Updated on November 6, 2026
Start with the apps you already need every day. Firefox, LibreOffice and VLC cover web browsing, documents and video for most people. Add a photo editor, a backup tool or Steam when you have a reason to use it.
Useful Linux apps to install first
| What you need | App | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Web browsing | Firefox | Browses the web and syncs bookmarks across devices. |
| Documents and spreadsheets | LibreOffice | Edits documents, spreadsheets and slides offline. |
| Thunderbird | Manages multiple email accounts in one app. | |
| Movies and music | VLC | Plays common video and audio formats and handles subtitles. |
| Photo editing and drawing | GIMP or Krita | Use GIMP for photo edits and Krita for digital painting. |
| Audio and video editing | Audacity or Kdenlive | Use Audacity to record and trim audio, or Kdenlive to edit video. |
| Passwords | KeePassXC | Keeps passwords in an encrypted file you can back up. |
| Games | Steam | Runs Linux games and many Windows games through Proton. |
If you need to send Word files back and forth, start with a copy of a document you use often. LibreOffice can open and save DOCX, but fonts, page breaks and complex layouts can shift. Check the exported file before sending it. See our comparison of free Word alternatives for other ways to edit or share a document.
Where to install Linux apps
- Start with your software store. Search the app by name in your Linux distribution’s software manager. The store can usually handle installation and updates for you.
- Check Flathub if an app is missing. Flathub’s setup guide explains how to enable Flatpak for your distribution. If the store offers more than one copy of an app, check the source before you choose. The verified badge means the publisher has confirmed its link to the app.
- Use the developer’s site for a direct download. Follow its Linux instructions and choose a package for your system. Check how that package gets updates before you install it.
Check the apps and games you depend on
Make a list of the Windows programs you use for work or school. Check whether each has a Linux or browser version and try opening your own files before switching. For gaming, Valve’s Proton project explains Proton. Check your specific games, since online multiplayer and anti-cheat support can vary. Set up your distribution’s backup tool and test restoring a file while you’re getting started.
Frequently asked questions
What should I install on Linux first?
Open the apps that came with your system first. Add a browser, an office suite and a media player if you need them. Set up backups before moving files you can’t easily replace.
Are these Linux apps free?
The apps listed here are free to install. Steam is free to install and offers both free and paid games.
Can Linux run Windows apps?
Some Windows apps work through Wine, and Steam can use Proton for games. Check the exact app or game first. A Linux or browser version is often easier to set up if one is available.