Windows and Virtual Lab
Overview
This article provides a complete list of all software approved for use on Metro State computers, including academic and administrative applications. Academic software requests follow established deadlines: March 15 for Summer/Fall terms and October 15 for Spring. Request Academic or Administrative Software
7-Zip
Version
25.01 or newer
Description
7-Zip is a free and open-source tool for compressing and extracting files.
Adobe After Effects
Version
2025 or newer
Description
Adobe After Effects can be used to create and edit professional-quality motion graphics and visual effects for video projects.
Adobe Animate
Description
Design interactive animations for games, TV shows, and the web. Bring cartoons and banner ads to life. Create animated doodles and avatars. And add action to eLearning content and infographics. With Animate, you can quickly publish to multiple platforms in just about any format and reach viewers on any screen.
Adobe Audition
Version
2025
Description
Audition is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content. This powerful audio workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio finishing — and deliver a polished mix with pristine sound.
Adobe Bridge
Description
Adobe Bridge and be used to efficiently organize, browse, and manage digital assets for their creative projects.
Adobe Character Animator
Version
2025
Description
Use your expressions and movements to bring your characters to life with Character Animator.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Version
2026 or newer
Description
Provides access to Adobe software for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and more.
Adobe Dimension
Description
Create engaging content in 3D faster with models, materials, and lighting. Dimension makes it easy to build brand visualizations, illustrations, product mockups, and other creative work.
Adobe Dreamweaver
Version
2021
Description
Adobe Dreamweaver can be used to design, develop, and maintain professional-quality websites and web content for academic and creative projects.
Adobe Encoder
Version
27.3.1
Description
Adobe Encoder can be used to transcode, render, and export video and audio files in a variety of formats for use in professional projects.
Adobe Illustrator
Version
2026
Description
Adobe Illustrator can be used to create and edit vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and other scalable artwork for both print and digital media projects.
Adobe InCopy
Description
InCopy lets copywriters and editors style text, track changes, and make simple layout modifications to a document while designers work on the same document simultaneously in Adobe InDesign — all without overwriting each other’s contributions.
Adobe InDesign
Version
2026
Description
Adobe InDesign can be used to design, layout, and publish professional-quality documents such as magazines, books, brochures, and digital publications for both print and online media.
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Version
15 or newer
Description
Adobe Lightroom Classic is used to organize, edit, and enhance large collections of digital photos with advanced tools tailored for professional photographers.
Adobe Media Encoder
Version
2025
Description
Convert and export video and audio files, optimize them for different platforms, and more with Media Encoder.
Adobe Photoshop
Version
2026
Description
Adobe Photoshop can be used to edit, retouch, and manipulate digital images and graphics for both print and digital media projects.
Adobe Premier Pro
Version
2025
Description
Adobe Premiere Pro is used to edit, assemble, and produce professional-quality video content for film, television, and online platforms.
Adobe Substance 3D Painter
Version
16 or newer
Description
Adobe Substance 3D Painter is used to design, visualize, and prepare 3D models for printing, enabling creators to transform digital concepts into physical objects.
Anaconda
Version
2025.12-2 or newer
Description
Anaconda is a distribution of Python and R for data science and machine learning. It simplifies package management and deployment by bundling:
Accessibility
Accessibility Features
Keyboard navigation support across major workflows.
Screen reader compatibility for core interfaces.
High-contrast themes and scalable text options.
Tutorials and documentation designed for clarity and readability.
ArcGIS Desktop
Version
10.8.2 or newer
Description
ArcGIS desktop is a tool for creating data visualizations and mapping analytics.
ArcGIS Pro
Version
3.2 or newer
Description
ArcGIS Pro is a geographic information system (GIS) used for creating data visualizations and mapping analytics. This software will perform best in the High Performance virtual lab.
Atlas TI
Version
25
Description
ATLAS.ti bridges human expertise with AI efficiency to provide fast and accurate insights. Chat directly with your documents and have them automatically coded based on your intentions, providing customized results.
ChemDraw
Version
25.5
Description
ChemDraw is used to create chemical structures and diagrams for publication.
Accessibility
No accessibility information is available for ChemDraw
Eclipse IDE
Version
25-12
Description
Integrated development environment primarily used for programming Java applications, supports other languages through plug-ins.
FileZilla FTP Client
Version
3.69.5
Description
FileZilla is a free and open-source FTP client used to transfer files between a local computer and a remote host, supporting encrypted file transfer protocols like FTPS and SFTP
HEC-RAS
Version
6.6
Description
Software to model hydraulics of water flow in rivers and channels.
IBM AMOS
Version
31
Description
AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) is a comprehensive statistical package for Structural Equation Modeling, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.
IBM Modeler
Version
18.6
Description
IBM SPSS Modeler is a leading visual data science and machine learning (ML) solution designed to help enterprises accelerate time to value by speeding up operational tasks for data scientists. Organizations worldwide use it for data preparation and discovery, predictive analytics, model management and deployment, and ML to monetize data assets.
IBM SPSS Statistics
Version
31.1
Description
IBM SPSS Statistics is used for advanced statistical analysis and data management.
Java JDK
Version
8u391 or newer
Description
Software development environment for developing Java applications.
Java JRE
Version
8u391 or newer
Description
Software package that provides the necessary libraries and components to run Java applications.
JAWS
Version
2026 or newer
Description
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reading program that provides speech and Braille output and enables non-visual computer use through keyboard commands.
JetBrains Clion
Version
2025.3
Description
An integrated development environment for C and C++ programming that provides code analysis, refactoring, and debugging tools.
JetBrains Intellij IDEA
Version
2025.3 or newer
Description
Integrated development environment for Java and Kotlin with productivity features.
JetBrains PhpStorm
Version
2025.3 or newer
Description
PHP development environment with debugging and testing tools.
JetBrains PyCharm
Version
2025.3 or newer
Description
Integrated Development Environment for Python, web development, data science, and AI/ML projects.
JetBrains WebStorm
Version
2025.3
Description
Integrated Development Environment for JavaScript, TypeScript, and related technologies.
JMP Pro
Version
19.0.1
Description
JMP Pro is used for advanced statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling to support research and decision-making in various fields.
JMP Pro Student Edition
Version
19.0.1
Description
Software for statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and data visualization.
Kaltura Capture
Version
5.2.3
Description
Kaltura Capture is a desktop recording tool that allows users to record their screen, camera, and audio.
KNIME
Version
5.4.3
Description
KNIME Analytics Platform is a free and open source low-code/no-code software that allows anyone, irrespective of experience levels, to make sense of data.
Kurzweil Educational Systems 3000
Version
22.07 or newer
Description
Available for all students and faculty, provides reading, writing, and learning support for individuals with reading disabilities.
LabChart
Version
8 or newer
Description
Data recording and analysis software for life sciences.
LabChart Reader
Version
8 or newer
Description
Free version of LabChart that allows users to share, view, and conduct limited analysis of LabChart data.
LibKey Browser Extension
Version
1.56
Description
Browser extension that provides access to scholarly articles through library journal subscriptions.
Logger Pro
Version
3.15
Description
Data collection and analysis software for use in science labs.
MATLAB
Description
A programming and numerical computing platform used by engineers and scientists to analyze date, develop algorithms, and create models
Accessibility
MATLAB® supports keyboard navigation, works with a screen reader, and offers display settings to make it easier to see.
Microsoft Edge
Description
Chromium based web browser available on Mac and Windows. A supported browser for accessing D2L Brightspace.
Microsoft Excel
Description
Microsoft Excel is used by students and faculty to organize, analyze, and visualize data using spreadsheets, formulas, and charts for coursework, research, and administrative tasks.
Microsoft Office
Version
2024
Description
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Suite of software applications to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails.
Microsoft OneNote
Description
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking application that allows students and faculty to capture, organize, and share notes, ideas, and multimedia content for academic and collaborative purposes.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Description
Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software that enables students and faculty to create, edit, and share visually engaging slideshows for lectures, projects, and events.
Microsoft Project
Version
2024
Description
Microsoft Project is a project management tool used to plan, execute, and track projects. It includes features like task scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking. Only available on Windows.
Microsoft SQL Server Express
Version
2022 or newer
Description
Microsoft SQL Server Express is a relational database management system designed for small scale applications.
Accessibility
No accessibility information is available for Microsoft SQL Server Express.
Microsoft Teams
Description
Collaboration app from Microsoft with instant messaging, audio and video calling, online meetings, and file sharing. Integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps.
Microsoft Visio
Version
2024
Description
Diagramming software used to create flowcharts, organization charts, floor plans, network diagrams, and more.
Microsoft Word
Description
Microsoft Word is a word processing application that enables students and faculty to create, edit, and format documents for academic, professional, and personal use.
MikTeX
Version
24.1
Description
Free and open-source system for creating documents in TeX/LaTeX markup language.
Mingw-w64
Version
5.5.0
Description
Mingw-w64 is a collection of header files, import libraries, libraries and tools that, when combined with a compiler toolchain, such as GCC or LLVM, provides a complete development environment for building native Windows applications and libraries. Mingw-w64 is an advancement of the original mingw.org project, which was created to support the GCC compiler on Windows systems. It was forked in 2007 in order to provide 64-bit support and newer APIs. It has since then gained wide use and distribution.
Minitab
Version
21.4.2 or newer
Description
Statistical software package for data analysis, visualization, and process improvement.
MNCrash
Description
State of Minnesota crash records tool for crash data and analytical tools
MNCrash/Easy Street Draw
Description
Tool used by law enforcement to create detailed accident diagrams for reports.
Mozilla Firefox
Description
Free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation.
MySQL Community
Version
8.0.40
Description
Open-source relational database management system for storing, managing, and retrieving data.
MySQL for Excel
Version
1.3.7
Description
Tool to connect Excel with MySQL databases to import, export, and edit MySQL data in Excel.
MySQL Server
Version
9.1.0
Description
Relational database management system
MySQL Shell
Version
9.1.0
Description
Client and code editor for MySQL with SQL functionality, scripting capabilities for JavaScript and Python, and APIs for relational and document data.
MySQL Workbench
Version
8.0.40
Description
Unified visual tool for data modeling, SQL development, and administration tools for server configuration and user administration.
NetBeans
Version
25
Description
Integrated Development Environment for developing applications in Java, PHP, C++, HTML5, and JavaScript.
Notepad++
Version
8.8.9
Description
Source code editor for Windows with support for multiple programming languages.
Ollama
Version
0.13.2
Description
Application for the easiest way to get up and running with large language models such as gpt-oss, Gemma 3, DeepSeek-R1, Qwen3 and more.
PuTTY (64 bit)
Version
0.079 or newer
Description
Open-source SSH and telnet client for Windows.
Python
Version
3.14 or newer
Description
Programming language that can be used to develop applications, perform data analysis, automate tasks, and create web services.
Qualtrics
Description
Qualtrics is a powerful enterprise-level experience management platform for survey creation, data collection, and analytics. It enables departments to easily design and distribute surveys, centralize feedback from students, staff, or customers, and leverage advanced analysis tools to turn responses into actionable insights. This all-in-one solution helps drive informed decisions and improvements by quickly measuring. To get access submit a Service Request here: <a href="https://services.metrostate.edu/TDClient/1839/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=50235,">https://services.metrostate.edu/TDClient/1839/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=50235,</a> if this is for classroom instruction a student list must also be attached
Accessibility
Qualtrics prioritizes accessibility, ensuring its platform and surveys can be used by people with disabilities. It is aligned with major standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and U.S. Section 508, meaning Qualtrics meets key requirements for web accessibility compliance. The software is compatible with assistive technologies – for example, users can navigate Qualtrics surveys via screen readers and keyboard-only input without loss of functionality. Qualtrics also provides built-in accessibility features to support inclusive design: an automated accessibility checker (ExpertReview) identifies non-compliant questions and suggests fixes, and the platform supports adding alternative text for images and other best practices to improve usability for those with visual or other impairments. In short, Qualtrics enables the creation of surveys that are accessible to diverse users while maintaining compliance with accessibility standards, fostering an inclusive experience for all
R
Version
4.5.2 or newer
Description
Free software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
R for Windows
Version
4.4.3 or newer
Description
R for Windows is the official distribution of the R programming language tailored for Microsoft Windows, providing a free environment for statistical computing, data analysis, and visualization.
R Studio
Version
2025.09.2 or newer
Description
Integrated Development Environment for writing, debugging, and managing R code.
Respondus Lockdown Browser 2
Version
2.1.0.05 or newer
Description
Custom browser for testing environments that locks down the system to prevent cheating during online exams.
SAP Business Explorer
Description
Tools for reporting, analysis and planning that support strategic decision-making and data evaluation.
SAP Business Objects Design Studio
Description
SAP Business Objects Design Studio is a data visualization and dashboard development tool that enables users to create interactive analytics applications for business intelligence purposes.
SAP Crystal Reports
Description
SAP Crystal Reports is a reporting tool that allows users to design, generate, and share detailed reports using data from various sources for decision-making and analysis.
SAP GUI
Description
SAP GUI is a client interface that enables users to access and interact with SAP systems for performing various business and administrative tasks.
SAP Predictive Analytics
Description
SAP Predictive Analytics is a tool used to analyze data and generate predictive models that help organizations forecast future trends and make data-driven decisions.
SAS JMP Student Edition
Description
SAP JMP Student Edition is a statistical analysis software that allows students to perform data exploration, visualization, and modeling for academic research and coursework.
SimUText
Version
2025-2026
Description
Simulations and real-world data for ecology, evolution, and biochemistry courses.
SWMM
Version
5.2.4
Description
Rainfall and runoff simulation model used to plan, analyze, and design storm and sewer systems.
Thonny
Version
4.1.7 or newer
Description
Open-source integrated development environment for Python.
Vernier Graphical Analysis
Visual Studio Code
Version
1.119.0 or newer
Description
Standalone source code editor for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Visual Studio Community
Version
3.0.20 or newer
Description
Integrated development environment for .NET and C++
Visual Studio Extensions
Description
Java, Python, and SpringBoot extensions are installed for use in Visual Studio.
VLC
Description
Multimedia player that supports multiple audio and video formats.
Wamp Server
Description
Software bundle of Apache, PHP, and MySQL for Windows that enables local testing of web applications.
Wing Python IDE Personal
Version
11.0.0.6
Description
Integrated development environment for Python programming.
Wolfram Mathematica
Version
14.3 or newer
Description
Technical computing software used in mathematics, physics, engineering, and data science.
Zoom
Version
7 or newer
Description
Video conferencing platform for hosting and joining online meetings, webinars, and virtual events.
Zotero Standalone
Version
9.0 or newer
Description
Open source research tool for collecting, organizing, annotating, citing, and sharing research.
Mac and Digital Media Lab
Audacity
Version
3.7
Description
Audacity is for anyone who wants to get creative with sound. It’s also the perfect tool for anyone who needs to quickly edit or export audio, for any reason.
AutoDesk Fusion 360
Version
2.0.4571
Description
AutoDesk Fusion 360 is a tool for product development that includes 3D design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities.
Blender
Version
5.1.1
Description
Blender provides 2D and 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and post-production.
Brackets
Version
1.14
Description
Brackets is an open-source text editor for web design and front-end development.
Epic Games Launcher
Version
17.1
Description
Epic Games can be used to develop interactive simulations and immersive learning experiences using advanced game development tools and platforms.
Eye Jack Creator
Version
3.4
Description
EyeJack Creator helps you bring art to life with animation and sound in 3 easy steps.
Graphtec Cutting Master 5
Version
.0.01
Description
Plug-in software for Adobe Illustrator to be used with Graphtec cutting plotters.
Highland 2 (Basic)
Version
2.10.4
Description
Text editor designed for writing screenplays, short stories, and other documents.
Lightform Creator
Version
2.4.1
Description
Content creation software for designing augmented reality experiences.
LodeStar
Version
9.0
Description
Software for developing and creating interactive learning modules.
Meta Spark Studio
Version
181
Silhouette Studio (Digital Cutter)
Version
5.0
Description
Design software for use with Silhouette cutting machines.
Spatial Media Injector
Version
2.1
Description
Spatial Media Injector is a software utility used to embed spatial audio metadata into media files, enabling immersive audio experiences for playback on compatible platforms.
Steam Link
Version
1.3
Description
Steam is a digital distribution platform that can be used in higher education to provide students and educators with access to a wide range of educational games, simulation tools, and collaborative learning environments.
Tinkercad
Description
Web based modeling program for 3D printing and laser cutting designs.
TouchDesigner
Version
2023
Twine
Version
2.12
Description
Open-source tool for creating interactive, nonlinear stories without code.
Ultimaker Cura (2+ Printers)
Version
5.x
Description
Ultimaker Cura is software for 3D printing