The Mighty 3: 3 Freeware Apps You Need in 2026
If you’ve been a reader of our newsletter for a while, you know we have a bit of an obsession with installing stuff you don’t need and finding the perfect balance of small, non-intrusive apps with features that can make your Windows computer life a bit easier.
These three freeware programs prove that some of the best things in life (and on Windows) are still free.
1. IrfanView: The Ultimate Image Specialist
Darcy introduced me to Irfanview when I was still a young man – that seems like forever ago. But, you know what? I still use it almost every day.
Windows comes with a built-in photo viewer, but it can often feel sluggish or limited when you need to do more than just look at a picture. IrfanView has been a favorite for decades because it is lightning-fast and incredibly versatile.
It is useful because it can open almost any image format ever created, including rare and older types that modern apps ignore. Beyond just viewing, it allows you to quickly crop, resize, and convert images. Its most powerful feature is “Batch Conversion,” which lets you rename or resize hundreds of photos at once with just a few clicks—a huge time-saver for anyone managing a digital photo collection.
Read more about and/or download Irfanview here.
2. WizTree: The Fastest Space Finder on Earth
If you’ve ever looked at your hard drive and wondered how hundreds of gigabytes vanished into thin air, WizTree is your solution. It is arguably the fastest disk space analyzer available because it reads the drive’s Master File Table directly, scanning your entire system in just a few seconds.
It is useful because it provides a visual map of your hard drive, where the larger the block, the more space the file is taking up. This makes it incredibly easy to instantly spot forgotten movie files, massive game updates, or hidden temporary logs that are cluttering your storage.
Read more about and/or download WizTree here.
3. BleachBit: The Cleaner That Doesn’t Nag
Almost all legitimate “PC Cleaners” have become “nagware”—constantly popping up trying to sell you a Pro version. BleachBit is the refreshing, open-source alternative that focuses entirely on performance without the sales pitch. No nagging popups with BleachBit. What you see is what you get.
Bleachbit is useful because it identifies and deletes hidden junk files, clears browser traces, and “vacuums” up data fragments that other programs leave behind. It even includes a shredder feature to permanently erase files, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to reclaim disk space and enhance (as much as possible) their digital privacy.
Read more about and/or download Bleachbit here.
As Darcy would say… Happy computing!
Quick question … I see that BleachBit will delete saved passwords. Will it negatively effect RoboForm?
By Default, BleachBit does not remove saved passwords. BleachBit can remove saved passwords, but it won’t do it unless you explicitly tell it to. Here is the deal:
It’s an Option, Not a Default: In the BleachBit menu, each browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) has its own list of checkboxes. “Passwords” is its own separate category. As long as you leave the Passwords box unchecked, your saved logins will stay exactly where they are.
Totally agree with Irfenview. using it since over 20 years. Small foot print and it actually can convert some files photoshop can’t…….. also much easier to learn.
have not used either of the other two programs… am a bit worried deleting something the operating system might need…
Thank you for all these helpful links and suggestions. I still need to set up a new computer but will no doubt need your help. Remember, I am older than you and Darcy so lots of advice is always helpful!
Gail
Love that Irfenview. Used it forever.