Task Manager is a great tool that helps you manage the way apps, processes, and services run on your Windows 10 PC. Before you can work with the Task Manager, you should first know how to open it. In this guide, we show you different ways of getting to it, not just one shortcut for Task Manager. The list includes eleven ways to start the Task Manager, so let's get started:
1. Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut
The fastest way to open Task Manager in Windows 10 is to simultaneously press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
2. Use the Ctrl + Alt + Del keyboard shortcut
Another way to open Task Manager in Windows is to press Ctrl + Alt + Del on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut displays a screen with several different shortcuts. Among them, you get a shortcut for Task Manager.
Click or tap on Task Manager to open it.
3. Use the hidden Win+X power user menu
Windows 10 has a "power user" menu called WinX, that's filled with useful shortcuts. One of them is a Task Manager shortcut. Press the Win + X keys on your keyboard to open the menu, and then press the T key to open Task Manager or click on its entry.
If you prefer to use your mouse instead of your keyboard, instead of pressing the Win + X keys, right-click or press and hold the Start button, and then click or tap on Task Manager.
4. Use the Start Menu to open the Task Manager
The Start Menu from Windows 10 holds a Task Manager shortcut. Open the Start Menu and scroll through the list of apps, until you find the Windows System folder. Inside it, there's a Task Manager shortcut.
5. Use the search to start the Task Manager
Click or tap on the search field from the taskbar and type the word task inside it. After a short while, Windows 10 begins displaying the search results. The first one should be the Task Manager. Click or tap on it or press Enter.
If you'd rather, you can also choose to speak to Cortana and tell her to "open Task Manager."
6. Run the Taskmgr.exe executable file
You can also open Task Manager using its executable, which is called Taskmgr.exe. You can find it in the "C:WindowsSystem32" folder (where C: is the drive where Windows is installed).
7. Use a desktop shortcut for Task Manager
You can create a shortcut for Task Manager, or you can download this shortcut that we have created for you and copy it to your Desktop.
8. Use the taskbar right-click menu to start the Task Manager
On your desktop, right-click or press and hold on the taskbar. A menu is shown, that includes options for customizing the taskbar, as well as a shortcut for Task Manager.
9. Run the taskmgr command in Command Prompt or PowerShell
If you prefer the command line, you can also use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to launch Task Manager. Open the command-line environment you prefer, type taskmgr, and press Enter.
10. Run the taskmgr command in the Run window
A relatively fast way of launching the Task Manager is to use the Run window*.* Simultaneously press the Win + R keys on your keyboard and then enter the command taskmgr. Press Enter or click/tap on OK, and Task Manager should open.
11. Run the taskmgr command in File Explorer
A similar method of opening the Task Manager is for you to use the File Explorer's built-in command running features. Open File Explorer, type the command taskmgr in its address bar and then press the Enter key.
How do you open the Task Manager?
The Task Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage different features of the applications, processes, and services running on your computer. Knowing different ways to open Task Manager can prove useful in different situations. Before you close this tab, tell us your favorite method for opening this app. Do you know others? Comment below and let's discuss.
