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.
Already a Tech Support member? For more help and 1-to-1 technical advice, including buying advice, go to our .1. High-scoring antivirus software
Why is it important?
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.
2. A cloud storage account (or external hard drive)
Why is it important?
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 10Start Settings Update & Security Files backupBack up using File HistoryMore OptionsBack up nowBack up my filesOn Windows 11Start Settings Privacy & security Backup Add a driveFor more details, explore our guide on . We also have a round-up of the .3. A wi-fi extender or mesh system
Why is it important?
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 .4. A Which? Best Buy printer
Why is it important?
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.
5. A free copy of Microsoft Office (or similar)
Why is it important?
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:
LibreOfficeGoogle Tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets and more) nine-dot squareGoogle Docs.6. Image-editing software
Why is it important?
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.
Web-based image editors are also a good option, as they save space on your internal storage. Popular picks include:
(shown above)News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you.7. A Which? Tech Support subscription
Why is it important?
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.
Which? Tech8. A second monitor
Why is it important?
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: .Even more ways to improve your setup
Organised folders A supportive office chair Set up a personalised start menuUse a generic email account over an ISP email account Try a password managerBuy some noise-cancelling headphonesJoin Which? Tech Support
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.
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