Microsoft's New Demi-God Mode
Introduction To Microsoft PC Manager
I ran across an article extolling the virtues of a Windows utility application that has been around for ages, CCleaner. CCleaner was also an app in the news over the Summer of 2022 for being hacked and spreading malware. CCleaner was recently purchased by Avast, and Avast is now trying to spread the word that CCleaner is now malware free. Thus, the Puff Piece I read.
CCleaner has been known for literally decades now for infecting its downloads with spyware. Furthermore, January 9, 2022, I posted about how after purchasing the Norton AntiVirus product, Avast was found to have injected crytpo-mining malware in the Norton anti-malware application. So my suggestion is to avoid any product downloaded from Avast.
Nevertheless, the idea of an application that could automate all the various ways our Windows system can be cleaned of what I call Digital Dust Bunnies is a good idea on its face. This is stuff that is not needed; not wanted; of unsure origin; and is just taking up space.
There has always been a means to put all of the Windows Settings in one
place.
Known as "God Mode," all the settings are
in a folder like container. To place God on your
Desktop, simply create a New
Folder on the Desktop. Name it the following without quotations marks:
"God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}"
God Mode is very inclusive and maybe a bit overwhelming for most of us. Moreover, if you do not know what those settings do, then it is best to leave them untouched.
Microsoft has now put into public beta an application much like CCleaner. Yet, since the app is coming from MS, we can be better assured the download application will be clean of malware and spyware. This new Application is called MS PC Manager. MS PC Manager can be downloaded right here. It's like God Mode-lite — or Demi-God Mode — if you like.
The download itself is quite fast. After the download is finished, you will be prompted to Install the app.
When PC Manager first opens, it teases you with an offer to Boost your PC's performance. All this does is clear your cache files, which will unlikely give your PC any real noticeable boost in performance.
Health Check runs the antivirus installed on the PC.
Storage management will help you manage your hard drive and guide you through deleting files you may not want.
Process management works like Task Manager to show what apps may run in the background.
Startup apps also duplicates what Task Manager already does.
Now,
Just Because You Can Do a Thing, Doesn't Mean That You Should Do That Thing.
If you have no clue what each of the apps listed under any one cleanup process actually does, then I suggest you leave those apps alone.
I like my Recent File List. It helps me keep me on track.
I don't want my default browser switched to Edge. That hardly seems like a performance issue.
My objections not withstanding, if you have never cleaned any part of your Windows Operating System, the MS PC Manager might be worth a go. Personally, I am very much a DIY guy. Too many times, the Law Of Unintended Consequences reigned supreme over any automation.
On April 3, 2022, I posted a series on cleaning up your root drive yourself using Windows built-in utilities. And then on April 16, 2022, I posted a series on cleaning up your cache. Lastly, I must note, that on March 12, 2023, I posted how to use Task Manager to control apps that startup with Windows.
Whatever method you choose to improve your system's performance, keep the wise words below in front of mind.
