How To Open the Task Manager in Windows 11

Windows 10 and earlier versions offered access to the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar. However, in Windows 11, this option is no longer. If you’re left wondering how to open Task Manager, remember that Microsoft always offers several methods to perform an action. And accessing the essential Task Manager app is no different.

Read on for nine ways to open Task Manager. And if you haven’t already seen it, learn how to access the new Task Manager UI design to try out.

Open Task Manager Using Search

To enter a search for the Task Manager app, follow these steps:

1. Open “Search” by clicking on the search icon on the taskbar, using the hotkey “Windows + S,” or open the “Start” menu.
   
2. Begin typing “task manager” and hit the “Enter” key on the “Task Manager” result to open the app.
   

Open Task Manager Using the Win + X Menu

Task Manager can be found via the Windows menu:

1. On the taskbar, right-click on the “Start” button.
   
2. The “Task Manager” option will display in the menu.
   

Open Task Manager Using the Hotkey

Hold the following keys simultaneously to launch Task Manager: “Ctrl + Shift + Esc”.

Open Task Manager With a Keyboard Shortcut

Follow these steps for a keyboard shortcut to the Task Manager:

1. Press the “Windows logo + X” keys simultaneously to open the “Win + X” menu.
   
2. Hit the “T” key to launch Task Manager.
   

Open Task Manager Using Run Command

Here’s how to open Task Manager via a “Run” command:

1. Launch “Run” by entering a search for it from the “Start” menu, or use the hotkey “Windows + R”.
   
2. Type either “taskmgr” or “taskmgr.exe” then “Enter” to open Task Manager.
   

Open Task Manager From File Explorer

Task Manager is also accessible via “File Explorer.” Here’s how to open it:

1. Launch “File Explorer” or a folder of your choice.
   
2. Type “taskmgr.exe” into the address bar, then hit “Enter.”
   

Open Task Manager Using Control Panel

Follow these steps to access Task Manager using the “Control Panel:”

1. Enter a search for “control panel”.
   
2. In the “Control Panel” address bar, type “taskmgr.exe“, then hit “Enter.”
   

Open Task Manager Using the Settings App

To get to Task Manager from “Settings,” do the following:

1. Enter a search for the “Settings” app or use the hotkey: “Windows + I”.
   
2. In the “Settings” search bar, type “task manager,” then “Enter.”
   
3. Click on the “View system resource usage in the Task Manager” option to open Task Manager.
   

Open Task Manager Using Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt

You can get to Task Manager by entering a simple command:

1. Open either “Terminal,” “PowerShell,” or “Command Prompt.”
   
2. Access the Task Manager by entering “taskmgr.exe“.
   

Enable New Task Manager UI Design

For a preview of the new Task Manager design, you can join the “Windows Insider Program,” where updates are available before being rolled out to the masses. Or use the third-party tool “ViVeTool.” The design includes new iconography, rounded corners, and mica material to match Windows 11 new design principles applied throughout the OS.

The “Windows Insider Program” is great for trying out unreleased features. With an active Microsoft account, follow these steps to get started:

1. Open the “Settings” app.
   
2. Locate the “Windows Update” section, then from the left pane, select “Windows Insider Program.”
   
3. Click the “Get Started” button.
   
4. Press the “Link an account” option from the popup.
   
5. Select an account already signed in or sign in with new credentials.
6. Choose the “Release Preview Channel” option, then “Confirm.”
7. Click “Confirm” again to agree with the terms and conditions.
8. To complete the process, you’ll need to restart your computer. You can do it now or later.
9. To install the update, navigate back to “Windows Update” to see an update labeled “KB5008918.”
10. Once the update is installed, restart your computer. When you launch the “Task Manager” app, it should display the new UI.

Alternatively, to access the new design using the ViVeTool, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the GitHub site.
   
2. Find the “ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip” file to allow a fresh “Start” menu.
   
3. Open the zip folder via “File Explorer” by double-clicking it.
   
4. Click “Extract all,” then the “Extract” button.
   
5. Copy the location to the folder, then launch the “Start” menu.
   
6. Enter a search for the “Command Prompt” and right-click the result.
   
7. Choose “Run as administrator.”
   
8. Enter this command (don’t forget to include your path) to go to the ViVeTool folder: cd C:\FOLDER\PATH\ViveTool-v0.2.1
   
9. Hit “Enter.”
   
   
10. Enter this command to allow the latest “Task Manager” UI on Windows 11:
    vivetool addconfig 35908098 2
    
11. Hit “Enter” again.
    
    
12. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
    

Additional FAQs

How do I add Task Manager to my taskbar?

For quick access to Task Manager from your taskbar, do the following:

1. Access the “Start” menu and enter a search for “Task Manager”.

2. Right-click on the result and choose “Pin to Taskbar.”

3. Task Manager is now available from your taskbar.

How do I pin Task Manager to the Start Menu?

To pin the Task Manager app to the “Start” menu, first, you’ll need to pin the app’s shortcut to “Start,” here’s how:

1. In the “Start” menu, enter a search for “Task Manager”.

2. Right-click on the entry, then select “Pin to Start.”

3. The Task Manager app is now available from the “Start” menu.

How do I use Task Manager to force close a program?

To force close a frozen app using Task Manager, follow these steps:

1. Launch “Task Manager” using the hotkey “Ctrl + Shift + Esc”.

2. Click on the “More Details” button.

3. Choose the “Processes” tab.

4. Find the app you wish to force close, then right-click it and choose “End Task.”

How to force close an app Task Manager can’t close?

If you’re having problems with a program that refuses to close even with Task Manager, try running the “TaskKill” command in the “Run” service. Here’s how:

1. Launch “Run” using the hotkey “Windows + R”.

2. In the “Open” text field, type: taskkill / im program.exe /t

Remember to replace the “program” with the app’s name. For example, to close “Word,” you would type “taskkill / im word.exe/t” and press “Enter.”

Alternatively, another method that usually works is to reboot your computer.

Access to Task Manager From All Areas

Task Manager is the central place to view and manage all running apps and services. It’s great for troubleshooting problems and closing stubborn or idle apps. Although access to the Task Manager app is no longer available from the taskbar, as one of Window’s essential tools, they have ensured several other ways to open it. The many routes to Task Manager include using hotkeys, entering a search for it, or accessing the app using a command.

Have you seen the Task Manager’s new UI design? If so, what did you think? Share your opinions on Windows 11’s new look and feel in the comments section below.