13 Ways to Open Task Manager on Windows 10

A baker’s dozen of different options

Whether it’s to improve performance or troubleshoot the myriad issues in Windows operating systems,the Task Manager is indispensablefor any PC user. It makes identifying resource-intensive processes, managing startup programs, monitoring hardware-related activity, and other tasks incredibly convenient.

If you use Windows 10, you can rely on over a dozen different methods to get the Task Manager up and running. Of course, you don’t have to remember them all! But considering the Task Manager’s relative significance, it’s always best to know of at least a few ways to open Task Manager.

1. Open Task Manager via Taskbar

The easiest way to bring up the Task Manager is to open it via the taskbar (the strip of icons at the bottom of the desktop) with just a couple of quick mouse clicks.

Start by right-clicking a vacant area on the taskbar. Then, on the contextual menu that shows up, selectTask Manager. Simple, right?

2. Open Task Manager via Hotkey

Another straightforward method to open the Task Manager involves using theControl+Shift+Escapekeyboard shortcut. It’s fast and works regardless of what’s on the screen—e.g., a full-screen video game.

It’s also handy for instances whereWindows’ File Explorer crashes or fails to work, and you can’t access the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar.

3. Open Task Manager via Windows Security Screen

The Windows Security screen in Windows 10, which you can activate using theControl+Alt+Deletekeys, also provides an option to invoke the Task Manager.

It should work even if an application has caused the operating system to hang or freeze. So, don’t forget to use it if nothing else works.

4. Open Task Manager via Start Menu

Did you know that you could launch the Task Manager similarly to any other application on your computer?

Just open theStartmenu and scroll down the list of programs until you come across theWindows Systemfolder. Then, expand it and selectTask Manager.

If you prefer using Windows Search to open programs in Windows 10, then searching for and opening the Task Manager should be a breeze.

Typetask managerortaskmgrinto the search box on the taskbar (use theWindows+Sshortcut if you don’t see it) and pressEnteror selectOpen.

You can also search for and open the Task Manager by typing intask managerortaskmgrinto the Start menu itself.

6. Open Task Manager via Cortana

If you’veset up Cortana in Windows 10, just type or sayopen task managerafter invoking Cortana, and it should launch the Task Manager for you soon after.

7. Open Task Manager via File Explorer

When navigating the file system in Windows 10 using File Explorer, you can bring up the Task Manager by typingtaskmgrinto the address bar and pressingEnter. You should be able to do that from any directory.

8. Open Task Manager via Executable File

You can also open the Task Manager via the program’s main executable file. Start by visiting the following directory on your PC:

Local Disk (C:)>Windows>system32

Then, scroll down and double-clickTaskmgr.exe.

9. Open Task Manager via Power User Menu

Windows 10’s Power User Menu also offers a shortcut to the Task Manager. Using it is as simple as right-clicking theStarticon (or pressingWindows+X) and selectingTask Manager.

10. Open Task Manager via Run Box

In Windows 10, the Run box allows you to open any tool or program on your PCprovided you know the relevant command, and the Task Manager’s no exception.

PressWindows+Rto open Run. Then, typetaskmgrand selectOK. The Task Manager should pop up in an instant.

11. Open Task Manager via Windows PowerShell

Wheninteracting with Windows PowerShellor theCommand Promptin Windows 10, you can open the Task Manager by executing a simple command. Just typetaskmgrinto the console and pressEnterto bring it up.

12. Open Task Manager via Control Panel

Despite the presence of the Settings app, you can stilluse the Control Panel in Windows 10to manage various aspects of the operating system. It’s hidden from view, but you get to it by searching forcontrol panelvia Windows Search. That said, the Control Panel also provides another way to launch the Task Manager.

Start by typingtask managerortaskmgrinto the search field to the top-right of the Control Panel window. Then, on the search results that show up, selectTask ManagerunderSystem.

13. Open Task Manager via Desktop Shortcut

If you require regular access to the Task Manager, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10. Here’s how to do that.

  1. Right-click a vacant area on the desktop. Then, point toNewand selectShortcut.

  2. Type (or copy and paste) the following path into theCreate Shortcutdialog:

C:\Windows\system32\Taskmgr.exe

SelectNextto continue.

  1. Insert a name for the shortcut (e.g.,Task Manager)and selectFinish.

You can then launch the Task Manager by double-clicking the desktop shortcut whenever you want.

Alternatively, you can add a Task Manager shortcut to the taskbar, and that’s even easier. Start by opening the Task Manager using any of the methods above. Then, right-click theTask Managericon on the taskbar and selectPin to taskbar.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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