Task Manager

A software utility found in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP that enables a user to view each of the tasks currently running on the computer, each of the processes, and the overall performance of the computer. The Task Manager is accessed by pressing: "Ctrl + Alt + Del" on the keyboard. Below are visual examples of the Microsoft Windows Task Manager in Windows 2000, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

Windows 2000 Task Manager

Windows 7 Task Manager

Windows 8 Task Manager

Tip: A quicker way to access the Windows Task Manager is to press: Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

• Task Manager can also be executed by running the taskmgr.exe file from the C:\Winnt\System32 directory or by clicking Start, Run and typing taskmgr.
• If a program is no longer responding users can also choose to "End Task" from the Task Manager to close the program without restarting the computer.
• Earlier versions of Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98) had a program known as tasks to display the current programs currently running. This file was executed by running the taskman.exe file from the C:\Windows directory.

If you're encountering issues opening the Task Manager it's possible that the computer could be infected with a virus or spyware. There are known malware designed to cause issues with opening the task manager and End Tasking them. If you're not able to open Task Manager using any of the recommendations on this page we suggest scanning your computer for viruses and spyware.