Microsoft PC Manager Review: A New Alternative to CCleaner?

Microsoft recently launched their PC Manager, a tool aimed at optimizing and managing PC performance. Many users are comparing it to CCleaner, wondering if Microsoft’s solution is just as good or better. With features like boosting performance, cleaning system files, and managing storage, it promises an all-in-one tool for PC maintenance. But how does it really stack up to third-party options? Let’s dive in and find out if it’s worth using.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft PC Manager offers a range of features similar to CCleaner, including performance boosting and system cleaning.
  • It also includes storage management and pop-up blocking, but forces Microsoft Edge-related changes that users may find intrusive.
  • While many of its features are built into Windows, the app simplifies accessing them, making it easier to optimize your PC.
Give Your PC a “BOOST” with the Microsoft PC Manager!

Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11
  • Internet Connection: Required for downloading and updating the app
  • WebView2 Runtime: Necessary if Microsoft Edge has been uninstalled

Why Use Microsoft PC Manager?

If you’re looking for an all-in-one tool to clean your PC, manage storage, and boost performance, Microsoft PC Manager might just be what you need. Unlike third-party tools, it’s designed by Microsoft and integrates tightly with Windows. But is it worth switching from other well-known apps like CCleaner? Let’s explore.

Beware: Microsoft PC Manager Pushes Edge and Bing Defaults

One thing that might catch you off guard with Microsoft PC Manager is its insistence on making Microsoft Edge your default browser and Bing your default search engine. The first time you launch the app, it nudges you to reset Edge to use Bing, even if Edge isn’t your browser of choice.

Microsoft PC Manager prompting to Reset the Edge browser's default search engine to Bing.

This push to use Bing isn’t new for Microsoft. It’s something many users have experienced across other parts of Windows, and it can definitely be frustrating if you’re already comfortable with another browser or search engine.

Additionally, if you’ve uninstalled Edge, the WebView2 Runtime gets reinstalled as a dependency, bringing Edge back with it!

If you prefer not to use Edge or Bing, make sure to uncheck those options when prompted during setup. Otherwise, you might find your defaults changed without you realizing.

How to Use Microsoft PC Manager to Optimize Your PC

1. Download and Install Microsoft PC Manager

First, head to the official Microsoft PC Manger website or the Microsoft Store and download the app.

Downloading Microsoft PC Manager from the official website.

Once downloaded, run the installer to install the app. During the installation, you might need to install the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime if Edge isn’t installed.

Installing Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.

2. Boost PC Performance

After installation, the app allows you to boost your PC’s performance by deleting temporary files and clearing up RAM.

Boosting PC performance using Microsoft PC Manager.

You can also enable the Smart Boost feature, which automatically triggers performance boosts when there’s high RAM usage or over 1GB of temporary files.

Enabling Smart Boost in Microsoft PC Manager.

3. Health Check

The Health Check feature scans your PC for potential issues, such as resetting Edge’s default search engine to Bing and reverting the taskbar to its default appearance. Personally, I found these suggestions unnecessary, as I prefer using StartAllBack for my taskbar.

Health Check results in Microsoft PC Manager.

If you agree with the suggested changes, click on Proceed to let the app apply them.

4. Clean Up Storage

The Deep Cleanup feature is one of the app’s highlights, allowing you to clean various system caches and free up disk space.

Deep Cleanup feature in Microsoft PC Manager.

It’s a convenient way to remove Windows Update leftovers, temp files, and application caches. For those with large files or duplicates, the Large Files Finder and Duplicate Files Finder tools are especially useful.

To find and delete Large Files and Folders, I usually use WizTree which I discuss more in depth in my guide on 5 Easy Ways to Clear Up Space on Windows 10 and 11.

Finding large files using Microsoft PC Manager.

5. Process Management

Similar to Task Manager, the Process Management tab lets you end tasks that may be slowing down your system. However, it offers a cleaner and more simplified interface.

Managing processes in Microsoft PC Manager.

6. Pop-Up Management

Lastly, the app provides a Pop-Up Management feature that blocks pop-up windows in apps. Although it’s unclear exactly what it blocks, it’s worth enabling if you’re tired of unwanted notifications.

Enabling Pop-Up Management in Microsoft PC Manager.

Conclusion

Overall, Microsoft PC Manager offers a convenient way to optimize your system without needing third-party tools. However, the forced Edge and Bing integrations are a downside. That said, if you’re looking for a straightforward way to manage your PC’s performance and storage, this app is worth a try.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I download Microsoft PC Manager?

You can download the app directly from the official Microsoft website or the Microsoft Store.

Can I use Microsoft PC Manager without installing Microsoft Edge?

While Microsoft PC Manager works without Edge, some features require the WebView2 Runtime, which may trigger an Edge installation.

Does Microsoft PC Manager replace other cleaning tools like CCleaner?

While it offers similar features, such as cleaning temp files and managing storage, some advanced features of CCleaner aren’t available in PC Manager.

Will Microsoft PC Manager fix my startup apps?

The app helps you manage startup items, but you can also disable them directly in Windows Task Manager.

Does Microsoft PC Manager block ads?

It includes a Pop-Up Management feature that may block unwanted pop-ups in apps, but it’s not clear if it blocks all ads.

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