Windows 8.1 AIO ISO, including Windows 8.1 Pro WMC, Windows 8.1 Retail, Windows 8.1 VLK versions - for installation Microsoft Toolkit - for activation Komm's Update Checker (KUC) - for the latest updates Windows Hotfix Downloader - for features other than actual updates (because it doesn't show as many updates as KUC) MSMG Toolkit - for slipstreaming & integration UXTheme Patcher - for custom themes TCP-IP Patcher - for increasing the number of half-open connections Net Framework 3.5 - for the fact that a lot of apps need it to work Classic Shell/Start8 - for a proper Start button and Start menu What else? It doesn't have to be the most absolute must-have, but something just about anyone with any needs is likely to want to have, but ONLY Windows 8-related, so Adobe Reader, a must-have app for anyone, would not be on this list.
Visual C++ runtime 2008, 2010, 2012 and specifically Visual C++ runtime 2013 (most developers moved to new runtime) here is the links for VC++ runtime 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012 Code: support.microsoft.com/kb/2019667 for for VC++ runtime 2013 Code: microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40784
StartIsGone - for removing the Start button from the taskbar in 8.1 and make the hot corner work like in 8.0. Yes, I know it's hard to believe but I think there are some people out there who prefer it this way. Just added to give people the full spectrum of choice.
"Win+X Menu Editor" to customize the Win+X menu (right click on bottom left corner). Sorry for not putting a link, it's my 1st post (<20 posts limit).
UXTheme actually uses or links you to UXStyle AFAIK. Its kind of strange though. Thanks for StartIsBack! I like it more than Start8!
the use of TCP-IP Patcher is not needed since Windows 7 I believe. there is no limit for half-open connections at all.
Maybe they should be referred to as "must-have but only if you need that functionality". In my case, none of them is on the list. But if you want custom themes, for example, you'll just know what tool to look for.
Agree, one of those meaningless thing, only thing I installed among those "must have" is net3.5. Every time I install, I always imm install winrar(which was not mentioned as "must have").
ًWhat's a must ? Another typical time wasting discussion ! What's wrong with MDL forums ? Let's instead.
Are you being sarcastic? Ha, lol, of course you are! Komm's Update Checker - the only program that truly download ALL the updates and everyone should have ALL the updates. Windows Update does not provide all the updates, so its not enough. Windows Hotfix Downloader - for all the awesome tools it has that everyone should also have as they come in handy at any update, especially when you use activators that MS may try to block. It has so many tools - from Windows 7-8.1 UEFI bootable flash drive creators, to Pro -> ProWMC conversion, driver backups, integration, converting MSUs to CABs, language packs, etc! MSMG Toolkit - why bother reinstalling native Windows if you can create one that will have all the updates, drivers, needed aps, configurations, etc? Even with system image backup software, sometimes you just need a clean install of Windows UXTheme Patcher - nobody normal uses default Windows themes because they are boring, banal, ugly, life-less, etc. Anyone should have the ability to use custom themes, so you do need this program. TCP-IP Patcher - MS keeps saying that having more half-open connections does not improve speed, but I beg to differ! From torrents to movie streaming to simple downloading - all benefit from having as many half-open connections as possible. Windows is protected enough to not be constantly hacked if you have many half-open connections. You have to do it - you jut do. What is with all the negativity anyway? Its my opinion that everyone should have these in case something unpredictable happens or just to get the most out of Windows...