PC Tasks Optimizer
PC Tasks Optimizer is a free software program for Windows devices that assists users in disabling unneeded Windows tasks.
The Windows Task Scheduler is a core part of the Windows operating system. It consists basically of a list of scheduled tasks that are executed when certain events occur. These events may for instance be on system start.
While all Windows users may manage tasks using the Task Scheduler, doing so requires some understanding of tasks and quite a bit of research.
Not so much when it comes to tasks added by third-party programs installed on the system, but for native Windows tasks.
PC Tasks Optimizer
PC Tasks Optimizer has been designed for exactly that purpose. It is a third-party program that assists you in disabling tasks that you may not require.
It displays a list of "I use", "I don't use" scenarios on start that you go through to keep tasks enabled or turn them off.
This scenario-based approach makes it a bit easier for users to decide whether a task is required or not.
As far as tasks are concerned, PC Tasks Optimizer lists 21 scenarios that let you turn off one or multiple associated tasks.
You may turn off tasks related to privacy for instance, and tasks that power Windows features such as Windows Defender or Error Reporting.
Issues
While some may require additional research to understand them better, most scenarios listed should suffice to make a decision.
For instance, "I do not want Windows to perform automatic Registry backups" is easily understandable. While I can think of only one reason to disable the task -- if you use a third-party program to create Registry backups -- it is easy enough to understand the consequences of disabling the task.
Some scenarios may require research however. If you don't know what Windows HotStart is for instance, you may not know whether it is safe to turn off the task.
One of the shortcomings of PC Tasks Optimizer is that it does not provide explanation about each feature listed in one of the scenarios. The only information it provides you with apart from the scenario description itself is the description and path of the task when you select it.
Another issue that users may run into is how scenarios are worded. The statement "I have opted out of the Microsoft Customer Experience program" suggests that users may need to opt out of the program before they can disable associated tasks.
There is however no indication how that is done or where users would find the option. Ultimately however, you may turn off any task listed by PC Tasks Optimizer without having to turn off certain features beforehand.
Last but not least, a couple of spelling mistakes give the program a less than professional look and feel.
Closing Words
PC Tasks Optimizer's aim is to make task management easier to understand. It does so to a degree, but does not go far enough as users will still have to research certain features or names to understand better what a task is all about and whether it can be disabled safely.
The program is compatible with all recent versions of Microsoft Windows. It does require the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 though.
Please note that the website the program is offered on may spawn popup offers for software unrelated to PC Tasks Optimizer.
I am Ahmed from Smart PC Utilities, we are the developers of PC Tasks Optimizer.
First, I wish to thank you for your great review and feedback of PC Tasks Optimizer. We will use your feedback and comments to further improve the software, I would like to share some of the improvements and bug fixes planned in the next release:
1. Correct spelling errors.
2. Add a brief description for each scenario, for example “I have disabled Windows SmartScreen”, the help pane will show information about Windows SmartScreen and its function.
3. Add a second tab which lists different third party scheduled tasks to allow users to disable unnecessary tasks from one place instead of navigating through different folders and sub folders using the default system scheduled tasks manager.
Ahmed, this sounds like a great idea. Let me know when the new version is out.
Thanks martin. Will be looking at this,. J W
I prefer using 0&0 Shutup for similar feature set as this looks to have (i haven’t tried PC Tasks optimizer though)
O&O Shutup is only a 220kb download, with no need to install it either which is how i prefer my programs
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
I am not affiliated at all if anyone was wondering
Is windows 10 with this new version finally supported?
It is supported.
Awesome, was disabling a couple tasks last night and it seems i forgot some, thanks!
This looks really awesome but I would feel much more comfortable trying it if I knew it had been vetted by anyone on ghacks….was that done? Could it be?
Thanks for the notice of this program. I looked on download.com and see no reviews. Yet it has been listed since Sept 2015. I left a review with your name and a link to this page. Wonder if it gets published.
Thanks for your good work Martin.
Brent in Oak Park, IL birthplace of Ernest Hemingway.
Thanks for the article, Martin. I will check it out. Spelling errors in apps make me nervous.
Just yesterday I did not install a new application because of the numerous spelling mistakes on the web page, which
gave it an unpolished look.
I once had a job where I checked newly finished apps for spelling errors, among other things.
One programmer refused to believe my advice, and so ran afoul of the supervisor, when he saw it.
Hello Martin,
the software’s website would provide user with extra pop-ups and/or sponsored downloads:
* http://i.imgur.com/ACnggxT.png driverupdate from Slimware
* http://i.imgur.com/wazTXH5.png PC Mechanic 2016 from Uniblue
* http://i.imgur.com/2qe1edy.png misleading ad for VideoStripe – it would require the user to register the service once the user open that page.
For those want to get more info about or rid of Slimware’s driverupdate, please make the best of this know-how@ https://removeunwantedprograms.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/should-u-uninstall-slimcleaner-plus-for-pc/
Thanks, I will update the article to point that out!