languages: Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azeri (Latin), Bosnian, Brazilian Portuguese (Portugues do Brasil), Bulgarian, Catalan (Catala), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech (Ceský), Danish, Dutch (Nederlands), English, Estonian, Finnish (Suomi), French (Français), Georgian, German (Deutsch), Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian (Magyar), Italian (Italiano), Japanese, Lithuanian (Lietuviu), Norwegian, Polish (Polski), Romanian (Romana), Russian, Serbian (Cyrillic), Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (Espanol), Swedish (Svenska), Turkish (Türkçe), Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, and NTFS

5. Data Rescue (Windows & Mac)

Simplicity is what Data Rescue is all about, but its steep price makes it prohibitively expensive for most home users, the demographic that would ironically most appreciate its clean and simple user interface.

✅

Pros:

• Clean and simple interface

• Can duplicate a potentially failing drive onto a healthy drive

• Automatically determines a set of RAID configurations

❗️

Cons:

• Unnecessarily complicated multi-step recovery process

• Expensive

Download Data Rescue 6

User Experience

Data Rescue is a somewhat confusing data recovery software application because its clean and simple user interface (the main screen features just three large buttons with colorful icons and detailed descriptions) suggests that its target are regular home users, but its steep price tag and website tell a completely different story.

A single license (which can be used by one user on an unlimited number of systems) costs $399.00 a year. That’s more than twice as much compared with what most other competing data recovery software applications charge for a lifetime license.

If you can afford to pay such a large amount of money for Data Rescue, you can look forward to fast scan and recovery speeds, improved RAID recovery, and additional disk tools for byte-to-byte disk copies and secure file deletion.

Versions / Licensing:

• Data Rescue 6 Demo: Free

• Data Rescue 6 Standard: starts at $19 (pay for the files you want to recover)

• Data Rescue 6 Pro: $399 per year

System requirements: Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.12 or later, secondary storage location, internet connection

Supported languages: English

Supported file systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, ext2, ext3, HFS+, APFS, and NTFS

6. Wondershare Recoverit (Windows & Mac)

One of the best data recovery programs in its price range, Wondershare works flawlessly with a wide range of storage devices, including camcorders, hard drives, memory sticks, and USB flash drives.

✅

Pros:

• Supports many file formats

• Sleek design and great usability

• Compatible with Windows and Mac files systems

❗️

Cons:

• Can recover only up to 100 MB of data

• Preview feature limited to a handful of file formats

• Many duplicates in scan results

Download Wondershare Recoverit

User Experience

The company behind this data recovery software has been around for many years, and it has successfully earned the trust of millions of home users and many large companies. Recoverit is its flagship data recovery product, and it boasts support for over 1,000 file formats and all commonly used file systems, including NTFS, FAT, HFS+, and APFS.

Just like all other software applications from Wondershare, Recoverit is really easy to use, and we had to go through just three simple steps to recover our files. During the last step, we were able to preview recovered files before retrieving them with a single click.

The only problem is that the free version of Wondershare Recoverit can recover only up to 100 MB of data. That’s not much considering that a single high-resolution picture taken with a modern smartphone can easily have around 5 MB.

Versions / Licensing:

• Wondershare Recoverit Essential: $59.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Standard: $69.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Advanced: $79.95 a year

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (either 32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows Server 2016, 2012, 2008, 2003 / macOS 10.9- 10.15

Supported languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Korean

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, APFS, encrypted APFS, HFS+, encrypted HFS, HFSX

7. DiskGenius (Windows)

DiskGenius is an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution aimed at professional and home users alike. You can use it to solve many unpleasant disk problems and try it for free before spending money on one of the two paid versions.

✅

Pros:

• Combines data recovery and partition management

• Is able to virtualize Windows into a VMware virtual machine

• Disk cloning functionality

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Free version available

❗️

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the most intuitive user interface

• Jack of all trades but master of none

Download DiskGenius

User Experience

Partition and data loss issues often go hand-in-hand, which is why the people behind DiskGenius decided to create an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution that lets you recover lost data from deletion, formatting, RAW drive, partition loss, OS crash, and many other data loss situations.

While the user interface of DiskGenius is nothing to write home about, the actual data recovery process is simple and boils down to just three steps. First, you select a partition or drive, then you scan for lost data, and, finally, you preview all listed files and select those that you want to get back.

DiskGenius comes with several extra features that even several times more expensive products don’t include, such as the ability to recover data directly from VMware, Virtual Box, or Microsoft Virtual PC images. It also includes a hex editor that facilitates the analysis of raw disk data, but it’s unlikely that regular users would ever take advantage of this feature.

System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Small Business Server 2011/2003/2008, Windows home server 2011, and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 (both 32bit and 64bit)

Supported languages: English, Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4

8. Stellar Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Stellar Data Recovery is a professional-grade data recovery software for Windows and Mac that can deal with completely crashed and unbootable systems that many lesser applications of its kind would deem unrecoverable.

✅

Pros:

• Support for a wide range of storage devices

• Easy to use

• Useful preview feature

❗️

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

• Slow scan and recovery speed

• Glitchy store device selection

Download Stellar Data Recovery

User Experience

Previously known as Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery, this data recovery software supports NTFS, exFAT, and FAT (FAT16/FAT32) formatted hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards (including SD cards, MicroSD cards, CF cards, etc.), and other commonly used storage devices.

You can choose from two different versions intended for professional usage: Professional ($79.99 for one year or $99 for a lifetime license) and Premium ($99.99 for one year or $149 for a lifetime license). The former version is slightly cheaper because it doesn’t include any video or photo recovery capabilities.

Except for the missing recovery features, the two versions are identical and equally easy to use. Recovered files can be sorted according to their type or displayed in a tree view, which is useful for locating a specific folder.

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP / macOS Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8 & 10.7

Supported languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Supported file systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT(FAT16/FAT32), HFS, HFS+, ext2, ext3, ext4

9. TestDisk (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

Designed to recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again, TestDisk is an excellent solution to many desperate data loss scenarios, but its text-only user interface puts it out of the reach of many users.

✅

Pros:

• Capable of recovering many different filesystems and partition schemes

• Broad operating system support

• Free and open source

❗️

Cons:

• Lacks an intuitive graphical user interface – command-line only

• Repairs damaged partitions and file systems but not files

Download TestDisk

User Experience

If you’ve accidentally and permanently deleted an important file, and you desperately want to get it back, TestDisk isn’t the right choice. This open-source data recovery application doesn’t focus on individual files but entire file systems and partitions. It can fix partition tables, repair boot sectors, and do many other things to restore access to lost files.

It’s true that TestDisk can undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4 file systems, but this functionality is tucked away inside the advanced menu, where most regular users never go. Besides, recovering individual files with TestDisk is extremely cumbersome because you can’t preview files before recovery.

But despite its shortcomings, such as the lack of an intuitive graphical user interface, TestDisk remains one of the best data recovery software solutions for Windows, Mac, Linux, and several other operating systems.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4

10. EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

EaseUS has managed to garner a great deal of positive feedback across a wide spectrum of users, and our experience with its data recovery features has been similarly positive, which is why it deserves a place on this list.

✅

Pros:

• Reliable data recovery performance

• Lets users sort and filter deleted files

• Makes data recovery accessible to anyone

❗️

Cons:

• Includes unrecoverable files alongside recoverable files

• Previews only files that are smaller than 100 MB

• Doesn’t accurately display remaining scan time

Download EaseUS Data Recovery

User Experience

EaseUS Data Recovery is a tried and tested data recovery software for Windows and Mac. Its developers have successfully made the complicated process of data recovery simple and accessible to anyone. There are no menus with multiple layers and options that require a lengthy manual to decipher what they mean.

When you begin data recovery with this software application, you’re first asked to select a location to scan, such as your hard drive or USB flash drive. You can also select a specific folder, including the Recycle Bin. Then, you simply click the Scan button and wait for EaseUS Data Recovery to find your files.

If your budget is tight, you can purchase EaseUS Data Recovery for just one month. However, we recommend you get a lifetime license for $149.95 to enjoy unlimited free upgrades.

System requirements: Windows 2000 or newer / macOS 10.15 ~ 10.9

Supported languages: English, German, Japanese, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Swedish, Danish, Korean, Russian, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Arabic, Turkish, Indonesian

Supported file systems: FAT (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5, ext2/ext3, HFS+, ReFS

Honorable Mentions

Are you still hungry for more data recovery software? Then take a look at our selection of try-worthy applications that didn’t make it into the top 10.

• Windows File Recovery: Developed by Microsoft for its Windows operating system, Windows File Recovery, is a command-line tool capable of recovering permanently deleted files that are no longer present in the Recycle Bin. We just wish it delivered better recovery results and came with an optional graphical user interface.

• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: If you can live with an outdated user interface and a limited set of features, then the free version of MiniTool Power Data Recovery deserves a download from you since it works well in all kinds of data loss situations.

• Undelete 360: Last updated in 2017 for Windows 7, Undelete 360 is an outdated data recovery application that has yet to become obsolete. You can use it to recover all Windows-supported storage devices with a few simple clicks, and it even lets you preview files before recovery.

• Wise Data Recovery: If you want to recover data from an older version of Windows, then Wise Data Recovery is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that you may experience serious issues when using it on Windows 10 and newer.

• SysTools Data Recovery Software: The long list of features and the highly technical language the official website of this data recovery software uses to describe them should be enough to tell you that this isn’t the most user-friendly software in the world.

• Remo Data Recovery Software: Because of how dependable Remo Data Recovery Software is, it has received many positive reviews from professional reviewers and real users alike. We just with the Windows application was more polished.

• Zero Assumption Recovery: Also referred to as ZAR Data Recovery, this Windows software supports Windows FAT, NTFS, Linux ext/2/3/4, and XFS file systems, and you can download it free of charge from its official website.

• TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro: You can try the full version of TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro without risking anything thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. The last version of the software even supports Windows 11.

• Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery: What’s great about Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery is the free price tag. What’s not so great is its terribly outdated user interface and limited file system and file format support.

• iBoysoft Data Recovery: iBoysoft Data Recovery doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of features, design, and performance, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for an instantly recognizable alternative to established data recovery solutions, then this software is worth looking into.

• GetDataBack Pro: Developed by Runtime Software, GetDataBack Pro excels in the HDD data recovery department but could use improvements in terms of being a more well-rounded and user-friendly program. Despite not being as popular as other data recovery software, it is a suitable choice for intermediate and expert PC users looking for a powerful recovery tool.

• Ontrack EasyRecovery: As a rebranded version of Stellar Data Recovery, Ontrack EasyRecovery offers similar performance, and its free version allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data without paying. Although not among the best data recovery apps, it supports all major file types and is cross-platform, making it a versatile option that’s worth trying. The biggest downside is its expensive annual subscription, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.

• DMDE: Featuring an expansive set of features aimed towards professional users, DMDE stands out for its broad operating system support, even dating back to Windows 98. But despite its technical prowess, DMDE’s complexity can be overwhelming for beginners, with an unintuitive scanning process and complex scanning results.

• AnyRecover Data Recovery: By striking a balance between user-friendliness and data recovery capabilities, AnyRecover Data Recovery positions itself as an attractive alternative to the leading data recovery software applications. If only it didn’t fall short in recovering data from some file systems during deep scans and offered more extra features, it could have made it into our top 10 list.

• Tenorshare 4DDiG: This app’s user-friendly interface makes data recovery a breeze, so it’s a solid choice for regular home users who find complicated software intimidating. Just know that Tenorshare’s ease of use outweighs its data recovery capabilities, especially when it comes to recovering files with their original names intact.

• Cisdem Data Recovery: Though it’s a clone of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Cisdem deserves the attention of anyone seeking a well-rounded data recovery solution. With fast scan times, a user-friendly interface, and excellent support for various file formats, it makes for an accessible tool for users at all levels of tech-savvy. However, its lifetime license is quite pricey, costing $149.95, and the monthly subscription ($69.95/month) can quickly end up being even more expensive.

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