Don't use Windows. But if you do at least this will make it less miserable.

Windows things

AtlasOS

AtlasOS is an open source overhaul of Windows 10 and 11 to make it more private, increase performance and lower system requirments. It also adds some quality of life features and reduces startup time. If you're one of the poor souls stuck on Windows then I would say this is mandatory.

Useful Tools

• Winaero Tweaker
  A GUI interface to modify registry settings in Windows among other things. A lot of tweaks here are already included in AtlasOS however you can get very granular with appearance and behaviour if you really want to pin down how Windows works for you. It also includes ways to restore old photo viewer, Windows 7 games and other old tools.
• Windows10Debloater
  This again is mostly covered by AtlasOS but does give you the ability to remove Windows Store apps completely if you don't use them.
• RetroBar
  Brings back the classic Windows taskbar with themes from 95 through to Vista. Highly functional and easy to customise. Just remember to set your taskbar to small in Windows settings for optimal behaviour.
• Open-Shell
  A start menu replacement that is heavily inspired by the Windows of yesteryear, however under the hood it's infinitely possible to tweak with a lot of features. You can still access the old start menu if you need to but I almost never do since all functionality is retained.
• GlazeWM
  A tiling window manager for Windows that wouldn't be out of place in a Linux rice thread. Works well and is easy to customise. Some features are locked to Windows 11 due to technical limitations.
  My workflow relies on GlazeWM now and it's definitely improved my productivity. Although I have noticed a few issues with games, particularly older ones running fullscreen so you might need to turn it off from time to time.
• Zebar
  A top bar for Windows, it comes with and perfectly accompanies GlazeWM however it is nowhere near as simple to configure - using html, css and json files to make it work. Mercifully in it's default state it does the job.
• Posy's Cursors
  Some beautiful cursors for Windows that don't look out of place and come with a free documentary/video essay thing on the history of mouse cursors from one of the msot creative and interesting people on YouTube. Check it out here.
• Microsoft PowerToys
  A collection off extensions that make using Windows easier, especially for certain workflows. Spend a few minutes running through the settings after install to turn off what you don't need and get it working the way you want it to.
• Window Blinds
  Paid software that allows your to completely reskin Windows. I've played with it on and off since Windows XP but haven't used it in a while due to the price and a lack of interest. Still, I long for the days of Windows Aero.
• MusicBee
  I was never a Winamp guy, I used Windows Media Player and would still use it if it supported all the formats I use and had a little more metadata compatibility. However this is the the best media player in terms of organisation and compatibility.
• GogDownloader
  A CLI based tool to download your GOG library automatically. Allows you to specify extras, languages, platforms etc. Meaning that you can download your whole library with one command and backup your isntallers. Also means you don't have to rely on GOG Galaxy (or Lutris).

Curiosities

• AeroChat
  An amazing reimplementation of Discord to skin it like Windows Live Messenger (RIP) that has most features and it very usable. More of a curiousity at this point but being able to open individual chats/servers in diffferent windows is a big win for me.
• Discord Messenger
  Like AeroChat this is a reskin of Discord, however there is a technical reason for this. You can run it on anything from Windows 2000 onward with other versions working on Windows NT 3.1 and Windows 95. Now that's cool.