After more than 30 years of Windows there is now the first free tool from Microsoft to clean the PC: The PC Manager can do that

We show you what is possible with the PC Manager from Microsoft under Windows.

Order is half life, even on the PC. But as in real life, it also applies here that you can overdo it. Tools to clean the computer are therefore not only considered positively.

It is unclear whether this explains why Microsoft waited to publish its own program of this type of Windows 10 and Windows 11 by 2024.

On the other hand, it is certain how you install the free Microsoft PC Manager and what he can do in March 2025, and this is exactly what this article is about.

Update, March 13, 2025:We have updated the article with an adapted installation instructions as well as images and descriptions of the latest functions of the Microsoft PC Manager.

How to install the Microsoft PC Manager

Two important information in advance:

  • So far, the PC Manager is only available in English and Chinese and not in German.
  • In order to install it, you have to change the region in the Windows settings briefly.

As soon as the tool is installed, you can undo the change.

This is how you proceed to install the Microsoft PC Manager

Before installation, you have to select as a region in the language settings of Windows "United States".

  1. Opens the settings of Windows, goes toTime and language -> language and regionand choose underCountry or regionThe entryUnited Statesout of.
  2. Now you can search for the PC manager in the Microsoft Store and download and install it there.

Incidentally, there is also an installation file on theDownload page from Microsoft. However, after opening it only leads you to the Microsoft Store instead of installing the tool regardless of it.

What can the Microsoft PC Manager?

In the home area you can release RAM by boost function and delete temporary files.

Most of the app does things that Windows can do, but bundled in a tool and partly with its own program interface.

This includes deleting temporary files and removing apps from the autostart, but also classic Windows functions such as installing updates and scanning by viruses.

This is followed by an overview with all options of the program based on the current version from the Microsoft Store. If you prefer pictures instead of words, the screenshots at the top help you show all areas of the program.

All functions of the Microsoft PC Manager

"Home" (5 functions)
  • PC Boost:As if possible, releases RAM and deletes current temporary files
  • Health Check:Search for other temporary files and recommend settings such as the use of the standard options for the taskbar or the automatic start of the PC Mangers with Windows
  • Process:Shows certain current processes and offers the opportunity to end them
  • Deep Cleanup:Particularly deep search for potentially deleted files, including including browser cache, application cache, trash and-controversial-Windows Prefetch)
  • Startup:Displays certain autostart elements with the possibility of deactivation
"Protection" (6 functions)
  • Virus & Thread Protection:The search for threats starts via Windows Defender
  • Windows Update:View and install available Windows updates
  • Default Browser Settings:Opens the system settings for standard apps
  • Taskbar Repair:Reset the taskbar to the default settings
  • Restore Default Apps:Set standard tools for office files, websites and PDF files on Microsoft software (MS Office & MS Edge)
  • Pop-up-Management:Function for blocking unwanted pop-ups
  • Network-Check:Check whether all network functions work as desired and displays the current up and download rate.
"Storage" (3 functions)
  • Disk Analysis:Displays the occupancy of the drive sorted by different areas and the size of folders and files in a new window
  • Deep Cleanup:The same function as in the area of ​​"home"
  • Downloaded Files:In a new window, shows the files in the download folder with the possibility of only selecting certain file types and deleting files
  • Large Files:Searches for particularly large files and offers the opportunity to delete them
  • Duplicate Files:Looking for file duplicates with the possibility to delete them
  • Storage Sense:Opens the system settings for the memory optimization of Windows
"Apps" (4 functions)
  • Process Management:Proposes unused processes for ending
  • Startup Apps:The same function asStartupin the areaHome
  • Deep Uninstall:Shows an overview of all installed programs with the possibility to delete them individually
  • Microsoft Store:Opens the Microsoft Store
"Toolbox" (4 functions)
  • Show Toolbar on the desktop:If a toolbar is dazzled, via which the PC Boost and linked programs can be reached quickly
  • Windows Tools:Links to various Windows applications such as the editor and the calculator
  • Web Tools:Links to websites such as the bing translator and the bing currency calculator
  • Quick Access Links:Manually customizable links (a link to MSN is available by default)
Restore (1 function)

If necessary, the reset of Windows settings to the default value.

"Settings" (4 functions)
  • Smart Boost:The PC Boost is carried out automatically whena lot of RAMis used or more than 1 GB of temporary files are available
  • Custom Shortcuts:Set key combination to switch on and off the automatic blocking of pop-ups
  • General Settings:Set whether the PC manager automatically starts with Windows, select Dark mode and change the language
  • Prompt Settings:Remove window from the PC Manager on or off

Why the PC Manager was partly criticized for the release

Neowinreported on the first store release in early 2024, which in the toolbox section can sometimes be found on the left with tracking parameters. However, we cannot confirm this based on the version we use.

At that time there was also criticismWinfutureon the possibility of the so -calledPrefetch-Deleting Windows files because this could also lead to problems and Microsoft advised against it in the past.

This option is indeed available, but at least not selected by default. The tool should still provide information about undesirable consequences.

In the Microsoft Store, however, the PC Manager has been getting away pretty well so far:With just over 1,000 reviews, he comes to 4.3 out of 5 possible stars.

Now your opinion is asked: 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 like to test it yourself in the future? And how do you generally feel about tools to clean up the PC? Feel free to write it in the comments and discuss!