Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about MK-Tools. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out using the contact form below.
What is MK-Tools?
MK-Tools is a powerful and safe utility designed for Windows 10 and 11. It provides a suite of carefully selected tweaks and tools to help you optimize your PC's performance, enhance privacy, and improve the overall user experience. It's built for both novice users who want simple one-click solutions and power users who want more control.
Is MK-Tools safe to use? Can it damage my PC?
Yes, it is extremely safe. Every tweak included in MK-Tools is based on well-documented Windows settings, registry keys, or official Microsoft tools (like SFC and DISM). There are no experimental or dangerous modifications. The application is designed with a "do no harm" philosophy. Furthermore, almost every single tweak is reversible with a single click inside the app.
Are the tweaks reversible?
Absolutely! every tweak in the Performance and UI sections can be instantly reverted by clicking the button again or using the "Reset to Default" option. The Group Policy module also includes a definitive "Reset" function that restores all policies to the standard Windows defaults. Your system can always be returned to its original state.
Is MK-Tools free?
Yes, MK-Tools is 100% free to download and use. It is a passion project created to help users get the most out of their computers. If you find the tool useful, you can consider supporting its development via the "Buy Me a Coffee" link in the "About" section of the app and website.
Why does the application require administrator rights?
MK-Tools requires administrator privileges because it modifies system-level settings in the Windows Registry and runs official diagnostic tools like SFC and DISM. These operations are protected by Windows User Account Control (UAC) to prevent unauthorized changes. Running as an administrator is necessary to ensure the tweaks and fixes can be applied correctly and safely.
My antivirus flagged MK-Tools. Is it a virus?
No, it is not a virus. Because MK-Tools is a system utility that modifies registry settings and uses advanced system tools, some antivirus programs may flag it as a "Potentially Unwanted Program" (PUP) or a "riskware" tool. This is a false positive. The application is completely safe and does not contain any malicious code. You can safely add it as an exception in your antivirus software.
Why doesn't the Group Policy feature work on Windows Home Edition?
The Local Group Policy Editor is a feature that Microsoft includes only in the Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows. Windows Home editions do not have this feature built-in. MK-Tools uses Microsoft's official `LGPO.exe` utility to apply policies, which requires the underlying Group Policy framework to be present. Therefore, this specific module is only functional on compatible Windows versions.
What's the difference between "Scan" (SFC) and "Advanced Scan" (DISM)?
Think of it like fixing a car.
• SFC (System File Checker) is like a quick tune-up. It checks for common problems with core system files and replaces any that are corrupted from a local backup. It's fast and your first step for troubleshooting.
• DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is like a full engine rebuild. It repairs the underlying component store—the "master blueprint" that SFC uses for its repairs. If SFC finds problems it can't fix, it's usually because the blueprint itself is damaged. DISM connects to Windows Update to download fresh, clean copies of these core components to fix the blueprint. You should always run DISM if SFC fails, and then run SFC again afterward.
Do I need to restart my PC after every tweak?
Not for every tweak, but for many, yes. The application will always tell you when a restart is required. Changes to deep system settings like GPU Scheduling, Fast Startup, or Group Policies only take full effect after a reboot. UI tweaks like the classic context menu only require Windows Explorer to be restarted, which the app handles for you.
What does "Disable Compressed Memory" do? Should I use it?
Memory Compression is a Windows feature that squeezes unused data in your RAM to make more space. This is helpful on PCs with low RAM (e.g., 8GB or less). However, the process of compressing and decompressing uses a small amount of CPU power. If you have 16GB of RAM or more, you can safely disable this feature. This frees up those CPU cycles, which can reduce micro-stutters and improve responsiveness in demanding applications like games or video editors.
Will cleaning the cache delete my personal files?
No. The "Clean Cache" feature is designed to be extremely safe. It only targets temporary files, old update installers, and other system-generated "junk" files that are safe to remove. It will never touch your personal documents, photos, videos, or game saves located in folders like Documents, Pictures, or your Desktop.
What are Group Policies and why should I apply them?
Group Policies are a set of advanced rules that control the working environment of user accounts and computer accounts. The "Optimized Policies" in MK-Tools are a curated set designed for standalone PCs to enhance privacy and performance. They do things like disable invasive telemetry (data collection), prevent Windows from installing unwanted promotional apps, and turn off cloud-based search to keep your activity local. It's a powerful way to harden your system with one click.
Can I use this on a work or school computer?
We strongly advise against using MK-Tools on a computer managed by an IT department (like a work or school PC) without their explicit permission. These systems often have their own security policies and configurations, and running an optimization tool could conflict with them. MK-Tools is designed and intended for use on personal computers.
How often should I use the "Fix Windows" and "Clean Cache" features?
A good rule of thumb is:
• Clean Cache: Once every month or two, or whenever you notice your disk space is getting low. It's safe to run as often as you like.
• Fix Windows (SFC): Run it if you notice any strange behavior, crashes, or errors. Running it once every few months as preventative maintenance is also a good practice.
• Fix Windows (DISM): Only run this if SFC reports errors it cannot fix, or if you are having persistent issues with Windows Update.
Will these tweaks improve my gaming performance (FPS)?
Some tweaks may lead to a smoother gaming experience, but they are unlikely to cause a massive increase in raw FPS (Frames Per Second). For example, disabling compressed memory or prioritizing foreground applications can reduce stutters and input lag, making games feel more responsive. Cleaning the cache can help with loading times if your drive was nearly full. These are optimizations, not magical FPS boosters.
What does "Enable Win10 Right-Click Menu" do?
On Windows 11, the default right-click menu is simplified and hides many options behind an extra "Show more options" click. This tweak restores the classic, full-featured menu from Windows 10, giving you immediate access to all options like "Extract," "Scan with..." etc., without the extra click. It's a huge time-saver for power users.
How do I update MK-Tools?
To update MK-Tools, simply visit the Download page on this website and get the latest version. You can then replace your old executable file with the new one. Future versions may include an in-app update checker.
Does MK-Tools collect any of my personal data?
Absolutely not. MK-Tools is designed with privacy as a core principle. The application runs entirely on your local machine, does not require an internet connection for its core features (except DISM repair), and does not send any of your personal data or system information to any server. In fact, many of the Group Policy tweaks are specifically designed to *reduce* the amount of data Windows itself sends to Microsoft.
A tweak seems to have caused an issue. What should I do?
The first step is to simply reverse the tweak. Open MK-Tools and click the button for that tweak again to revert it to the default setting. If you applied multiple tweaks, you can use the "Reset to Default" button available for each one. If the issue persists, running the "Fix Windows" scans (SFC, then DISM if needed) can often resolve underlying system problems that may have been present before.
Where can I report a bug or suggest a new feature?
We'd love to hear from you! The best place to report bugs or suggest new features is by using the contact form at the bottom of this page or by visiting the project's official GitHub page (linked in the "About" section) and creating a new "Issue".
Still Have Questions?
If your question wasn't answered above, feel free to reach out directly. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.