Microsoft PC Manager is more powerful than before and has introduced several new features, including a floating toolbar. The app is Microsoft's answer to all the third-party PC cleanup and management apps, which now seem less useful.
You get a better overall design, with a vertical menu and several subsections, including the new Toolbox section. Let's take a closer look at these features.
What's new in the Microsoft PC Manager app?
The Microsoft PC Manager app is still in beta. Earlier versions of the app had two main sections: Cleanup and Security. The update, however, brings a new Home section to the app, neatly arranging all the useful settings in tiles. It supports light and dark modes and follows the default system theme.
Beyond the cosmetic improvements, you also get 4 separate sections: Protection, Storage, Apps and Toolbox. In the Protection section, you can restore the default taskbar appearance and default apps.
The Storage section has improved Files Cleanup tools, including a better large file finder. Before, you could only preview files in File Explorer, but now the app opens a new subpage for large files with several filters and scan options.
You can move or permanently delete one or more files right from this window without opening File Explorer. The Deep Scan option is still there, and you can even access Storage Sense from the Microsoft PC Manager app. The App Management section has nothing new. You can end processes, manage startup apps and go straight to the Microsoft Store.
The last section is Toolbox. With it, you can access many Windows tools, show a floating toolbar on your screen and add custom links.
How to enable the Toolbox on your desktop
You need to install the latest version of the Microsoft PC Manager app (3.8.2.0) from the official Microsoft PC Manager website. But if you have trouble downloading or installing the app, you can also download it from Techspot, a trustworthy website.
After installing the Microsoft PC Manager app, click the Toolbox icon in the vertical menu on the left. Then click the toggle next to the Show toolbar on the desktop option to enable the toolbar.
With the floating toolbar on your screen, you can now minimize the Microsoft PC Manager app. Click and drag the toolbar to either side of the screen to pin it there. If you don't, it will appear on top of all your open apps.
The toolbar appears automatically when you hover over its position. Click the Boost button to clear memory or launch any of the tools. You can even add custom links to websites on the toolbar and then launch them directly in Edge.
How to customize the toolbar
The default list of tools on the toolbar may not suit everyone. You may not need the Edge search option, or you may want to add more tools or remove some of them. Here's how to customize it:
1. Hover over the Toolbox on your desktop to open it.
2. Click Settings.
3. Now, click Add tools.
4. Click the plus sign (+) to add a tool to the toolbar.
5. If you want to remove a tool's icon from the toolbox, click the minus sign (-).
6. Finally, click the desktop to close the toolbar.
You can hide the toolbar without closing the Microsoft PC Manager app in the background. Hover over the toolbar to open it and click Settings. Then click Hide toolbar to hide it on your desktop. However, you will have to go to the Toolbox section in the Microsoft PC Manager app to bring the toolbar back.
The new Microsoft PC Manager app manages Windows better and has enough features to compete with any PC management or cleanup app. You can now identify larger files, manage apps and taskbar behavior, and reach many built-in Windows tools through the toolbar, all with a much-improved user interface. Still, it's unclear when the app will leave the beta stage and appear on the Microsoft Store for the general public.
