Shortcut Keys to Open Task Manager on Windows 10/11

Task Manager is a handy little tool that lets you see the programs opened in the background, what processes each program has, allows you to customize which apps you want to open on startup, and more.

There are 7 tabs, each offering a different set of tools: processes, performance, app history, startup, users, details, and services. Using the Task Manager conveniently helps perform multiple functions. These functions include viewing running background apps, force closing rogue apps, disabling a process after exiting an app, or viewing the current state of your system’s resources.

The following Task Manager shortcut methods can provide that easy access:

Method 1: How to Open Task Manager using a Keyboard Shortcut

The fastest path to access Task Manager is to use the built-in keyboard shortcut that is standard on the Windows operating system. This keyboard is the easiest Task Manager shortcut when functioning correctly.

Step 1) Press down Ctrl+Shift+Esc at the same time.

Step 2) Your Task Manager will appear.

Another built-in Task Manager shortcut is to press ctrl alt delete.

Method 2: Open Task Manager from the Start Menu on Windows 11 / 10

The Start Menu is a straightforward approach to launching Task Manager. Your Start menu is a list of all your currently loaded programs.

Here are the steps to launch Task Manager from the Start menu:

Step 1) Click on the Start menu icon that is usually located in the lower left-hand corner of your computer screen.

Step 2) Scroll down to the Task Manager icon.

Step 3) Click on the Task Manager icon to open the program.

Method 3: How to Open Task Manager from Windows Search

Windows Search allows you to find any element of your computer system. That includes your Task Manager. When you use Windows search, you’ll notice that it provides an alphabetical prompt.

Here are the steps to use Windows Search to access your Task Manager:

Step 1) Click on the Search icon. That is a small magnifying glass at the bottom of your computer screen.

Step 2) Type in “Task Manager” in the empty space.

Step 3) Click on Task Manager when it appears in the search log.

Method 4: Use the Windows Power Menu shortcut to Open Task Manager

Once your Windows Power Menu icon opens, there will be multiple pathways across your computer system. The Power user menu can also grant you fast access to your Task Manager.

Here are steps for using the Windows Power Menu:

Step 1) Right-click the Start menu icon on your computer screen. You can also tap the Windows icon key on your keyboard to access the context menu.

Step 2) Scroll down to the Task Manager option.

Step 3) Click on the Task Manager.

The power user menu opens an excellent shortcut if your keyboard stops functioning and you only have access to the mouse.

Method 5: Use the Command Prompt to Open Task Manager on Windows PC

You can develop PC problems that prevent you from using your computer system. Going into the Task Manager can help shut down some of those issues. The Command Prompt is another viable path to access your Task Manager.

Note: The Command Prompt is also referred to as the Windows Powershell.

Here’s how to gain access to that portal:

Step 1) Right-click the Windows Start menu icon.

Step 2) Scroll down to Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell.

Step 3) Type in taskmgr.

Step 4) Hit enter, and the Task Manager window will appear.

Method 6: Open Task Manager from the Control Panel

Your Windows Control Panel can also grant you access to the Task Manager. This approach has several steps that seem cumbersome. However, it is a viable access path when other paths are blocked.

Step 1) Go to Windows Search.

Step 2) Type of Control Panel and hit enter.

Step 3) Scroll down to System and click it on.

Step 4) In the search box, type Task Manager.

Step 5) Hit enter, and the Task Manager will pop up.

Method 7: How to Open Task Manager using the Run Box

Sometimes it is practical to tell your computer to run a command directly. That can happen when you type that command into the rub box.

This is how to use that method:

Step 1) Press the Windows+R keys on the keyboard to open the run prompt.

Step 2) Type taskmgr into the prompt box.

Step 3) Click OK to open the Task Manager.

Method 8: How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Open Task Manager

You probably have several desktop shortcuts for access to files and programs. You can add your Task Manager to that group.

Step 1) Locate the taskmgr.exe file (see below).

Step 2) Right-click the file.

Step 3) Select the Send To option and then select Desktop.

Step 4) The Task Manager desktop icon will appear.

Method 9: Run the Taskmgr.exe Executable File

Every application that is running on your computer has an executable file. The executable file for Task Manager is taskmgr.exe. That file can be found in the

C:\Windows\System32 folder on the Windows C: drive.

Here are the steps to Run the Taskmgr.exe Executable File:

Step 1) Open the File Explorer option on your computer.

Step 2) Search for the following location: C:\Windows\System32

Step 3) Scroll until you find taskmgr.exe. That is the Windows Task Manager executable file.

Step 4) Click the file, and the Task Manager window will appear.

Method 10: Pin Task Manager on the Taskbar

You will understand how essential quick access is when you use your Task Manager for the first time. One of the fastest pathways to your Task Manager is to create its taskbar shortcut.

Here are steps to Pin Task Manager on the Taskbar:

Step 1) Follow the instructions to the Task Manager executable file explained in the above section.

Step 2) When you find the Task Manager executable file again, right-click the file.

Step 3) Choose the Pin to Taskbar option.

Step 4) The Task Manager icon will now be on your taskbar.

As with any other application on your taskbar, you can unpin the Task Manager shortcut at any time with a right-click to the Unpin from the taskbar option.

Summary

• Your computer Task Manager application is a vital tool to help access all the currently running programs on your computer.
• Fast access to your Task Manager will let you shut down a program to improve your computer’s functions.
• There are several methods you can utilize to access your Task Manager.
• The quickest method is the built-in prompt Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
• Additional methods involve searching for the Task Manager through command prompts or executable files.
• You can also set up access to your Task Manager with a taskbar icon shortcut.
• Opening Task Manager in windows with these steps will become easier.