Task Manager is one of the most important tools in all versions of Windows. Using Task Manager, you can end unresponsive programs, monitor the performance of your system, start new tasks, get information about the services running, and more.
However, before you start using the Task Manager, you must know how to launch it, and there are many ways to do that. Knowing different ways to open the Task Manager can help you in different situations.
In this post, we’ll be showing you the various ways to open the useful tool:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Simply press Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time. This is the quickest way to start the Task Manager in Windows 10.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del
You can also open Task Manager on your Windows PC by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del simultaneously. Once you press the keys, a screen with different shortcuts will appear. One of the options you’ll get is that of Task Manager.
Click on Task Manager to open it.
Press Win + X to Open Power User Menu
Windows 10 comes with a power user menu known as WinX, which contains some useful shortcuts, including Task Manager.
Press Win + X simultaneously to invoke the menu, and then select Task manager from the list or simply press T to open Task Manager.
Alternatively, you can right-click or hold down the Start button and click on or tap Task Manager.
Open Task Manager from the Start Menu
The Start menu on Windows 10 has a Task Manager shortcut. Click on the Start menu, scroll down the list until you locate the Windows System. You will find a Task Manager shortcut inside the folder.
Windows Search Tool
Type task into the Windows search box and wait for Windows to pull out search results. One of the results should be the Task Manager. Hit Enter or click or tap on it to launch Task Manager.
If you like, you can speak to Cortana. Simply say “open Task Manager,” and it will launch it.
Run Raskmgr.exe
Another way to open the Task Manager is by using the Taskmgr.exe executable file. The file is located in the “C:\Windows\System32” folder. C: is the drive containing Windows OS.
Create a Shortcut for Task Manager on Your Desktop
You can also create a shortcut for Task Manager on your desktop or download the shortcut here and copy & paste it to your desktop.
Open Task Manager Using the Taskbar Right-Click Menu
Go to your desktop, right-click, or hold down on the taskbar. A small window will pop up. The window contains a list of customization options for the taskbar and a shortcut key for Task Manager.
Using Command Prompt or Powershell
You can open the Task Manager by running taskmgr in command prompt or PowerShell. This is a useful method for those who prefer the command line.
To do this, open the command prompt and type taskmgr into the command prompt window and hit Enter.
Using the Run Dialogue Box
This is another method that offers a relatively quick way of opening Task Manager. Press the Windows logo key + R simultaneously to invoke the Run dialogue box. Then type taskmgr into the box and press Enter or click OK. The Task Manager will open.
Using the File Explorer Command Running Feature
Another way is to run the taskmgr command in File Explorer. To do this, open File Explorer and type taskmgr into the address bar and press Enter. Wait for the Task Manager to open.
FAQ
What Is the Shortcut to Open Task Manager?
You can open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del on your keyboard. Once you press the three keys simultaneously, several different shortcuts will appear on your screen. One of them is the shortcut for Task Manager. Click or tap on it to open Task Manager.
How Do I Create a Shortcut for Task Manager?
- Right-click on your desktop, select New from the menu and click the shortcut to open a new shortcut.
- Copy and paste %windir%\system32\taskmgr.exe into the text box and click Next
In the next window, type Task Manager as the name of the shortcut and then click Finish to create a shortcut.
What is Task Manager Command?
You can open Task Manager from the command prompt by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time. Once you have opened command prompt, type taskmgr and press Enter to open Task Manager.
This command works for all versions of Windows. However, if you are using Windows XP, you will have to enter taskmgr.exe.
Why Can’t I Open My Task Manager?
Follow these steps to open Task Manager:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open Run
- Type taskmgr into the box and hit Enter
- Right-click on the Windows icon at the bottom left side of the window and select Task Manager from the options.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del simultaneously and click on Task Manager from the options
- Now press the Windows logo key + S to open the Windows search box. Type Task Manager into the text box and press Enter
- Select the appropriate result from the options and choose Run as administrator
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many ways to open a Task Manager shortcut. The method you choose depends on the circumstance you are in. If you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below.
Petr is a serial tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Apro Software, a machine learning company. Whenever he’s not blogging about technology for itechgyan.com or softwarebattle.com, Petr enjoys playing sports and going to the movies. He’s also deeply interested in mediation, Buddhism and biohacking.