Windows 7 Manager is an all-in-one system cleaner, tweaker, and maintenance tool that, among other capabilities, incorporates a wide range of “fixes,” many of them built into Windows, yet tucked away in odd corners that make them difficult for ordinary users to access. That’s sometimes because inexperienced users who misuse a fix or a tweak can cause more problems than they started with. Windows 7 Manager is a good example: It probably packs more features than any tool of its type we’ve seen thus far. Yet with so many things to run, inexperienced users can end up “fixing” their systems for good. Used carefully and regularly, though, Windows 7 Manager has much to recommend it. It’s shareware that’s free to try for 15 days.
A nag screen counting down the 15-day trial is the only inconvenience we encountered when we opened Windows 7 Manager for the first time. As with similar tools, Windows 7 Manager starts by creating an (optional) System Restore Point and scanning your system. Windows 7 Manager uses a series of separate windows for each tool, each displaying a lot of information, and sometimes too much, such as the tree view displaying the Process Manager’s scan results, which is quite detailed but a bit overwhelming. But there’s no doubt that this program’s individual tools tend to offer more in terms of features, options, and capabilities than their freeware counterparts. Windows 7 Manager divides its features into broad categories: Information, Optimizer, Cleaner, Customization, Security, Network, and Misc. Utilities. There’s too much to summarize, but some standouts include the ability to enable AHCI on existing systems (handy if you want to boot from an SSD) and an Optimization Wizard that walks users through a variety of tweaks.
One thing, though: The Registry Optimizer tool froze our system twice on the Analyze phase. Our test system goes boldly where yours should tread carefully, though. Likewise one of Windows 7 Manager’s best features, easy access to built-in system restoratives, should be used with care and only to shoot actual trouble (don’t go looking for it!). We suggest trying Windows 7 Manager for yourself (carefully) to see if this extensive array of system tools is for you.
Editors’ note: This is a review of the trial version of Windows 7 Manager 4.2.4.