How to open Task Manager in Windows?

Discover the simple steps to open Task Manager effortlessly and gain full control over your system's processes, performance, and resource allocation.

Updated: 10 Oct, 24 by Susith Nonis 5 Min

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Task Manager is one of the most used programs in Windows, regardless of the version. It is a device that demonstrates running programs and resource usages like CPU, RAM, graphics card, hard disk and processes in the Windows operating system.

Task Manager has many functions, including:

  • Close unresponsive programs and processes;
  • Start new tasks;
  • Monitor system performance;
  • View detailed information.

Before you can use Task Manager to do anything, you need to know how to open it. Whether you're a beginner or a tech expert, we've compiled this detailed guide to help you find different ways and shortcuts to open Task Manager in Windows. Let's start with the easiest way possible:

  • Firstly, click Windows Start Menu or “Windows + S”;
  • Secondly, now type Task Manager and press Enter.

You can frequently use Task Manager through the Run command. Here's how to access Task Manager.

  • Go to the Windows search bar and type Run. Alternatively, you can directly press Win + R shortcut key;
  • Now type taskmgr or taskmgr.exe and then tap enter.

You can access Task Manager from File Explorer with a quick two-step process. Here's how to do it:

  • Launch File Explorer on your computer or press “Win ​​+ E”;
  • In the address bar, type taskmgr.exe and press Enter;
  • Now from File Explorer into Task Manager. 

This is not a common method, but it does.

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The Control Panel hosts many options and also has the option to open the Windows Task Manager. Follow the steps below to do so:

  • Go to Control Panel pinned in Task Manager;
  • If you don't see it, use Windows Search to open Control Panel;
  • In the control panel, type taskmgr.exe and press Enter.

Press the shortcut key “Win ​​+ I” to open Windows. Then, Find Task Manager in the control bar and click "View system resource usage in Task Manager" to open Task Manager. All the above steps were very simple. Now let's move on to the complicated but simple methods to implement.

Right-Click on an empty section of the Taskbar: Easily open the Task Manager in Windows 11 by right-clicking in a space on the taskbar and then selecting “Task Manager” from the context menu that appears.

Keyboard Shortcut: A simple keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager in Windows 11 is pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

Click on Start Menu: Clicking on the “Start” menu and then typing “Task Manager” into the search bar will also open the Task Manager.

Search for Task Manager: Another method you can use is to open the search function by pressing Windows + S and then typing “task manager” into the search box.

Launch Task Manager from Command Prompt: If you’re comfortable using Command Prompt, run it as an administrator and then type in “taskmgr” to launch Windows 11’s, Task Manager.

Open from File Explorer: Opening File Explorer, navigating to “C:\Windows\System32” and double-clicking on “Taskmgr.exe” will also open the Task Manager window in Windows 11.

Create a Desktop Shortcut: It is also possible to create a desktop shortcut that quickly launches the Task Manager in Windows 11. To do this, right-click on your desktop, select “New”, and then select “Shortcut” from the context menu that appears. In the field asking for “Type the location of the item,” type in “C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe” and then click “Next” and name your shortcut as desired.

Run Dialog Box: Pressing Windows + R opens the Run dialog box, and typing “taskmgr” here will also launch the Task Manager in Windows 11.

Create a Taskbar Shortcut: Similar to creating a desktop shortcut; it is also possible to create a taskbar shortcut for quickly opening the Task Manager window in Windows 11.

To do this, right-click on an empty portion of your taskbar, select “Toolbars” from the context menu that appears, and select “New Toolbar…” from this list of options. In the address field, enter “C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe,” click “Select Folder”, and then add a name for your toolbar if desired. This will create a new toolbar with a shortcut for launching the Task Manager window in Windows 11 on your taskbar whenever required. 

Use Cortana: If Cortana has been enabled on your system, you can easily open the Task Manager window by simply asking her to do so using voice commands.

Task Manager has become an important and practical tool for every Windows user. Every user must learn how to diagnose and fix system problems using this tool. Every user should know how to start a program, run a process, and monitor system performance using this tool.

If you use Task Manager to view the amount of RAM and CPU, it is used through processes and services, but resource monitor can show you more about resources and activities that summarize those resources.

If you are having problems with your internet connection, check. This tab is used to perform this check.

By that, you can see all the users who log in to your system and specify how to log in. Also, if you need to connect the user to the system, you can radio disconnect or log off the user.

Start with Run and then enter gpedit.msc, then enter to enter the Group Policy window. Enter the following path: User Configuration < Administrative Templates < System < Ctrl+Alt+Delete options. Enter the Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options folder, right-click the Delete Task Manager file, and select Edit from the opened menu. By setting this window to Disabled and pressing OK, you have disabled your Task Manager window. You can refer to Task Manager to collect more information. To access Help, open Task Manager and click on Task Manager Help Topics from the Help menu.

Susith Nonis

Susith Nonis

I'm fascinated by the IT world and how the 1's and 0's work. While I venture into the world of Technology, I try to share what I know in the simplest way with you. Not a fan of coffee, a travel addict, and a self-accredited 'master chef'.

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Una Zieme

2024, Sep, 24

Great post! Task Manager is indeed an essential tool for every Windows user. Your comprehensive guide on different ways to open it is extremely helpful, especially for those who might be unfamiliar with all the shortcuts and methods available. It's great to have a detailed reference like this for quick troubleshooting and system monitoring. Thanks for sharing!

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Jerry Nikolaus

2024, Oct, 24

This is such a handy guide! Task Manager is indeed an indispensable tool for diagnosing and fixing system issues in Windows. Your detailed instructions on various ways to open it make it accessible for everyone, from beginners to tech experts. I especially appreciate the inclusion of keyboard shortcuts, as they can save so much time and trouble when dealing with unresponsive programs. Thanks for putting this together!