Marcin Firmuga

Posted on Mar 18

PC_Workman: Building a System Monitor for Microsoft Store

#programming #python #javascript #microsoft

PC_Workman: Building a System Monitor for Microsoft Store

Eight months. 680 hours. 80 downloads.

Now: preparing for Microsoft Store.
Here's what's changing, what's staying, and why the Store matters.

Current State

PC_Workman v1.6.8 shipped February 2026.

Features:

Real-time CPU/GPU/RAM monitoring
AI diagnostics (hck_GPT)
SQLite-backed stats engine
Historical data tracking
Fan curve control

Tech:

Python 3.9+
PyQt5 (UI)
psutil/GPUtil (telemetry)
OpenAI API (AI assistant)

Distribution:

GitHub releases (.exe installer)
Sourceforge listing
80 downloads since January

Problem: Limited discovery.

Most users don't browse GitHub for system monitors.
They search Microsoft Store.

Why Microsoft Store

Discovery:

1+ billion Windows users
Built-in trust (Microsoft verification)
Automatic updates
One-click install

Legitimacy:

No SmartScreen warnings
Code signing included
Privacy policy required (forces transparency)
Age ratings (shows it's vetted)

Competition:
MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, Core Temp - none on Store.
There's a gap.

v1.7.9 Roadmap (Before Store)

16 features planned March-June 2026.

Core Updates

Auto-update checker

Check GitHub releases on startup
Show banner if newer version exists
User choice: update now or later
No forced updates, no telemetry

Dashboard graphics refresh

New icon set
Purple → blue gradients
Hover animations
Better visual hierarchy

Code optimization pass #2

10-15% line reduction
Better performance (built on 94°C laptop, optimization isn't optional)
Type hints + docstrings
Remove dead code

TURBO BOOST Mode (The Big One)

Research from ASC, Razer Cortex, CCleaner, Wise optimizers.
16 optimization features tested:

Auto RAM flush - Clear standby memory when >75%
Process sleeper - Suspend inactive apps
Service killer - Stop non-essential Windows services
CPU unparking - Unlock parked cores
Power plan switch - Auto "High Performance" mode
Game mode - Windows Game Mode auto-enable
Network optimizer - TCP tweaks, DNS flush
Temp cleaner - Auto cleanup every X hours
SSD trim - Automatic TRIM, defrag only HDD
Startup optimizer - Disable non-essential startup
Real-time tune-up - AI decides what to boost when
Browser cache - Clear without closing browser
Priority manager - Boost game process priority
Auto detection - Detect fullscreen game → trigger boost
Thermal prevention - Kill processes at >85°C
Battery mode - Economy mode on battery

Status: Research phase.
Testing each on dying laptop.
Only features that actually work ship.

Target: v1.7.5 (first 5), v1.7.9 (all 16)

Tab Completions

Finishing placeholder pages:

My PC → Health Report (component diagnostics)
My PC → Cleanup (temp files, logs, cache)
Stability Tests (file integrity, engine status)

v2.0: Microsoft Store Preparation

Technical requirements:

MSIX packaging
- Convert .exe → .appx/msix
- Handle app sandboxing
- Limited file access (Store apps are restricted)
Code signing
- Requires certificate (~$200-400/year)
- Signs app as verified developer
- Removes SmartScreen warnings
Privacy policy
- Required by Store
- PC_Workman doesn't collect data
- Policy explains what's monitored (local only)
Store listing
- 500 char description
- 4-5 screenshots
- High-res icon (1024x1024)
- Category: Utilities & Tools

Challenges:

Cost: Code signing isn't free
Sandboxing: Might break some features (needs testing)
Review time: Can take weeks
Microsoft cut: Store takes % of sales (PC_Workman is free, so irrelevant)

Alternative:

Sideload MSIX (users install without Store)
GitHub releases remain primary
Store as secondary discovery channel

What Changes (And What Doesn't)

Changing:

Distribution (GitHub + Store)
Package format (.exe → MSIX)
Update mechanism (Store handles it)
Code signing (required)

NOT changing:

Free and open source (MIT license stays)
No data collection (privacy-first)
Core features (monitoring, AI, TURBO)
GitHub development (Store is just distribution)

Timeline

March 2026: v1.7.0-1.7.3
- Auto-update
- Dashboard refresh
- Code optimization

April-May: v1.7.4-1.7.6
- TURBO features (wave 1)
- Tab completions

June: v1.7.7-1.7.9
- TURBO complete (all 16 features)
- Final optimization
- Code freeze

Q3 2026: v2.0
- MSIX packaging
- Microsoft Store submission
- Local AI integration (Ollama/LM Studio)

Not promises. Goals.
Things break. Laptops die. Life happens.