The new PC Manager from Microsoft is not yet available in Europe, but that is likely to change sooner or later.
Order is half the battle, even on the PC. But just like in real life, you can overdo it. Tools for cleaning the computer are therefore not only viewed positively.
Whether this explains why Microsoft waited over 30 years to release its own tool of this type for Windows is unclear. What is certain, however, is what the new free one is PC Manager so far and why it is sometimes criticized, and that is exactly what this article is about.
Important to know in advance: The official Microsoft program for Windows 10 and Windows 11, which was initially released for the Chinese market, is currently only available in English.
If you want to use it in Europey, you either have to change the Windows region in order to be able to download it from the Microsoft Store – or use the public (and English) beta version. Among other things, she will be at Winfuture offered for download.
What can the PC Manager do?
The tool mostly does things that Windows can already do, but bundled into one program.
These include deleting temporary files and removing apps from autostart, but also classic Windows functions such as installing updates and scanning for viruses. Some entries only open system settings that are already known.
The following is an overview of all the program options based on the current version from the Microsoft Store, which correspond to the last beta version. If you prefer pictures instead of words, the screenshots of all areas of the program that you see at the beginning of this section will help you.
All functions of the PC Manager
»Home« (5 functions)
- PC Boost: Frees up memory as much as possible and deletes current temporary files
- Health Check: Searches for additional temporary files and displays recommended startup items to disable
- Process: Shows specific currently running processes and provides the option to end them
- Deep Cleanup: Particularly deep search for potentially deleted files (including Windows Update, browser cache, application cache, trash and – controversially – Windows Prefetch)
- Startup: Detailed look at all startup items with the ability to disable them
»Protection« (6 functions)
- Virus & Thread Protection: Starts the search for threats via Windows Defender
- Windows Update: View and install available Windows updates
- Default Browser Settings: Opens System Preferences for Default Apps
- Taskbar Repair: Resetting the taskbar to default settings
- Restore Default Apps: Set standard tools for Office files, websites and PDF files to Microsoft software (MS Office & MS Edge)
- Pop-up-Management: Feature to block unwanted pop-ups
»Storage« (3 functions)
- Deep Cleanup: Same function as in the »Home« area
- Manage Large Files: Searches for large files in six standard Windows folders such as Documents and Pictures
- Storage Sense: Opens the Windows Memory Optimization system settings
»Apps« (4 functions)
- Process Management: Suggests unused processes to terminate
- Startup Apps: Same function as
Startup
in the areaHome
- Manage Apps: Opens the overview of all installed programs in the system settings
- Microsoft Store: Opens the Microsoft Store
»Toolbox« (4 functions)
- Show Toolbar on the desktop: Displays a toolbar through which PC Boost and programs can be quickly accessed
- Windows Tools: Links to various Windows applications such as Notepad and Calculator
- Web Tools: Links to websites such as the Bing Translator and the Bing Currency Converter
- Custom Links: Manually customizable links (by default there is a link to MSN)
»Settings« (3 functions)
- Smart Boost: The PC Boost will be carried out automatically when
lots of RAM
is used or more than 1 GB of temporary files are present - Shortcut Settings: Set keyboard shortcut to turn automatic pop-up blocking on and off
- General Settings: Determine whether PC Manager starts automatically with Windows and change the language
Why the PC Manager is sometimes criticized
In addition to the somewhat bumpy translation, some of the tool’s functions have also come under criticism.
This is how it is reported Neowinthat some links with tracking parameters can be found in the toolbox section. However, based on the version we use, we cannot confirm this.
There is also criticism Winfuture at the possibility of the so-called Prefetch
-Delete files from Windows because this can also lead to problems and Microsoft itself has advised against this in the past.
This option is indeed available, but at least not selected by default. The tool should still provide information about any undesirable consequences.
In the Microsoft Store, the PC Manager has done pretty well so far, even if there are currently only 161 reviews: On average it lands at least 4.3 out of five possible stars.
What the editorial team thinks of PC Manager
Nils Raettig
@nraettig
The basic idea of the PC Manager is certainly to be welcomed: Windows does not yet offer a central point of contact for managing the PC, even if the Task Manager has become more and more popular in the recent past through updates.
For my taste, there are still too few helpful explanations in the PC Manager and too many functions of questionable use. This also includes the settings that ultimately only serve to make Microsoft programs and specifications (again) the standard.
In addition, there are many options that ultimately do nothing other than open a specific settings window in the regular Windows control panel or that are repeated in various places in the program. This is of little use and unnecessarily bloats the tool.
There is still potential. For the time being, however, I remain skeptical as to whether the PC Manager can really develop into a recommendation without restrictions for every Windows PC through further updates (and the addition of a Europe interface).
Now we need your opinion: Have you already tried the new PC Manager from Microsoft? If so, what experiences have you had with it? If not, do you find the tool interesting after reading our description and would you like to test it yourself in the future? And how do you generally feel about tools that are supposed to clean up your PC? Feel free to write it in the comments and join in the discussion!
