Any Windows user will have had this problem: at some point, the system begins to crash and programs and processes slow down , although it is not clear which applications cause it. Sometimes open windows become completely unresponsive..
Since Windows 2000, this operating system offers a very useful tool for these cases: the Windows task manager or task manager . This application presents a list of all running programs and indicates the resources they consume. We show you different ways to open the task manager.
To the standard processes of the system, executed in the background, are usually added the processes that the user starts, such as the applications that he uses. For example, we often have open a browser with several tabs, a word processor, an email account, a graphic design program and a platform to play music. These applications generate their own icon on the taskbar , which clearly shows that they are running, although its actual effect on computer performance cannot be seen with the naked eye..
The Windows task manager or task manager helps you to get out of doubt. This handy tool presents a list of all applications running in the background and also provides detailed information about each process. If you find that one is not necessary, you can finish it. The most important data that the task manager displays are the following:
With this information, you can find out which programs are resource-intensive and that you don't need or are using . In this case, you have the option of ending them or permanently uninstalling them from the computer from the Windows task manager.
Windows offers several ways to open the task manager : using the mouse, the keyboard, or keyboard shortcuts. The way you choose will only depend on your personal preferences . However, if the operating system is no longer responding properly, we recommend using the keyboard shortcut to open it, which usually works even when all programs and windows are not responding..
Next, we explain the different options to open the task manager. Although all the instructions and images refer to Windows 10 , they also apply to Windows 7 and 8 with slight differences.
Not sure what version of Windows you have installed on your computer? We explain how to find it in just a few steps in our article on how to find out the Windows version.
Keyboard shortcuts are usually the fastest way to start applications. The same can be said for the task manager. If you press the [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del] keys at the same time, Windows will open a menu on a blue background. Select the option? Task manager ? to open the tool in a new window.
If you have Windows 7, the option is called? Start Task Manager ?.
Apart from this keyboard shortcut, Windows offers another one that allows you to directly open the task manager: if you press the [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Esc] keys at the same time, the application will open automatically and without using the mouse .
You can also start the Windows task manager from the "Run" window. This application is used to send short commands in text format to the operating system and is opened by clicking on the button of the same name that appears in the start menu (Windows icon) or with the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [R] .
Type the command? taskmgr ? in the text field and press? OK? to open the task manager.
It is not essential to use the keyboard to open the task manager, but you can also do it from the context menu. To display it, right-click on the taskbar . Next, left click on the "Task Manager" option. In Windows 7, the feature is titled? Start Task Manager ?.
Since version 8 , Windows also allows you to start the task manager from the context menu that is opened by clicking the Windows icon. As with the method explained above, the keyboard is not required. To open this menu, right-click on the Windows icon on the left side of the taskbar. If you prefer, you can also use the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [X] . Regardless of how you open the context menu, select? Task Manager ?.
Finally, Windows offers the search function, which allows you to search for all kinds of content on your computer. It is also possible to open the task manager in this way. In Windows 10, the search box is usually listed on the taskbar (or otherwise, in the start menu).
Type task manager (search results update automatically as you type). As soon as the correct result appears, select it by left-clicking in the? Best match? Area. or in the element? Open ?, Right.
Search function not showing up in taskbar? In this case, right click on the bar to open the drop down menu, move the cursor over? Search? and left click on? Show search box ?. The search box will appear on the taskbar.
If you use Windows 7 or 8 , the search function is just one click away: open the start menu by left-clicking on the Windows icon. The search bar is immediately visible in Windows 7. Then enter your search term and confirm by pressing the return key. In Windows 8 there is no visible field, but it is not necessary either. Open the start menu and type your search term. The operating system searches for it automatically and shows you the results as usual.
When the task manager is open, it is possible to pin it to the taskbar. To do this, right-click on the task manager icon that appears on the taskbar and left-click on the "Pin to taskbar" option. In this way, you can open it at any time with a single click.
