Microsoft Made Its Own CCleaner

Summary

Microsoft's PC Manager, released to all Windows users, aims to be a one-stop solution for PC maintenance, similar to CCleaner. It offers features like PC boost, which clears temporary files and terminates unnecessary processes, and a deep cleanup function to remove various types of unneeded files. The app also includes health check, startup program management, virus scanning, and system updates. While many of these tasks can be done through Windows' own tools, PC Manager simplifies the process, potentially helping novice users. However, concerns remain about Microsoft pushing its own services and the app's real motivations, as seen in earlier versions that prompted system repair for non-Bing search engines.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Microsoft has released its own PC cleaning utility called PC Manager, which is an alternative to CA Cleaner.
• 🛠️ PC Manager features a 'PC Boost' function that clears temporary files and terminates unnecessary processes to free up RAM.
• 🔧 There's a 'Smart Boost' option that automates the cleaning process when RAM usage or disk usage reaches certain thresholds.
• 🧹 A 'Deep Cleanup' function allows users to select and delete different types of unnecessary files, including cached data from non-Microsoft programs.
• 🔄 'Health Check' helps manage startup programs and clear space, while also providing options to terminate running programs.
• 🛡️ The 'Protection' tab offers specific options for virus scanning, system updates, controlling the default browser, and pop-up blocking.
• 🗂️ The 'Storage' tab helps identify and manage large files and duplicates, as well as providing access to the Storage Sense feature.
• 🔗 The 'Apps' section replicates 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 encourages the use of Microsoft web tools like Bing Translator.
• 🎮 There have been issues with the 'Quick Access Toolbar' when playing full-screen games, as it tends to stay in the foreground.
• 🤔 While many of PC Manager's features can be found in Windows Task Manager or Settings, it aims to make these settings more accessible for novice users.

Q & A

Why should users consider stopping the use of CCleaner as suggested in a previous video?

The video suggests stopping the use of CCleaner due to potential risks and downsides, though it does not specify what those risks are in the provided transcript.

What is Microsoft's PC Manager and how does it relate to CCleaner?

PC Manager is Microsoft's own app that serves as an alternative to CCleaner and other PC cleaning utilities. It has features like PC boost, deep cleanup, and health check to optimize system performance and manage startup programs.

When was PC Manager first introduced and when was it released for all Windows users?

PC Manager has been around since 2022, but it was only recently released for all Windows users, as per the transcript.

What are the main features of PC Manager's 'PC Boost'?

PC Boost in PC Manager clears up space used by temporary files and terminates unnecessary processes to free up part of your RAM.

Can PC Manager perform automatic cleanups?

Yes, PC Manager has a 'Smart Boost' feature that can automatically perform cleanup functions once your overall RAM usage or disk usage from temporary files reaches certain thresholds.

What is the purpose of the 'Deep Cleanup' function in PC Manager?

The 'Deep Cleanup' function in PC Manager allows users to select and delete different kinds of unnecessary files, including cached data from non-Microsoft programs.

How does PC Manager assist with startup programs and running programs?

PC Manager provides an easy way to manage startup programs and lets users see running programs, terminate them, and manage a more granular startup programs menu.

What specific options does the 'Protection' tab in PC Manager offer?

The 'Protection' tab in PC Manager offers options for virus scanning, system updates, controlling the default browser and apps, pop-up blocking for certain applications, and taskbar repair.

What does the 'Storage' tab in PC Manager allow users to do?

The 'Storage' tab lets users quickly display all large files on the system, set by default to mean anything larger than 10 megabytes, and purge unwanted files. It also provides functionality for duplicate files.

What is the purpose of the 'Apps' section in PC Manager?

The 'Apps' section in PC Manager copies the functionality from the home menu and adds a couple of links to the Microsoft Store and the settings app.

What issues were there with the 'Quick Access Toolbar' in PC Manager during full-screen gaming?

The 'Quick Access Toolbar' in PC Manager had issues staying in the foreground while playing full-screen games, which could be distracting or problematic for users.

What is the main criticism of PC Manager in terms of its functionality?

The main criticism is that many of the tasks PC Manager performs can already be easily accomplished in either Task Manager or the Settings app, making it somewhat redundant.

Who is the target audience for PC Manager according to Microsoft's original description?

Microsoft originally described PC Manager as a solution based on user pain points, aiming to help less experienced users who want a quick way to fix a sluggish PC or one running out of storage space.

What concerns were raised regarding PC Manager's earlier versions in relation to user control?

Earlier versions of PC Manager were criticized for suggesting that a system needed repair when a user had a search engine other than Bing set as the default, raising concerns about Microsoft pushing its own services and reducing user control.

Would PC Manager be recommended for intermediate to advanced users?

According to the transcript, PC Manager might not be very useful for intermediate to advanced users, as it largely replicates existing functionality and does not provide advanced diagnostic features.

What is the potential upside of using PC Manager mentioned in the video?

One potential upside of using PC Manager is that it might reduce the number of questions a 'family IT person' has to field, making it a simpler solution for basic PC maintenance.

Outlines

00:00

🧹 Introduction to Microsoft's PC Manager

This paragraph introduces Microsoft's PC Manager, an application designed to replace third-party cleaning utilities like CCleaner. PC Manager, which has been available since 2022 but was recently released to all Windows users, offers a suite of features aimed at optimizing PC performance. The primary feature is 'PC Boost,' which clears temporary files and terminates unnecessary processes to free up RAM. There's also a 'Smart Boost' for automated optimization based on RAM usage thresholds. Additional features include a 'Deep Cleanup' function for deleting various unnecessary files, a 'Health Check' for managing startup programs, and options for virus scanning, system updates, and controlling default browser settings. The 'Storage' tab allows users to view and manage large files and duplicates, while 'Apps' replicates some home menu functions and promotes Microsoft Store and web tools. The 'Toolbox' provides shortcuts to common programs and features. Despite some overlap with existing Windows functionality, PC Manager aims to make these settings more accessible, particularly for novice users.

05:02

🤔 Evaluating the Utility of PC Manager

The second paragraph discusses the practical utility of PC Manager, comparing it to CCleaner and other similar tools. While PC Manager doesn't carry the same risks as CCleaner, such as the potential for breaking the system through registry cleanup, it doesn't offer significant advantages for intermediate to advanced users. The paragraph suggests that PC Manager's ease of use could be beneficial for less experienced users who might find the full versions of Windows tools overwhelming. It also touches on the cynical view that Microsoft may be trying to push its own services and exert more control over user customization. The paragraph mentions past controversies with PC Manager, such as promoting Bing as the default search engine and the 'Taskbar Repair' feature, which could be seen as an attempt to limit customization. The video concludes with a recommendation that PC Manager might be useful for reducing support queries for those who are the go-to tech person in their family, and encourages viewers to like, dislike, and subscribe for more tech-related content.

Keywords

💡PC Manager

PC Manager is Microsoft's own application designed to optimize and clean up computer systems, similar to third-party utilities like CCleaner. It is central to the video's theme as it is the main subject being discussed and evaluated. The script mentions that PC Manager has been recently released for all Windows users and outlines its various features, such as PC boost, deep cleanup, and health check.

💡CCleaner

CCleaner is a well-known third-party system optimization tool that the video script contrasts with Microsoft's PC Manager. The video suggests that viewers should stop using CCleaner, and it is used as a point of comparison to discuss the features and potential benefits of Microsoft's alternative.

💡System Optimization

System optimization refers to the process of improving a computer's performance by cleaning up unnecessary files, managing processes, and ensuring efficient operation. This concept is integral to the video's content as it discusses how PC Manager aims to optimize system performance through various features like PC boost and deep cleanup.

💡RAM Usage

RAM usage pertains to the amount of a computer's random access memory that is currently being utilized by running applications and processes. The script mentions PC Manager's smart boost feature, which automatically performs cleanup tasks when RAM usage reaches certain thresholds, indicating a focus on managing system resources efficiently.

💡Startup Programs

Startup programs are applications that automatically run when a computer boots up. The video script discusses how PC Manager allows users to manage these programs, which can be crucial for improving boot times and overall system performance.

💡Health Check

Health check in the context of the video refers to a feature within PC Manager that scans the system for potential issues and provides solutions. It is presented as a way to quickly assess and address problems that might be affecting the computer's performance.

💡Taskbar Extensions

Taskbar extensions are additional tools or features that can be added to the Windows taskbar to enhance functionality. The script mentions a 'taskbar repair' feature in PC Manager that disables third-party taskbar extensions, which can be seen as an attempt to streamline the user experience or regain control over system customizations.

💡Storage Management

Storage management involves organizing and optimizing the use of a computer's storage space. The video script describes how PC Manager includes features like displaying large files and purging duplicates, which are essential for managing storage effectively and preventing a system from running out of space.

💡Microsoft Services

Microsoft services refer to the various software and online tools provided by Microsoft, such as Bing Translator, which the script mentions PC Manager encourages users to use. This could be seen as an attempt by Microsoft to promote its own ecosystem and services to users.

💡User Experience

User experience (UX) is the overall experience a user has while interacting with a system or product. The video discusses how PC Manager aims to improve the UX for novice users by making system optimization tasks more accessible and straightforward, although it may not offer significant advantages for more advanced users.

💡System Repair

System repair involves fixing issues with a computer's operating system or software to restore it to proper functioning. The script refers to past versions of PC Manager that prompted system repair when a non-Bing search engine was set as default, suggesting a possible bias towards Microsoft's own services.

Highlights

Microsoft has released its own PC cleaning utility called PC Manager.

PC Manager is designed to be a multifunctional program.

It features a 'PC Boost' to clear temporary files and free up RAM.

A 'Smart Boost' function can automate these processes based on RAM usage thresholds.

The 'Deep Cleanup' allows users to delete various unnecessary files, including cached data.

Health Check helps manage startup programs and clear space.

Users can view and terminate running programs from the interface.

The 'Protection' tab offers virus scanning and system update options.

It also controls the default browser and pop-up blocking for applications.

The 'Storage' tab displays large files and offers duplicate file scanning.

The 'Apps' section replicates home menu functionality with additional Microsoft Store links.

The 'Toolbox' provides shortcuts to programs and encourages the use of Microsoft web tools.

PC Manager has a 'Quick Access Toolbar' with a shortcut to the PC Boost function.

There were issues with the toolbar appearing in the foreground during full-screen games.

Many tasks in PC Manager can already be done in Windows Task Manager or Settings.

PC Manager aims to make settings more accessible for novice users.

Microsoft described PC Manager as a one-stop problem-solving solution based on user pain points.

Previous versions of PC Manager were criticized for promoting Bing as the default search engine.

The 'Taskbar Repair' feature can be seen as an attempt to limit customizations.

PC Manager may not be as risky as CCleaner in terms of system stability.

It could be useful for intermediate to advanced users for certain tasks, despite its limitations.

The video suggests that PC Manager might reduce the number of tech support questions for family tech helpers.

Transcripts

we did a video a while back on why you

should probably stop using CA cleaner

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 and no this isn't a

soccer coach who's very concerned about

not offending anyone during press

interviews if I speak I am in in big

trouble PC manager is Microsoft's answer

to ca cleaner 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 PC manager

attempts to be a many things in one type

of program the most prominently

displayed feature is PC boost which

clears up space used by temporary files

and terminates some unnecessary

processes to free up part of your RAM

there's also a smart boost feature you

can set that performs these functions

automatically once your overall RAM

usage or dis usage from temporary files

hit certain thresholds speaking of

freeing up space there's also a deep

cleanup function that lets you drill

down a bit more and choose different

kinds of unnecessary files to delete

including cached data from non-microsoft

programs you also get health check

another easy way to clear space and

manage your startup programs in case

unwanted crap keeps popping up when you

boot up your PC and another option that

lets you see running programs and easily

terminate them as well as a more

granular startup programs menu over on

the left side you'll see a protection

tab that gives you more specific options

for virus scanning system updates

controlling your default browser and

apps pop-up blocking for certain

applications and something called

taskbar repair which really just

disables any thirdparty taskbar

extensions you might have installed and

gives you options to reenable some

default Windows features you may have

turned off such as the search box the

storage tab lets you quickly display all

large files on your system set by

default to mean anything larger than 10

megabytes and Purge anything you don't

want while also providing similar

functionality for duplicate files there

are also shortcuts to your downloads

into the storage sense feature which

automatically deletes temporary files

apps basically just copies the same

functionality from the home menu and

adds a couple of links to the Microsoft

store and the settings app and toolbox

displays shortcuts to certain programs

like notepad and calculator and

annoyingly tries to encourage you to use

Microsoft web tools like Bing Translator

there's also an option for a quick

access toolbar that replicates his

functionality in a smaller window while

also providing a shortcut to that PC

boost function we mentioned earlier but

we actually had issues with it on our

own end when playing full screen games

as the system kept trying to keep that

toolbar in the foreground now are you

noticing a pattern here if not we'll

tell you what it is right after we thank

MSI for sponsoring this video hey you

know what would step up your gaming

sessions and look great doing it the MSI

Vision Elite RS gaming desktop with a

14th gen Intel Core I9 processor 64 gigs

of ddr5 RAM a 360 mm aiio cooler and an

RTX 490 it's a Powerhouse of a machine

and the MSI Maestro chassis ties

everything together with a one piece

270° tempered glass panel that's nice

check out the MSI Vision Elite RS at the

link in the description now if you were

to ask as 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 and indeed Microsoft

originally described this app as based

on user pain points and a One-Stop

problemsolving 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 to

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 ostensively use it

to try and remove a thirdparty taskbar

widget you installed accidentally we all

make mistakes so would we recommend

actually using PC manager we will say it

doesn't seem to have the same downside

of C cleaner 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 thanks for

watching the video guys like it if you

like it dislike it if you disliked it

check out our other video on C cleaner

comment with video suggestions and don't

forget to subscribe and follow Tech

quicki we talk about this kind of stuff

all the time okay