14 things you really need for your Windows PC – as recommended by Which? experts

Whether you're setting up a new Windows PC for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing workstation, our tech experts can help you maximise your PC’s potential.

In our lab, we're constantly working to uncover Which? Best Buys that make your PC a pleasure to use. By consulting our expert reviews before making any big changes, you'll avoid wasting money on a product (or software) that simply isn't up to scratch.

Keep scrolling for a list of Windows-compatible tools that we consider essential. Plus, you'll hear directly from our product experts on computing software and accessories that have aced our rigorous tests.

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1. High-scoring antivirus software

Why is it important? Threats can lock down your system and steal your information.

Antivirus software can make a real difference to the security of your device. Although Windows Defender comes preinstalled with Windows 10 and 11, antivirus is a necessary upgrade if you're looking for more in-depth and dedicated online security. For example, our tests discovered that Defender can take multiple scans to fully catch and deal with malware. Plus, it's not as good as the third-party software we tested at detecting phishing attacks.

To uncover the top free and paid-for antivirus software, we run through a series of checks. Our experts bombard software with tens of thousands of threats – this process is repeated multiple times a year, as new threats are emerging all the time and we want to make sure antivirus consistently protects you.

 We also study how easy it is to use and how many annoying pop-ups you'll have to deal with while you use it.

Our expert says:

'During testing, we install each antivirus on a 'fresh' computer and rate this process and any changes in performance.

'The best free antivirus we've tested is superb at protecting against malware, phishing and ransomware, plus it uses a clear and obvious layout that's simple to navigate. To guarantee protection against hackers, see our guide to the best antivirus software.'

Callum Pears, Which? antivirus software expert

Are you using Windows 10? Find out how you can plan for Windows 10 losing security support

2. A cloud storage account (or external hard drive)

Why is it important? Keep information backed up in case something happens to your computer.

With a cloud storage account at your disposal, you can easily store your most important files and access them from anywhere. This is especially handy if you regularly switch between devices or need to access files while travelling.

To back up your data, you can use cloud storage or a physical external drive (more on that below). Some popular cloud storage service providers include Google Drive (15GB of free storage with the Personal plan) and Microsoft OneDrive (5GB of free storage with the Microsoft 365 plan).

Most services will let you share files with other people – for example, you might want to share holiday snaps with your family.

Alternatively, you can protect against data loss with an physical drive:

• On Windows 10 – head to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Files backup. Under Back up using File History, choose More Options. On this screen, choose Back up now. You can also configure how often this happens automatically by clicking the drop-down menu under Back up my files.
• On Windows 11 – head to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Backup > Add a drive.

For more details, explore our guide on how to choose the best cloud storage service. We also have a round-up of the best external hard drives.

3. A wi-fi extender or mesh system

Why is it important? Improve your internet connection throughout your home.

A strong wi-fi connection will help you stay productive during work hours and let you enjoy lag-free streaming while watching shows online.

By connecting a wi-fi extender or mesh system to your router, you can enhance coverage in rooms that are farther away. Our rigorous testing has uncovered Best Buys that can handle poor wi-fi connection in one or two rooms exceptionally well.

Wi-fi extenders and mesh systems work in slightly different ways. An extender is designed to amplify and repeat the wireless signal from your router to extend its coverage. Meanwhile, a mesh system is made up of a series of nodes that sit around your home and act as extra routers – one of them connects to your router's modem.

To see which options we recommend, explore our guide to the best wi-fi extenders and wi-fi mesh systems.

4. A Which? Best Buy printer

Why is it important? Our recommended models don't cost a fortune in ink.

You might be tempted to buy an affordable printer for your PC, but be careful – the initial outlay might be low, but expensive ink costs could add up over time and leave you regretting your decision.

Choose wisely with the help of our expert reviews, and you'll have an easy-to-use printer that produces excellent prints at a low price. We've uncovered a selection of Best Buy models, plus Great Value printers starting at around £50.

Our expert says:

'During testing, our expert panel evaluates and rates prints for colour accuracy, sharpness, and overall print quality. We assess print quality across letters, photos, graphics, pages containing charts and graphs, and those made up of both text and images.

'Don't Buy printers simply aren't worth your money. They're a pain to set up and are often let down by fiddly controls, low-quality prints, grainy copies and high running costs. Steer well clear. Our guide to the best home printers uncovers the models worthy of a spot in your home office.'

Oliver Trebilcock, Which? printers expert

5. A free copy of Microsoft Office (or similar)

Why is it important? It's crammed with features, and you don't need to install anything.

Assuming you have a Microsoft account, you can use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more on your Windows computer completely free of charge. The free version of Office lets you access all of your Office files at a glance, or see a feed that generates a history of your edits.

If you're looking for an alternative program that works like Microsoft Office, you can also try:

• LibreOffice The full package from the LibreOffice website gets you Writer (Word), Calc (Excel) and other programs. It's very similar to older versions of Office, so you should feel at home if that's what you're used to.
• Google Tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets and more) Head to the Google homepage and, in the top-right corner, select the nine-dot square icon to access Google Apps. Choose Google Docs to head to the app's home screen. You will need a free Google account.

For more, see how to get Microsoft Office for free or discover the best LibreOffice features.

6. Image-editing software

Why is it important? Handy for enhancing photos and managing your collection.

We recommend having some form of image-editing software on your device, as it allows you to create high-quality images for a range of purposes, from personal use to professional projects.

GNU Image Manipulation Program (also known as GIMP – available from gimp.org) is a free, Windows-compatible image editor. The tool is updated regularly and functions as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering similar features but with a slightly different interface.

Web-based image editors are also a good option, as they save space on your internal storage. Popular picks include:

• Google Photos Organise your photos by date, location or people featured. Opening an image lets you play around with brightness and colour settings. There are also a selection of filters to experiment with.
• Pixlr Offers 'playful' and 'advanced' modes, depending on what you need. Like Photoshop, it allows you to work on multiple layers, which is key to detailed picture editing and creating composite images.
• Adobe Express (shown above) A free Adobe tool that provides basic functions like crop and convert, plus more advanced features that use generative AI.

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7. A Which? Tech Support subscription

Why is it important? Feel more confident using your tech devices with our expert advice.

A Tech Support membership provides unlimited 1-to-1 access to our experts, who can troubleshoot your Windows issues via remote fix. You can follow along on-screen while we resolve your problem.

But a subscription offers more than just troubleshooting. You'll also receive Which? Tech magazine, delivered to your door every other month – it's packed with easy, jargon-free advice so you can make the most of your tablet, laptop or smartphone.

Our expert says:

'Which? Tech is the easy read you need in a tech-led world. Every other month, we bring you the latest news, features, product info and scam alerts.

'So far this year, we've revealed the smartphones with the longest-lasting batteries, the best external hard drives and antivirus, and helped Windows 10 users plan for when their operating system loses security support later this year.

'Make your tech work for you and join Which? Tech Support today.'

Lisa Barber, Which? Tech editor

8. A second monitor

Why is it important? Give yourself more room to work and avoid constant tab switching.

Connecting your Windows computer to a second monitor instantly gives you more room to work with. For example, you might use one monitor for email, leaving the other free for word processing or spreadsheet tasks.

It's a potential money-saver, too – instead of buying a laptop with a bigger screen, you can add a second monitor to your existing setup at a lower cost. As part of our testing, we've been hands-on with various monitors under £200.

The best monitor we've tested at the time of writing is a high-end option with a superb display and detailed audio. It can reliably be used for tasks that require a sharp, crisp, and lively screen, such as picture or video editing. 

But not all monitors are made equal. Our testing has uncovered some low-scoring options let down by poor picture quality and colour accuracy. To avoid a dud, you'll need to consult our reviews.

See which monitors we recommend: best computer monitors.

Even more ways to improve your setup

• Organised folders Decluttering and grouping files means your most important documents, photos and videos will never go missing again. See our advice on how to organise PC files so they're easy to find.
• A supportive office chair Our recommended chairs offer plenty of support and they're a breeze to assemble. Discover the best office chairs.
• Set up a personalised start menu Shortcuts can be moved around on the Start menu in Windows. Simply pick them up with the mouse pointer (left-click and keep this part of your mouse held down) and drag them to a new position. You can label groups of icons, too.
• Use a generic email account over an ISP email account ISP email accounts are tied to your provider, which means you could lose access (or struggle to keep your messages) if you switch.
• Try a password manager Create an encrypted vault that stores all your passwords. In most cases, these tools also generate strong passwords and then make sure they’re associated with the right websites. See how to create secure passwords.
• Buy some noise-cancelling headphones If you want to stay focused on your work, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can work wonders and block out distractions. See our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Join Which? Tech Support

Get tech-confident

Solve your tech issues and get expert buying advice by chatting to our support team as often as you need. From only £4.99 a month, together we’ll show your tech who’s boss.

Find out more

Which? Tech Support can help you keep on top of your home tech. Our experts explain things clearly so you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.

Get unlimited 1-to-1 expert support:

• By remote fix We connect securely from our office to your home computer and resolve issues while you watch.
• By phone Clear guidance on choosing, setting up, using and resolving issues with your home tech devices.
• By email Outline the issue and we’ll email you our answer.
• In print Which? Tech magazine, six issues a year delivered to your door.

You can join Which? Tech Support.