How to Open Windows Task Manager

This updated guide examines How to Open Windows Task Manager and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 8:

Using the Taskbar Context Menu

1. Right-click an empty space on the taskbar. Doing so will prompt a context menu.
2. ChooseTask ManagerorStart Task Manager. It's towards the bottom of the context menu.
3. Finished.

Method 2of 8:

Using the Power User Menu (Windows 10 and 8)

1. Right-click on the Startbutton. It's located at the lower-left corner of your screen.
2. ChooseTask Managerfrom the list of options.
   • Alternatively, press theTkeyboard key.
3. Finished.

Method 3of 8:

Using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc Keyboard Shortcut (Direct Access)

1. Press theCtrl+?Shift+Esckeys together.
2. Finished.

Method 4of 8:

Using the Windows Security (Ctrl + Alt + Del) Screen

1. Press theCtrl+Alt+Delkeys together.
2. Choose "Task Manager" from the bottom of the list of links. If you're running an older Windows version, it might be listed as "Start Task Manager".
3. Finished.

Method 5of 8:

Using Windows Search

1. Launch the search feature. Follow these steps depending on your Windows version:
   • Windows 10 : Click the cortana/search bar/icon. If it's hidden, then press the Startbutton.
   • Windows 8.1 : Press?Win+Q.^[1]
   • Windows 7 and Vista : Click the Startbutton.
   • Windows XP : This method will not work.
2. Typetask manager.
3. Select the appropriate result. The listing should have the words "task manager" within the result.
4. Finished.

Method 6of 8:

Use the Run Dialog Box

1. Open the Run dialog box. Press?Win+Rtogether.
2. Typetaskmgr.
3. Hit?Enteror clickOK.
4. Finished.

Method 7of 8:

Using the Command Line (Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell)

1. OpenCommand PromptorWindows PowerShell. This can be done by searching for the respective application and selecting it from the results.
2. Wait for the app to fully load. You should see copyright text at the top and your user folder path.
3. Typetaskmgr.
4. Submit the command. Hit the?Enterkey.
5. Finished.

Method 8of 8:

Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the address bar.
3. Type%SystemDrive%WindowsSystem32.
4. Hit?Enteror click?to the far right of the address bar.
5. Find "Taskmgr" and open it. 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. Finished.