I wrote an article a while back on why you should probably stop using CCleaner, and that’s advice that we stand by. But did you know that now Microsoft has widely distributed its own app simply called PC Manager.

PC Manager is Microsoft’s answer to CCleaner and other PC cleaning utilities. And although it’s actually been around since 2022, it was just recently released for all Windows users. So what are the main features, and would we recommend trying it out?

Microsoft PC Manager features?

• PC Boost: Clears up space by deleting temporary files and terminating unnecessary processes to free up RAM.
• Smart Boost: Automatically performs cleanup tasks when RAM usage or temporary files exceed certain thresholds.
• Deep Cleanup: Allows deeper cleaning by selecting specific unnecessary files, including cached data from non-Microsoft programs.
• Health Check: Clears space and manages startup programs to prevent unwanted programs from running at startup.
• Task Manager: Displays running programs and allows easy termination; includes a granular startup program menu.
• Protection Tab:
  • Virus scanning.
  • System updates.
  • Control default browser and apps.
  • Pop-up blocking for certain applications.
  • Taskbar repair (disables third-party taskbar extensions and restores default Windows features like the search box).
• Storage Tab:
  • Displays large files (larger than 10 MB) and allows purging.
  • Identifies and deletes duplicate files.
  • Provides access to downloads and Storage Sense for automatic temporary file deletion.
• Apps Tab: Copies functionality from the home menu and includes links to the Microsoft Store and settings app.
• Toolbox: Provides shortcuts to programs like Notepad and Calculator, and promotes Microsoft web tools like Bing Translator.
• Quick Access Toolbar: Offers a smaller window with quick access to PC Boost and other functions (though may cause issues in full-screen applications).

Is Microsoft PC Manager Useful?

Now, if you were to ask me, Can’t you do most of this stuff elsewhere in Windows already?

I would say yes, you’re absolutely right. Many of the tasks we just discussed can be easily accomplished in either task manager or the settings app. But we’re not trying to say PC Manager is completely useless as making these settings more easily accessible, especially large and duplicate file scanners, could be more helpful for novice users who could be quickly overwhelmed by all the options present in the full-fat versions of those programs.

Indeed, Microsoft originally described this app as based on user pain points and a one-stop problem-solving solution. So it sounds like they were fully aware that it largely replicates functionality, but that the point was to lend a hand to less experienced users who just want a way to try and quickly fix a sluggish PC or one that’s running out of storage space.

Of course, there’s a more cynical take that Microsoft is trying to push its own services and take more control out of the hands of users. Earlier versions of the PC Manager app came under fire for saying that your system needed repair when you had a search engine other than Bing set as your default.

And while it appears that this has been removed from the current version, it makes you wonder what Microsoft’s real motivation for creating this app was. You could also look at the taskbar repair feature as another way for Microsoft to try and stop you from making too many customizations to your PC, although you could ostensibly use it to try and remove a third-party taskbar widget you installed accidentally. We all make mistakes.

Do I recommend Microsoft PC Manager software?

So would we recommend actually using PC Manager? We will say it doesn’t seem to have the same downside of CCleaner in that there’s less risk of accidentally breaking something as PC Manager doesn’t do crap like cleanup registry entries, which have no detrimental effect on your system.

It does also make a couple of tasks a bit easier as we previously discussed. But overall, we don’t think it’ll be all that useful for intermediate to advanced users, especially as features like Health Check don’t tell you if something is actually wrong with your computer.

But one big upside, it might reduce the number of questions you have to field if you’re the family IT person.

Brief information about Microsoft PC Manager software

What is Ccleaner?

CCleaner is a freeware program that can be used to clean up junk files and registry entries on your Windows PC. It was first released in 2004 and has been downloaded over 2.5 billion times. However, CCleaner has also been criticized for a number of issues, including privacy concerns, security vulnerabilities, and bundled software.

Why is something creepy about Ccleaner?

Privacy Concerns:	Security Vulnerabilities:	Bundled Software:
In 2017, it was discovered that CCleaner was collecting system information and sending it back to the developers. This information included the user’s IP address, computer name, and hardware specifications. While this data was supposedly used for diagnostic purposes, many users were concerned about the privacy implications.	In 2018, CCleaner was hacked and compromised. This allowed hackers to install malware on the computers of millions of users. The malware was designed to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.	CCleaner often comes bundled with other software, such as Avast antivirus and AVG antivirus. This software is often pre-selected for installation and can be difficult to decline. Some users have complained that this is a deceptive practice.

Top 3 Alternatives of Ccleaner

There are a number of alternatives to CCleaner that do not have the same issues. Some of these alternatives include:

1. CCleaner Classic: This is an older version of CCleaner that does not collect system information or send it back to the developers.
2. Wise Disk Cleaner: This is a freeware program that can be used to clean up junk files and registry entries on your Windows PC. It is lightweight and easy to use.
3. BleachBit: This is a freeware program that can be used to clean up junk files and registry entries on your Linux, macOS, and Windows PC. It is highly customizable and can be used to delete a wide variety of data.

My takeaways from the article

CCleaner is a controversial program that has been criticized for a number of issues. While it can be used to clean up junk files and registry entries on your Windows PC, there are a number of alternatives that do not have the same problems. If you are concerned about privacy or security, you may want to consider using one of these alternatives.