How to use Windows Task Manager (323527)

SUMMARY

This article describes how to use Windows Task Manager. It also explains how to perform some frequently used procedures, such as how to start programs, end processes, and monitor the computer's performance.

Task Manager displays information about the performance of your computer and the programs and processes that are running on your computer. You can use Task Manager to start programs, start or end processes, and view a dynamic display of your computer's performance.

back to the top

How to Start Task Manager

To start Task Manager, do any of the following:

• Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Task Manager.
  
  -or-
• Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
  
  -or-
• Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, and then click Task Manager.

back to the top

How to Quit, Switch to, or Start a Program

The Applications tab displays the status of the programs that are running on the computer. To quit, switch to, or start a program, follow these steps:

1. Click the Applications tab.
2. Do one of the following, as appropriate to the action that you want to perform:
   • Quit a program.
     
     To quit a program, click the program that you want to quit, and then click End Task.
     
     NOTE: When you quit a program in this manner, any unsaved data in that program is lost.
   • Switch to another program.
     
     To switch to another program, click the program that you want to switch to, and then click Switch To.
   • Start a program.
     
     To start a program, click New Task. In the Create New Task dialog box, click Browse, locate and select the program that you want to start, click Open, and then click OK.
     
     NOTE: This procedure is quite similar to starting a program by using the Run command on the Start menu.

back to the top

How to End a Process

The Processes tab displays information about the processes that are running on the computer. To end a process, follow these steps.

NOTE: Proceed with caution when you end a process. If you quit a program in this manner, data that has not been saved will be lost. If you end a system process, a system component may no longer function properly.

1. Click the Processes tab.
2. Do one of the following, depending on the action that you want to perform:
   • If you want to end a single process, click the process that you want to end, and then click End Process.
     
     -or-
   • If you want to end a process and all processes directly or indirectly related to it, right-click the process that you want to end, and then click End Process Tree.

back to the top

How to Monitor Your Computer's Performance

Click the Performance tab to view a dynamic overview of the performance of your computer, including the following measures:

• Graphs for CPU and memory usage.
• The total number of handles, threads, and processes that are running.
• The total number of kilobytes (KBs) used for physical, kernel, and commit memory.

back to the top