đ Table of Contents
Opening Task Manager
Three ways to open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (fastest), right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager," or press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. In Windows 11, Task Manager has a modern redesigned interface with tabs on the left side.
1. Processes Tab
The Processes tab shows all running applications and background processes. Each entry displays CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network usage. Sort by any column to find resource hogs. High CPU usage from an unknown process could indicate malware.
2. Performance Tab
The Performance tab provides real-time graphs for CPU, Memory, Disk, Network, and GPU. Use this to diagnose slowdowns: if CPU is at 100%, too many programs are running; if Memory is maxed out, you need more RAM or fewer open apps. Learn to check your PC specs here too.
3. Manage Startup Apps
Click the Startup apps tab to see all programs that launch when Windows boots. The "Startup impact" column shows how much each app affects boot time (High, Medium, Low). Right-click and Disable anything you don't need at startup. This is one of the best ways to speed up your Windows PC.
4. Services Tab
The Services tab lists all Windows services and their status (Running/Stopped). Most users won't need to change services, but it's useful for troubleshooting. For example, if Bluetooth isn't working, check if the Bluetooth Support Service is running.
5. End Unresponsive Programs
When a program freezes (shows "Not Responding"), right-click it in the Processes tab and select "End task." This force-closes the program. If Windows itself is slow, look for programs using more than 50% CPU or Memory and end those processes.
Don't end system processes like "System," "Windows Explorer," "csrss.exe," or "svchost.exe" â these are essential for Windows to function. Ending them can crash your PC.
6. Monitor Resource Usage
Use the Performance tab to identify bottlenecks. CPU at 100%: too many programs or malware. Memory at 90%+: close tabs and apps, or add more RAM. Disk at 100%: could be Windows Search indexing. GPU at 100%: normal during gaming, abnormal otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Task Manager won't open?
Try Ctrl + Alt + Delete instead. If still blocked, malware may have disabled it. Boot into Safe Mode and run a Malwarebytes scan.
Why is my CPU always at 100%?
Check for: Windows Search indexing, Windows Update downloading, Antivirus scanning, or malware. Sort by CPU in Processes tab to find the culprit.
