Download of the Week

3DMark is a widely used benchmarking tool that measures GPU and CPU performance using a range of graphics tests, including modern ray tracing workloads, making it useful for everything from quick system checks to in-depth performance comparisons across different hardware configurations.

The latest PowerToys update brings new tools like Power Display for multi-monitor brightness control and Grab and Move for simpler window handling, along with refinements to modules like Command Palette and Keyboard Manager.

Notepad++ is now available on macOS as a free open-source app. It uses the same core editing engine, bringing familiar features like syntax highlighting, plugins, and macros, while integrating with macOS for better performance.

BleachBit is an open-source utility built to clear junk files, reclaim storage, and scrub traces of browsing and system activity without the bloat often found in commercial cleaners. Its latest release expands browser cleaning, introduces a new cookie manager, and delivers over 100 fixes and improvements.

OpenAI Codex is a coding agent powered by ChatGPT that helps developers build, test, and ship software. It can run tasks in parallel, generate and review code changes, and automate repeatable workflows, while working with existing tools and secure sandboxed environments.

Firefox 150 introduces refinements to Split View, along with new tab-sharing options that let users copy multiple links with titles in one step. The update also enhances the built-in PDF editor, adds a private real-time translations page, and continues to expand security protections.

ZenTimings is a Windows utility designed for AMD Ryzen platforms that displays real-time memory configuration data and timings, frequency, and Infinity Fabric clocks. It's primarily used to verify BIOS or XMP/EXPO settings, offering a straightforward way to check how system memory is running.

The Gemini app for macOS gives Google's AI a native home on Apple desktops, with quick access via keyboard shortcuts, tight system integration, and the ability to work with on-screen content, local files, and Google services like Drive and Photos.

PureMac strips system cleanup back to basics, offering full app uninstallation with leftover file removal alongside tools for clearing caches, logs, and other clutter. It's positioned as a free, open-source alternative to CleanMyMac, it runs on-device with no telemetry or subscriptions.

Recordly is a desktop app for recording and editing screen captures with motion-driven presentation tools built in. Recordly has emerged as one of the most compelling free alternatives to paid tools like Screen Studio, offering smooth cursor tracking, automatic zoom effects, and clean motion.

DaVinci Resolve 21 beta pushes further into all-in-one territory, adding a dedicated Photo section that allows edition of still images using the same color pipeline that made Resolve a favorite for video. The update leans heavily on AI to speed up everyday work. Early impressions highlight how seamlessly the new tools fit into existing workflows.

OBS Studio 32.1 introduces a redesigned audio mixer with a new default vertical layout, improved controls, and the ability to pin sources for easier management. The update also adds WebRTC simulcast support, alongside enhancements to Studio Mode, source visibility, and plugin management.

PeaZip 11.0 refines one of the most capable free archivers with faster browsing, smoother drag-and-drop across tabs, and a cleaner, more responsive UI. The update also improves scaling, adds flexible icon rendering, and introduces batch archive testing, alongside the usual fixes and cleanup.

Java 26 is here with fresh language features, faster performance, stronger security, and a wave of library and tooling upgrades. Early developer reaction has been upbeat, with many praising Java's steady pace of meaningful improvements.

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 with dynamic frame generation is now available for RTX 50 GPUs using the Nvidia App (enable beta updates). The feature adjusts frame-gen in real time to balance performance and image quality. The update also adds MFG modes of up to 6x, along with beta automatic shader compilation to reduce in-game stutter.

PDFsam Basic is a free, open-source tool for splitting, merging, and organizing PDFs. Version 6.0 adds three compression modes, better support for PDF 2.0 and UTF-8 text, stronger handling for malformed files, and more quality-of-life improvements.

CachyOS is a performance-driven Arch Linux-based distribution that's been grabbing attention lately as more gamers and power users highlight its speed and polished out-of-the-box experience. As Linux gaming continues to gain momentum and become a bigger talking point, CachyOS is increasingly being mentioned as a go-to choice for users who want cutting-edge software without sacrificing responsiveness or control.

AnyDesk is a fast, lightweight remote desktop tool built for low-latency access from virtually anywhere. It stays responsive even on weaker connections and supports file transfers, session recording, and cross-platform use across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Another staff favorite, RustDesk, is also worth checking out.

Kali Linux 2026.1 lands with a fresh look, a Linux 6.18 kernel, and a batch of new pentesting tools – but the standout is a nostalgic BackTrack mode that recreates the classic desktop for longtime users. It's a relatively light release, yet one that blends practical updates with a throwback twist security pros seem to appreciate.

Minecraft's latest "Tiny Takeover" update gives baby mobs a full glow-up, with new models, sounds, and even a Golden Dandelion item that lets you keep them small a little longer. It's a lighter, charm-focused drop, but one players are already embracing for how much personality it adds to everyday gameplay.

Mozilla has released Firefox 149, bringing a new mode for side-by-side browsing, a built-in free VPN with limited rollout, and improved PDF performance thanks to hardware acceleration. The update also adds a share button and enhances security by blocking notifications and known malicious sites by default.

While Microsoft rethinks where they've failed with Windows 11, many users rely on tools like Open Shell, Start11, StartAllBack, and ExplorerPatcher to take back control of the UI. Open Shell remains a free favorite with a customizable Windows 7-style menu, while Start11 and StartAllBack offer more polished tweaks for modern systems. ExplorerPatcher rounds things out as another powerful free option.

Google Chrome 146 fixes 26 security vulnerabilities but with no evidence of active exploitation so far. The update addresses three critical memory-related flaws, along with several high-risk issues impacting components like WebGL and the V8 JavaScript engine.

Affinity's latest update to introduces Light UI for a brighter and cleaner workplace, Convert to Curves to eliminate manual tracing by transforming objects into a fully editable vector curves, and Live Tone Blend Groups which blends layers dynamically and non-destructively.

Popular Photoshop alternative GIMP has been updated to feature non-destructive Link and Vector Layers, an upgraded MyPaint Brush tool, and expanded file format support including SVG export. The update also brings UI and stability improvements.