A new Windows 11 build is rolling out to Microsoft’s Beta channel, and it includes an app that’s been embroiled in some controversy. Build 22635.3646 includes the PC Manager app for devices in China by default. The app is already available through the Microsoft Store, but the update suggests that the app could become a more widespread part of Windows 11 soon.
PC Manager falls into the category of “system optimizers” along the lines of the Razer Cortex Game Booster. It cleans out temporary files, frees up unused memory, and digs deep into your hard drive to clean up unused files. According to Microsoft, it can even “reduce ads and pop-up interruptions from apps.” A system optimizer from Microsoft sounds like a great idea if it makes it to Windows 11 officially.
The problem is, PC Manager has already been embroiled in controversy. Neowin discovered that the app contains affiliate links, including tracking, to Chinese utilities that add functionality to Microsoft Word and Powerpoint. Another user on Reddit discovered that the app resets your default homepage in the Edge browser to Bing — something Microsoft has tried to trick users into doing dozens of times before.
This sort of sneaky intrusion is to be expected from free software you can find anywhere online, but this is an official Microsoft app available through the Microsoft Store. There have also been a few issues. About a week ago, the app received a couple of one-star reviews after a Windows Update automatically removed PC Manager and made it inaccessible through the Microsoft Store. Over on the PC Manager subreddit three days ago, another user posted that the app was displaying a popup at least once per session, asking them to launch PC Manager after they uninstalled it. So much for reducing "app popup interruptions."
Right now, PC Manager is only a default app in China, and only for this new Windows 11 build in the Beta Channel. However, Microsoft is testing builds there for a wider release. It's a clear sign that Microsoft plans to make PC Manager a default app in
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are dozens of these system optimization apps out there that can do more harm than good to your PC, so an official Microsoft acquisition could protect unsuspecting users from these dubious downloads. If it’s just another way for Microsoft to get users into Edge and Bing, and redirect them to affiliate services, then it’s not worth the performance boost it could provide.
