8 Must-Have Apps to Get the Most Out of Your i5 Laptop

An i5 laptop is a workhorse, but you’re not getting the most out of it unless you have the right apps. If you’re looking to speed up, be more productive, or automate your workflow, the right apps can revolutionize how you use your laptop.
So, what’s worth installing? Here’s a handpicked list of the must-have apps that will take your experience to the next level, optimize performance, and ensure you get every last bit of power out of your i5 laptop.
Let’s begin!
1. CCleaner – Give Your Laptop a Fresh Start
A sluggish laptop isn’t always about outdated hardware—sometimes, it’s just clutter. CCleaner cleans up unnecessary files, deletes temporary data, and stops unwanted background apps.
The result? A faster, more efficient i5 laptop. But it doesn’t stop there. With CCleaner, you can manage startup programs, fix registry errors, and even automate cleanups to keep things running smoothly.
Want a snappier laptop without the hassle?
In performance tests, systems have exhibited up to a 34% overall performance increase after utilizing CCleaner's optimization features.
This is the app you need. It’s fast, lightweight, and does its job without nagging you with unnecessary pop-ups. A clutter-free device means a stress-free user experience—and CCleaner ensures exactly that.
2. Google Chrome – Because Browsing Should Be Seamless
Yes, Windows has Edge. No, it’s not enough. Google Chrome remains the best browser for performance, especially when handling multiple tabs, extensions, and web apps.
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Sync across devices—access your bookmarks and history anywhere
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Extensions galore—boost productivity with tools like Grammarly and LastPass
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Faster browsing—optimized for speed, even with heavy workloads
If you want a browser that keeps up with your laptop i5, Chrome is the answer.
3. LibreOffice – The Smarter Alternative to Microsoft Office
Why pay for Microsoft Office when you can have virtually the same features for free? LibreOffice gives you everything you need: documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more—all without locking you behind a subscription. The best part? It's lightweight, open-source, and compatible with all Office file types.
Whether you’re writing reports, managing budgets, or creating slideshows, LibreOffice has the tools to get the job done. Plus, it’s constantly updated with new features, meaning you’ll never feel left behind.
If you need an office suite that is powerful and cost-free and will not hog your laptop's resources, you should have LibreOffice.
4. VLC Media Player – The Ultimate No-Nonsense Video Player
Ever tried to watch a video, but your laptop says, “Unsupported format”? That’s frustrating! VLC Media Player fixes this problem. It plays any video or audio file, with no extra effort needed. Just open the file and enjoy.
Plays Any Video Format
MP4, MKV, AVI—VLC plays them all! No more wasting time searching for another player. It works with almost every media file, so you never have to worry about a video not opening again.
No Extra Downloads Needed
Some players make you install extra software to play certain files. Not VLC! Just install and play. No extra downloads, no confusing settings—just simple, smooth video playback.
More Than Just a Player
VLC isn’t only for watching videos. You can convert files, record your screen, and even stream online videos. It also lets you adjust brightness, speed, and subtitles to watch exactly how you like.
No more video problems! VLC is the only media player you need.
5. 7-Zip – Compress, Extract, and Manage Files Easily
Ever tried opening a ZIP or RAR file only to realize your laptop won't handle it? 7-Zip fixes that. It's a lightweight, no-frills compression tool that lets you easily extract and compress files.
Need to send large documents? 7-Zip compresses them into smaller manageable sizes without the quality being lost. Security-conscious? Even so, it even allows AES-256 encryption for protected files.
Unlike WinRAR, which incessantly reminds you to buy a license, 7-Zip is 100% free forever. Whether you're handling big projects, downloading archives, or managing backups, this is one tool you'll wonder how you ever lived without.
6. ShareX – Screenshots and Screen Recording Like a Pro
The built-in Snipping Tool? Basic. If you want a serious upgrade, get ShareX. It’s not just a screenshot tool—it’s a full-blown screen capture powerhouse. Need to record a tutorial? It does that. Want to create GIFs from your screen? Easy.
Want to automate the process of taking and uploading screenshots? Done. You can even annotate images, blur sensitive information, and upload directly to cloud storage or social media. If you’re a student, gamer, or professional who deals with visuals, ShareX is non-negotiable.
It’s powerful, customizable, and, best of all, completely free.
7. Malwarebytes – Because Antivirus Alone Isn’t Enough
Think Windows Defender is enough to keep your laptop safe? Think again.
Malwarebytes offers an additional layer of protection, detecting threats that traditional antivirus software often misses. Cybercriminals are always evolving, and standard security tools can't always keep up.
Malwarebytes offers real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, so your personal data will be safe. It even blocks malicious websites before they load, preventing attacks before they even happen.
If you use the laptop i5 for work, shopping, and banking, it is necessary that you have the app to guard against threats as when it comes to security; better safe than sorry.
8. Notion – The One App to Organize Everything
Juggling too many tasks, notes, and reminders?
Notion brings order to the chaos.
Before getting to know what Notion is, you should know,
Notion has experienced significant growth, with its organic monthly traffic increasing from 1.5 min in June 2022 to 6.9 mn in June 2024.
It’s a customizable productivity app that works as a note-taking tool, task manager, and database—all in one. Whether you’re a student tracking assignments, a freelancer managing projects, or just someone who loves keeping things organized, Notion adapts to your needs.
Its clean interface, powerful features, and cross-device syncing make it one of the most versatile tools available. It is a personal assistant that never forgets anything—once you start using it, you won't go back.
Final Thoughts
Your i5 laptop isn’t just a machine—it’s a tool that should work effortlessly for you. These apps aren’t just random downloads; they’re essential upgrades that will make your laptop faster, safer, and more productive. Whether you need better security, seamless browsing, enhanced performance, or smarter organization, these tools have you covered.
And if you’re considering even more power, maybe it’s time to look at a laptop i7 10th generation for that extra boost. But for now, start with these apps—you’ll be amazed at how much smoother things get.
Which of these apps do you already use? And which one will you try first? Drop a comment!
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