Buzz
Quick and efficient methods to view active applications and services in Windows
Important Notes
Tips You Need to Be Aware Of
Steps to Follow
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Simply press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc simultaneously. This shortcut opens the Task Manager in a separate window.
- Now you can manage your processes and terminate tasks as needed! Clearing unnecessary tasks is an effective method to accelerate a sluggish Windows computer.
Ctrl + Alt + Del
Simply press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys at the same time. This action will display the Windows Security screen.
Choose Task Manager from the menu options. If you're using an older version of Windows, it may be labeled as Start Task Manager. This will launch the Task Manager in a separate window.
Taskbar Menu
To open Task Manager, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar. The taskbar is the bar located along the bottom of your screen that holds the Start menu. This action will bring up a context menu.
From the context menu, select Task Manager or Start Task Manager. This option is located at the bottom of the context menu. It will launch Task Manager in a new window.
- You're all set! You're now equipped to force close unresponsive programs and adjust process priorities.
Power User Menu
- You can alternatively press ⊞ Win+x simultaneously.
Opt for Task Manager from the provided options. This action will launch Task Manager in a separate window.
- Alternatively, simply press the T key on your keyboard.
Windows Search
Initiate the search functionality.Windows 11
Windows 10
Enter task manager into the search field.
Click on Task Manager. This action will open Task Manager in a new window.
Control Panel
Press ⊞ Win+S to initiate Windows Search. This approach utilizes the built-in Control Panel app to access the Task Manager.
Enter 'control panel' in the search bar and choose Control Panel. This action will launch the Control Panel in a new window.
Type 'task manager' in the search bar located at the top right corner. This action will display a list of results related to the task manager.
Click on Task Manager. This option is listed under the 'System' section of the search results. You're all set! The Task Manager will open in a new window.
Run Dialog Box
Access the Run dialog box. Use the shortcut ⊞ Win+R simultaneously.
Enter taskmgr.
Press ↵ Enter or click OK. This action will open the Task Manager in a new window.
Command Prompt
Launch Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. You can do this by searching for the respective application and choosing it from the results.
Wait until the application fully loads. Look for copyright text at the top and your user folder path.
Enter taskmgr.
Hit the ↵ Enter key. This action will open the Task Manager in a new window.
File Explorer
Launch File Explorer. Look for the yellow folder icon in the taskbar.
Click on the address bar.
Enter %SystemDrive%\Windows\System32.
Hit ↵ Enter or select → at the far right of the address bar.
Locate and open 'Taskmgr'. Depending on your file viewing settings, it may show '.exe' at the end of the name.
- You may need to scroll down past the folders, which are usually listed at the top.
Add to Taskbar
Click on the address bar.
Enter %SystemDrive%\Windows\System32.
Press ↵ Enter or select → on the far right of the address bar.
Locate 'Taskmgr' and launch it. Depending on your file settings, it might display '.exe' at the end of its name.
- You'll need to scroll down past the folders, which are always positioned at the top.
Right-click the Task Manager icon on the Taskbar. This action will unveil a menu of options.
Choose Pin to taskbar. This action ensures the Task Manager is always accessible on the Taskbar, even when it's not actively running. Simply click the Task Manager icon to relaunch it.
Create a Desktop Shortcut
Click on the address bar.
Enter %SystemDrive%\Windows\System32.
Hit ↵ Enter or tap → on the far right of the address bar.
Right-click on 'Taskmgr' within the System 32 folder. Depending on your file viewing settings, it might display '.exe' at the end of its name. This will prompt an options menu to appear.
- You'll need to scroll down past the folders, which are always positioned at the top.
Choose Create shortcut. This action will generate a desktop shortcut for the Task Manager.
- In Windows 11, you might need to click Show more options to access the Create shortcut feature.
Simply double-click the Task Manager shortcut. This action will launch the Task Manager in a new window.
Pro Tips
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For additional handy Windows features, explore how to capture a screenshot and how to zoom out your screen.
