How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More

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Fast and easy ways to see running apps and services in Windows

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Trying to open the Windows Task Manager to end a process or check your computer's performance? The Task Manager allows you to view various activities that occur on your PC. You can monitor running applications, CPU and RAM usage, startup apps (Windows 8 and 10 only), and services. You can also end unresponsive or frozen applications! This wikiHow article will show you various ways to open the Task Manager in Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11, including quick keyboard shortcuts.

Things You Should Know

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to immediately open the Task Manager.
  • Alternatively, right-click the Taskbar and select "Task Manager" to open it.
  • You can also press Windows Key + X to open the Power User menu and select "Task Manager."
Method 1
Method 1 of 11:

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

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  1. This keyboard shortcut will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 11:

Ctrl + Alt + Del

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  1. This will open the Windows Security screen.
  2. If you're running an older Windows version, it might be listed as Start Task Manager . This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 11:

Taskbar Menu

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  1. The taskbar is the bar running along the bottom of the screen that contains your Start menu. Doing so will show a context menu.
  2. It's towards the bottom of the context menu. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 11:

Power User Menu

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  1. It's located at the lower-left corner of your screen. This brings up the Power User Menu.
    • You can also press ⊞ Win + x together to do this.
  2. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
    • Alternatively, press the T keyboard key.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 11:

Windows Search

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  1. Follow these steps depending on your Windows version:
    • Windows 11 : Press the Start
      Windows Start
      button.
    • Windows 10 : Click the cortana/search bar/icon. If it's hidden, then press the Start
      Windows Start
      button.
    • Windows 8.1 : Press ⊞ Win + Q . [1]
    • Windows 7 and Vista : Click the Start
      Windows 7 Start
      button.
    • Windows XP : This method will not work.
  3. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 11:

Control Panel

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  1. This method uses the built-in Control Panel app to open the Task Manager.
  2. This will open the Control Panel in a new window.
  3. This will show you a list of results related to the task manager.
  4. It's under the "System" section of the search results. You're done! The Task Manager will open in a new window.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 11:

Run Dialog Box

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  1. Press ⊞ Win + R together.
  3. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 11:

Command Prompt

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  1. Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell . This can be done by searching for the respective application and selecting it from the results.
  2. You should see copyright text at the top and your user folder path.
  4. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Method 9
Method 9 of 11:

File Explorer

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  1. Open File Explorer . It's the yellow folder in the taskbar.
  5. It might have ".exe" at the end of the name depending on your file viewing settings.
    • You'll need to scroll down past the folders, which are always placed at the top.
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Method 10
Method 10 of 11:

Pin to the Taskbar

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  5. It might have ".exe" at the end of the name depending on your file viewing settings.
    • You'll need to scroll down past the folders, which are always placed at the top.
  6. This will open an options menu.
  7. This will make it so that the Task Manager always appears in the Taskbar, even when it's closed. You can click the Task Manager icon to reopen it.
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Method 11
Method 11 of 11:

Make a Desktop Shortcut

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  5. It might have ".exe" at the end of the name depending on your file viewing settings. An options menu will appear.
    • You'll need to scroll down past the folders, which are always placed at the top.
  6. This will create a desktop shortcut for the Task Manager.
    • In Windows 11, you may need to click Show more options to access the Create shortcut option.
  7. This will open the Task Manager in a new window.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it normal for a redundancy (17x) of "Microsoft Windows System Protection Background Tasks" to be running all the time?
    Community Answer
    No that is not normal. This process is very taxing on the CPU processor of your computer. If it is running this test consistently then it probably means your Windows Operating System has corrupted files and you would need to do a fresh install of the operating system. You can also try to boot it in safe mode and try some trouble shooting there. If that doesn't work, back up your data in safe mode and bring your computer to a repair shop instead of sending it back to the manufacturer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    My Windows 10 system keeps saying my computer is locked because my IP address is being used without my knowledge that contains websites that can steal my identity and that contain identity theft.
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    You have a virus. You should follow the directions on How to Remove a Virus , and then you should reset your browser .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Windows 10 keeps saying: "The code cannot proceed because AppVlsvSubsystems32.dll was not found." I tried to reinstall the program but my computer still isn't working. What can I do to fix this?
    Community Answer
    Try downloading AppVlsvSubsytems32.dll and put it in your system and system32 folders. If this fails, then you probably need a new Windows installation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/12445/windows-keyboard-shortcuts

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