Best Open-Source Software for Windows
This ranking lists 12 open-source Windows applications ordered by GitHub stars, with scrcpy leading at 145,159 stars. The selection includes tools like PowerToys for system utilities and OBS Studio for screen recording, all available under licenses such as MIT and Apache-2.0. Most support multiple platforms alongside Windows.
The apps cover diverse functions, from terminal emulators like Windows Terminal to productivity tools like AppFlowy. Version numbers and license details are provided for each entry. All software is free to use and modify, with community-driven development reflected in their GitHub star counts.
| # | App | Stars | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ollama | 175.9k | MIT |
| 2 | scrcpy | 145.5k | Apache-2.0 |
| 3 | PowerToys | 136.4k | MIT |
| 4 | frp | 107.9k | Apache-2.0 |
| 5 | Windows Terminal | 103.9k | MIT |
| 6 | Neovim | 101.1k | NOASSERTION |
| 7 | Stirling-PDF | 86.9k | NOASSERTION |
| 8 | zed | 86.8k | NOASSERTION |
| 9 | LocalSend | 85.1k | Apache-2.0 |
| 10 | Lazygit | 80.3k | MIT |
| 11 | lobehub | 79.8k | NOASSERTION |
| 12 | netdata | 79.6k | GPL-3.0 |
Ollama provides access to a variety of AI and large language models, including Kimi-K2.6, GLM-5.1, MiniMax, DeepSeek, gpt-oss, Qwen, and Gemma. It simplifies the process of setting up and using these models for various applications.
Scrcpy mirrors and controls Android devices from a computer. It works without root access and supports basic input like keyboard and mouse.
PowerToys is a set of utilities for enhancing productivity and customization on Windows systems. It includes various tools for developers and power users to streamline workflows.
frp is a fast reverse proxy that enables exposing local servers behind NAT or firewalls to the internet. It facilitates secure remote access to internal network services.
Windows Terminal combines the classic Windows console with a modern terminal application in one package. It provides developers with a unified interface for command-line tools and shells. The software supports multiple tabs, rich text, and customization options.
Neovim is a fork of Vim focused on improved extensibility and usability. It maintains compatibility with Vim while offering modern features like embedded terminal support and a built-in LSP client. The project emphasizes maintainability and encourages community contributions.
Stirling-PDF is a web-based PDF editor accessible from any device. It offers tools for editing PDF documents directly in the browser without requiring installation.
Zed is a high-performance code editor designed for speed and collaboration, developed by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter. It supports multiplayer functionality for real-time coding with others.
LocalSend is a cross-platform file-sharing tool that works offline over a local network. It provides a simple, open-source alternative to proprietary solutions like AirDrop. The tool supports direct device-to-device transfers without requiring internet access.
Lazygit provides a terminal-based interface for managing Git repositories. It simplifies common Git operations with an interactive UI.
LobeHub is a productivity tool designed to manage AI agents by handling their hiring, scheduling, and reporting for continuous operations. It organizes agents into efficient workflows to ensure seamless 24/7 functionality.
Netdata provides full stack observability with AI-powered insights, designed to be efficient and accessible for small teams. It focuses on delivering fast and comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top pick in “Best Open-Source Software for Windows”?
- ollama currently leads this list, which is ordered by GitHub stars among the 12 open-source options we track.
- Are these apps free?
- Yes. Every app on this list is free and open-source. Download links point to each project's official release.
- How is this ranking decided?
- The order reflects GitHub stars, a public measure of popularity. Data is pulled from official sources and last refreshed on Jul 6, 2026. We don't accept payment for placement.
How we rank:entries are ordered by GitHub stars, a public popularity signal. Versions, licenses and platform support are read from official release feeds. We don't accept payment for inclusion or position. Supported platforms reflect the latest release (macOS, Windows, Linux, Android).