A few days back I was browsing the Microsoft App store on my laptop. I wasn’t looking for anything specific. I was just filling the time between meetings. I had searched the store for “Microsoft”, I like to keep tabs on any new software they release. That’s when I noticed it.

A new app named PC Manager was in the list. The description was interesting. Microsoft has created an app to make monitoring and managing your computer easier. The Windows Settings and Task Manager apps are notoriously confusing for folks that don’t live and breathe IT work. This had all the hallmarks of a better solution.

From my point of view, PC Manager delivers. It has quick links to things like take a screen shot, and the calculator app. You can easily see and manage the running apps and processes on your system. It can automatically clean up your hard drive by removing temp files from the OS and apps. The network test shows you everything about your system connectivity in one place.

The toolbar is a fantastic edition to my Windows desktop. The feature isn’t turned on by default. If you want to try it, look in the Toolbox and flip the toggle to on. If you drag the toolbar to an edge of your screen, it will attach to that spot and auto-hide itself. The toolbar shows your total memory use, Wi-Fi signal stats, 4 shortcuts, and a search bar.

There aren’t any new abilities or information; all of this stuff is available in Windows via other methods. IT workers don’t always appreciate Microsoft adding another way to do stuff. It adds to their already full workloads. That being said, this particular tool seems useful. I like the toolbar, and it simplifies maintenance tasks. It’s free, give it a try and see what you think.