When considering Windows applications, the first ones that likely pop into your mind are Notepad, Microsoft Excel, and Paint. These are among the most widely used and user-friendly apps individuals utilize on their PCs; they’ve effectively established themselves as icons by now. However, while they are certainly beneficial for daily activities, they are not the comprehensive list of what you can install on Windows.
In reality, there exists a subtle collection of lesser-known Windows apps that may not feature on everyone’s favorites list but are equally valuable. These applications provide access to a wealth of functionalities on your PC that you might not even realize exist. From an app that adapts your screen’s color temperature according to the time of day to a flexible toolkit brimming with various niche utilities, here are five obscure Windows apps worth trying today. Most are sourced from third-party developers and are free to download and utilize.
To change wallpapers dynamically: WinDynamicDesktop
Regarding desktop personalization, Mac computers include what’s known as Dynamic Wallpapers. These wallpapers generally maintain a similar appearance but become lighter or darker throughout the day. For example, you can see a bright mountain scene in the morning, a sunset-lit mountainside in the afternoon, and a mountain landscape illuminated by the Aurora at night. These dynamic wallpapers animate your computer, providing a subtle visual variation without the abrupt shifts of a photo slideshow.
Unfortunately, Windows users currently lack a built-in Dynamic Wallpaper feature on their PCs. The next best alternative is the lesser-known Windows app WinDynamicDesktop. WinDynamicDesktop mimics a macOS-like dynamic wallpaper system on Windows. Similar to macOS’ Dynamic Wallpapers, it automatically modifies the wallpaper based on your local time. You can even synchronize it with local sunrise and sunset times, either determined automatically using your location or manually set by you. The app includes several themes that you can download and use immediately, featuring default wallpapers from macOS versions such as the Big Sur Abstract and Mojave Desert. There’s also the option to import a theme you’ve acquired from another source.
WinDynamicDesktop is open-source, making it free to download and use. However, the drawback is that the in-app theme choices are limited, so you’ll need to search online for new favorites. Expanding the app’s functionality may also require working with PowerShell scripts, which might be too complex for some users.
To adjust your screen color temperature: f.lux
Research indicates that blue light emitted from electronic devices adversely affects sleep quality. So, if you find yourself working on your computer late into the night, your sleep is likely suffering. Additionally, your eyes may be strained by the bright screen, making it challenging to concentrate. This is why a crucial Windows app to install right away is a screen color-temperature tool like f.lux.
f.lux adjusts your screen’s color temperature from cool to warm, similar to Windows Night Light. However, instead of a sudden activation that creates a jarring transition, f.lux gradually modifies the color temperature. This occurs automatically in the background throughout the day and is hardly noticeable. By the time you’re ready for bed, your screen appears warm and comfortable for use.
In comparison to Windows’ Night Light, which only features a basic intensity slider and scheduler, f.lux offers a range of integrated features. You can select from modes and effects such as Movie Mode, Darkroom Mode, Recommended Colors, and Soft White (which gives your screen a soft glow without reducing the color temperature). If you desire a more tailored appearance, you can also set the temperatures manually. The app operates system-wide like Night Light, but with greater versatility. You can deactivate it for specific applications, disable it until sunrise, or allow it to pause when utilizing full-screen applications. f.lux can even integrate with Philips Hue smart lights, so your smart bulbs change colors in accordance with your screen’s display.
However, some limitations of f.lux are that it lacks brightness control and can only modify the screen’s color. It may also vary in appearance from one monitor to another.
To automatically switch between light and dark modes: Auto Dark Mode
Everyone enjoys dark mode, and it has emerged as one of the most sought-after features in modern software. Yet, dark mode has its appropriate times, and for convenience, you may prefer light mode in the morning and dark mode in the evening. The challenge is that Windows doesn’t provide a feature to automate this transition — you must choose either light mode or dark mode constantly, without any in-between. A straightforward solution is a lesser-known Windows app called Auto Dark Mode.
As its name implies, Auto Dark Mode automatically activates dark mode or light mode based on the time of day. It allows you to establish a customized schedule.