The Task Manager is disabled or greyed out error on Windows 10 prevents you from accessing Task Manager. Whether it's Task Manager or any other component on Windows 10 suddenly being disabled, it's mostly due to a virus. Although you can use alternative software such as AnVir Task Manager, using such replacement software like AnVir Task Manager is not always the best solution.
The best way is to follow Mytour's guide below to troubleshoot the Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error and re-enable Task Manager functionality on Windows 10. Additionally, virus-related errors are very dangerous, so you should avoid being affected, avoiding similar 'Access Denied' errors on Windows 10.
Guide to Fix Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out Error on Windows 10
In this article, we will guide you through 2 methods to fix the Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error on Windows 10, helping you restore Task Manager to its original state.
Method 1: Fixing Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out Error on Windows 10.
Step 1: To fix the Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error, readers should use the Windows + R key combination, then type 'gpedit.msc ' to access the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: In Remove Task Manager, there are 3 functions for you to choose from. If you leave it as Not Configured, the system will automatically adjust. Typically, Task Manager is enabled, but in this scenario, your computer is infected with a virus so you cannot choose this option.
If you select Enabled, it means turning on the 'disable' Task Manager mode, whereas if Disabled, it turns off the Task Manager removal mode. So in this situation, we choose Disabled then Apply > OK.
Step 4: Afterward, exit the Local Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.
Method 2: Fix Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error through Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu, type 'cmd' and access Command Prompt with Administrator privileges.
Step 2: In Command Prompt, enter the command: EG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
This command helps you quickly reopen Task Manager, but ensure to open Command Prompt using Run as Administrator as in the previous step, or else it will be denied execution.
When you see the notification The operation completed successfully, it means Task Manager has been enabled, the Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error has been successfully resolved.
If you want to disable Task Manager, use REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
With these 2 methods, you have successfully reopened Task Manager, the Task Manager is Disabled or Greyed out error on Windows 10 is completely resolved. Remember, this is a virus-caused error so make sure to scan for viruses and take preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
Additionally, while using Windows 10, if you encounter error messages related to Class Not Registered Windows 10, a common error for those using this operating system. To thoroughly fix it, you need to refer to the article on how to fix Class Not Registered error on Windows 10.
Opening Task Manager on Windows 11 isn't as straightforward as on Windows 10 or earlier versions; the method is slightly more complex. Check out the guide below to learn more.
- Read more: How to Open Task Manager in Windows 11