Top 10 Task Manager Shortcuts in Windows 10/11

Discover the top 10 shortcuts for the Task Manager in both Windows 10 & 11 to help you work more efficiently. Get up-to-date instructions now!

Updated: 20 Mar, 23 by Susith Nonis 4 Min

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Task Manager is an incredibly powerful tool for Windows users and can be incredibly useful to IT professionals and everyday users. It gives you real-time insight into system performance and access to close misbehaving programs and other troubleshooting resources. Opening Task Manager can be done in numerous ways, including various shortcuts. Here are ten shortcuts that can open the Task Manager in Windows 10/11 quickly and easily.

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.

Wondering which shortcut you should go with? Although every shortcut in this blog post serves the same purpose, I’d create a Task Manager shortcut to save a couple of extra seconds.

  • The Task Manager in Windows is a powerful system tool that allows users to manage their computer's processes and applications, enabling them to monitor their system performance and troubleshoot any errors or problems. 
  • Commonly-known shortcuts for the Task Manager include Ctrl+Shift+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+Del, and Right Clicking on Task Bar. 
  • In addition to managing processes, the Task Manager also allows users to view detailed information about their system resources and running applications, as well as start new processes and close existing ones.

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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'.