7 Ways to Open the Task Manager in Windows 11

This article explains how to open Task Manager in Windows 11. With Windows Task Manager, you can keep track of system processes, monitor resource usage, and force-stop applications.

How to Open Task Manager Using the Search Bar

One of the easier ways to access Task Manager in Windows 11 is to use the search bar.

1. Press the Windows Key+S or select Search (the magnifying glass icon) in the taskbar. If you don't see the Search icon, select Start (the Windows icon).

   

   To add the Search icon to the taskbar, right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and pick an option from the Search drop-down menu.

2. Enter Task Manager.

3. Select Task Manager when it appears in the results.

   

Open Task Manager From the Taskbar

Right-click Start (the Windows icon) or press Win+X to open the Power User Menu, then select Task Manager.

Open Task Manager With Keyboard Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager in Windows 11 is Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Alternatively, press Win+X to open the Power User Menu, then press the T key.

Open Task Manager With Run Command

The Run command to open Task Manager is taskmgr. You can get to the Run dialog box by pressing Win+R or by right-clicking Start (the Windows key) and choosing Run. Once it's open, type taskmgr and press OK to launch Task Manager.

Open Task Manager From File Explorer

Another option is to access Task Manager from File Explorer:

1. Select File Explorer (the folder icon) from the Windows 11 taskbar. Press Win+E if you don't see that icon.

   

2. Select an empty part of the address bar at the top of File Explorer to highlight the current path. For example, if it says Home, select off to the right of that word to highlight it.

   Alt+D is an easy way to do this with a keyboard.

3. Type taskmgr in place of whatever was written there, and then press Enter.

   

Open Task Manager With Command Prompt

You can likewise use Command Prompt or PowerShell to open Task Manager, both of which are accessible via Terminal. Just type taskmgr.exe, and then press Enter.

How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Windows Task Manager

If you want to make a desktop shortcut for Task Manager, follow these steps:

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.

   

2. In the pop-up window, type taskmgr.exe, and then select Next.

   

3. You'll be asked to give your shortcut a name. Enter Task Manager (any name works) and select Finish.

   

4. The Task Manager shortcut will appear on your Windows 11 desktop. Double-click it to open Task Manager directly from the desktop at any time.