It helps you monitor system performance, manage running programs, troubleshoot issues, and control startup applications. Whether your computer is slow, frozen, or behaving unusually, Task Manager is often the first place to look.
Many users know how to open Task Manager, but don’t fully understand how to use it effectively. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Task Manager step by step, what each tab means, and how to use it to improve your PC’s performance.
What Is Task Manager?
Task Manager is a Windows utility that displays real-time information about running applications, background processes, system resource usage, startup programs, and logged-in users.
Using Task Manager, you can:
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Close unresponsive applications
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Monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network usage
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Identify programs slowing down your system
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Manage startup apps
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Check system performance
Task Manager is available in all modern versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How to Open Task Manager
There are several ways to open Task Manager. Use whichever is easiest for you.
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Method 2: Ctrl + Alt + Delete
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Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
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Click Task Manager
Method 3: Right-Click Taskbar
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Right-click on the taskbar
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Select Task Manager
Method 4: Search Menu
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Click the Start menu
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Type Task Manager
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Press Enter
Understanding Task Manager Interface
When you open Task Manager for the first time, it may appear in a simplified view.
Simple View
This shows only running applications. You can select an app and click End Task to close it.
To see full details, click More details at the bottom.
Full View
The full view displays multiple tabs, each with a specific function.
Task Manager Tabs Explained
1. Processes Tab
The Processes tab shows all currently running applications, background processes, and Windows processes.
Key Columns:
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CPU – Shows processor usage
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Memory – Displays RAM usage
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Disk – Indicates hard drive or SSD activity
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Network – Shows internet usage
How to End a Task
If an application is frozen:
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Select the program
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Click End Task
⚠️ Avoid ending system processes unless you know what they do.
2. Performance Tab
The Performance tab provides real-time graphs and statistics for system resources.
What You Can Monitor:
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CPU usage and speed
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Memory (RAM) usage
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Disk performance
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Network activity
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GPU usage (if available)
This tab is useful for diagnosing slow performance and identifying hardware bottlenecks.
3. App History Tab
The App History tab shows resource usage for Microsoft Store apps.
Information Displayed:
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CPU time used
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Network usage
This tab is useful if you want to track how much data or processing power certain apps consume over time.
4. Startup Tab
The Startup tab allows you to manage programs that launch when Windows starts.
Why This Matters
Too many startup programs can:
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Slow down boot time
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Reduce system performance
How to Disable Startup Programs
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Go to the Startup tab
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Select a program
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Click Disable
Disabling unnecessary startup apps can significantly speed up your PC.
5. Users Tab
The Users tab shows all users currently logged into the system.
You Can See:
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Resource usage per user
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Running applications for each user
This is helpful on shared computers or workstations.
6. Details Tab
The Details tab provides advanced information about running processes.
Useful For:
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Advanced troubleshooting
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Checking process IDs (PID)
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Setting process priority
⚠️ This tab is best used by advanced users, as changing settings incorrectly can cause system instability.
7. Services Tab
The Services tab shows Windows services running in the background.
You Can:
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Start or stop services
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View service status
This tab is mainly used for system maintenance and troubleshooting.
How to Fix a Frozen or Unresponsive Program Using Task Manager
If a program stops responding:
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Open Task Manager
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Go to the Processes tab
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Select the frozen program
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Click End Task
This force-closes the application without restarting your PC.
How to Identify Programs Slowing Down Your Computer
Task Manager makes it easy to spot performance issues.
Steps:
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Open Task Manager
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Go to Processes
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Click on CPU, Memory, or Disk to sort usage
Programs using unusually high resources may be causing slowdowns.
How to Use Task Manager to Improve PC Performance
Here are some practical ways to optimize your system using Task Manager:
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Close unused background apps
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Disable unnecessary startup programs
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Monitor memory usage
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Identify apps consuming too much CPU
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Restart problematic processes
Regular monitoring can prevent long-term performance issues.
How to Set Process Priority in Task Manager
Setting priority determines how much CPU power a program receives.
Steps:
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Go to the Details tab
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Right-click on a process
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Select Set priority
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Choose priority level
⚠️ Use this feature carefully. Setting critical processes to low priority can cause system instability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Task Manager
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Ending system processes without knowledge
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Disabling essential startup programs
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Ignoring high disk usage warnings
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Overusing “End Task” instead of proper app closure
Always research unfamiliar processes before taking action.
Task Manager Keyboard Shortcuts
Some useful shortcuts include:
- Alt + E – End task
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Alt + F – Open File menu
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Alt + O – Options menu
Keyboard shortcuts make navigation faster and easier.
Task Manager vs Third-Party System Monitors
Task Manager is ideal for most users because it:
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Is built into Windows
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Requires no installation
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Provides real-time system data
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Is easy to use
Third-party tools offer advanced features, but Task Manager is sufficient for everyday troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
Task Manager is an essential Windows tool that every user should understand. From closing frozen applications to improving startup speed and monitoring system performance, Task Manager gives you control over your computer.
By learning how each tab works and using it responsibly, you can keep your PC running smoothly and quickly identify problems before they become serious.
If you’re experiencing slow performance, unresponsive apps, or long startup times, Task Manager should be your first stop.
