This is an extensive archive of thoughtfully selected Free Windows 2000 programs. Here you can find an application to do almost everything an average user needs a PC for. A properly configured Windows 2000 computer also makes an exceptional Server, and is highly recommended for that use. Enjoy!
This archive was created because, concomitant with the release of Windows 8 with but a few minor exceptions, software manufacturers are no longer offering 32-bit Windows software that is actually compatible with Windows 2000. Even those programmers who assume their software will install under Win2k are not testing their software under Win2k to verify, and it has been found that the software is not compatible. Another difficulty with these software download sites is that they are either not listing system requirements at all, or do not list operating systems older than Windows XP (even if the software is compatible with an older OS). With these types of sites your only option is to download the software and test it yourself under Windows 2000, and if it is commercial software, hope that the manufacturer will give you a refund when you discover it doesn't run.
NOTES: 
~ The default look-n-feel of Windows 2000 is extremely and easily customizable to your personal tastes. Compare this to Windows versions after XP which have been steadily removing backwards capability and preventing customization ability, with the condescending extinguishment justification being that it is "for your protection".
~ Most new convenience features touted by Windows XP are actually incorporations of features offered for Windows 2000 through 3rd party utilities found on this website.
~ The Windows 2000 operating system was the last version of Windows that does NOT require connecting to a Microsoft Server in order to initialize, and thus it can be loaded on any suitable computer anywhere! Unfortunately, when Microsoft switched to the on-line initialization model, it changed where some critical system data was stored. As such, program updates written only for Windows XP and later cannot be installed by using their built-in installer (such programs are flagged here as being the "Last Win2k version"). Because the Windows 2000 operating system is lean, does not contain built-in spyware, and is well suited for most hosters and PC users, this website was created as a central download repository for thoughtfully assessed FREE Windows 2000 installer compatible software. It does not contain "demo" or "time limited" software, nor does it contain the latest version of applications which are still being sold commercially (including the "try-before-you-buy" commercial software commonly referred to as "Shareware"). Nearly all the software in this website will work satisfactorily on even Windows 11.
~ Regardless of the actual licenses attached to the software on this website, for sorting purposes the software is being tagged as one of three categories - Freeware (e.g., free for Personal Use software, and often also for commercial use, such as open source software deeded under the GPL); Abandonware (e.g., older versions of commercial [which includes shareware] software that has been silently relinquished for Personal Use by its owner); and made Freeware (e.g., former commercial software that has been formally transferred to the public by its owner). Please read the actual software license before choosing to use any of the software offered up by this website. Because hosting servers disappear, and now modern browsers and popular search engines are dictating where you can surf, all downloads are being stored locally on this server. Although the software here represents some of the best Freeware available for Windows 2000, these programs may not always meet your personal needs. Therefore, if you have a specialized need for a certain type of program, also investigate commercial and shareware offerings.
