What Is Task Manager Used For?
See theTask Manager Walkthroughsection at the bottom of this article for every detail about this tool.
Let’s start with the easiest way first:Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
Task Manager (Windows 11).
Press those three keys together at the same time and Task Manager will launch.
CTRL+ALT+DEL, which opens theWindows Securityscreen, is another way.
In Windows XP, this shortcut opens Task Manager directly.
Settings (Windows 11).
Task Manager is also available on thePower User Menuin Windows 11, 10, and 8.
SelectMore detailsat the bottom to see everything.
Microsoft improved Task Manager, sometimes considerably, between each version of Windows.
Processes Tab (Windows 11).
That program can be opened by executingtaskmanin those versions of Windows.
Every little bit, tab by tab, is fully explained below.
Exceptions are called out.
CPU Performance Tab (Windows 11).
In older versions,Optionsis located along the top of Task Manager.
View Menu
Update speedis calledReal time update speedin Windows 11, and it’s located in parameters.
TheProcessestab in those older versions of Windows most resemblesDetails, described below.
Memory Performance Tab (Windows 11).
On most processes, it becomesEnd taskbut a few have aRestartability.
Additional hardware categories might also be included here too, likeBluetooth.
Above the topmost graph, you’ll see the make model number of the unit, if available.
Disk Performance Tab (Windows 11).
The numbers on the top-right of the graph are showing peak rates over the time frame on the x-axis.
For example, you’ll only seesignal strengthandSSIDon non-Bluetooth wireless connections.
TheDNS namefield is even more rare, usually only showing up on VPN connections.
Ethernet Performance Tab (Windows 11).
To also see data for non-Windows Store apps and programs, chooseShow history for all processesfrom theSettingsorOptionsmenu.
This tab is only available in Task Manager in Windows 11, 10, and 8.
Instead, a completely new instance of the app is started.
App History Tab (Windows 11).
Previously disabled startup processes are listed, too.
This is only available in Task Manager in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.
Some computers may not see this.
Startup Apps Tab (Windows 11).
To see real names in addition to account usernames, chooseShow full account namefrom theSettingsorOptionsmenu.
On a user, it becomesDisconnectand on a process, it becomesEnd taskorRestart, depending on the process selected.
This tab is what theProcessestab was in Windows 7 and earlier, with a few extras.
Users Tab (Windows 11).
Right-click or tap-and-hold any column heading and chooseSelect columns.
Most services will beRunningorStopped.
This tab serves as a quick and convenient way to start and stop major Windows services.
Details Tab (Windows 11).
This tab is available in Task Manager in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista.
The full Services tool can be found inWindows/Administrative Tools, via Control Panel.
It can also be launched by theOpen Serviceslink here in Task Manager.
Services Tab (Windows 11).
Just click or hold and drag around as you like.
