How Do I Open Task Manager in Windows 10?

From the Start menu to keyboard shortcuts, there are multiple ways to open Task Manager in Windows 10.

The easiest (and fastest) keyboard shortcut for opening Task Manager isCtrl+Shift+Esc.

Opening Task Manager with Power User menu in Windows 10 (with Task Manager highlighted)

This takes you directly to the utility in just a moment or two.

The shortcuts functionality has changed a bit with successive versions of Windows, as it now opens theWindows Securityscreen.

Once the Windows Security screen is open, selectTask Managerfrom the menu to open it.

Opening Task Manager by right-clicking Taskbar in Windows 10 (with Task Manager highlighted)

Win+X

Modern versions of Windows include a feature calledPower User Menuthat can be accessed by pressingWin+X.

This menu provides quick access to a number of advanced system utilities, including Task Manager.

How Do I Open Task Manager Without Keyboard Shortcuts?

Opening Task Manager with Run box on Windows 10 with “tskmgr” highlighted

If you’re more of a mouse user, you’re in luck!

There are several other ways to access Task Manager in Windows 10.

Right-grab the Taskbar

This method is pretty self-explanatory.

Opening Task Manager with Windows 10 search function.

All you gotta do is right-click anywhere on thetaskbarat the bottom of your screen, and selectTask Manager.

PressingWin+Rwill bring up the Run box, which has been a Windows OS fixture for decades.

Entertaskmgrinto the field provided and then pressOKto open Task Manager.

Opening File Explorer on Windows 10.

you could also use the Windows 10 Start menus search box.

Typetaskmgrin the search bar and pressEnter.

There are a couple of methods for doing this.

Windows 10 File Explorer with “This PC” highlighted

First, the Force Quit Applications dialog is where you’re able to force malfunctioning programs to quit.

To get into the Force Quit dialog, select theApple menu, then clickForce Quit.

Or, pressCommand+Option+Escto bring up the Force Quit dialog.

Windows 10 File Explorer with the C drive highlighted

To open a Chromebook’s task-management tool, click theMenu icon>More Toolsand selectTask Manager.

For more data, selectStats for Nerds.

To run Task Manager as an administrator, navigate to Task Manager using one of the methods described above.

Windows File Explorer with the C drive open and Windows highlighted

Then, right-punch Task Manager and selectRun as Administrator.

Enter the administrator password when prompted, then you’ll open Task Manager as an administrator.

Windows 10 Windows folder with “System32” highlighted

Windows 10 System 32 folder with tskmgr highlighted in the search bar

Taskmgr application highlighted in the Windows 10 System 32 folder

Taskbar right-click menu with New highlighted

Taskbar right-click New submenu with Shortcut highlighted

Windows 10 shorcut creation dialog with C:/Windows/System32/taskmgr and Next highlighted

Task Manager Shortcut creation with Task Manager in the name field and Finish highlighted