Task Manager provides information about programs and processes running on your computer. It also displays the most commonly used performance measures for processes.
You can use Task Manager to monitor key indicators of your computer’s performance. You can see the status of the programs that are running and end programs that have stopped responding. You can also assess the activity of running processes using as many as fifteen parameters, and see graphs and data on CPU and memory usage.
In addition, if you are connected to a network, you can view network status and see how your network is functioning.
Also if you have more than one user connected to your computer, you can see who is connected, what they are working on, and you can send them a message.
Windows Task Manager Explained
Watch this video to see more information about the Windows Task Manager in Windows. The Windows XP task manager is very similar to Windows Vista and Windows Seven, however this video concentrates on Windows XP.
Windows Task Manager Explained
Open Windows Task Manager – Keyboard Shortcuts
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC (Open Task Manager)
CTRL+ALT+DEL no longer brings up the task manager in vista
Shortcut for All Windows Versions
1. Simply go to the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Right click on a vacant part of the task bar.
3. A menu will appear. Choose Start Task Manager.
See the screenshot below.
Navigating the Task Manager Using Keyboard Shortcuts Only
Ctrl + Tab Next tab (cycles to the beginning)
Ctrl + Shift+ Tab Previous tab (cycles to the end)
Ctrl + Right Next tab
Ctrl + Left Previous tab
Windows Task Manager Processes
Under the Processes tab in the Windows Task manager you can see what processes are running on your computer. Please see the video above for more information.
To see what each individual process does, visit http://www.tasklist.org/.
Notes on the Windows Task manager
- The most common reason to bring up the Windows Task Manger is when you computer is frozen. You can end the process or program causing the problem.
- Another reason to Start Task Manager is to start a process. For example, if you want to restore your desktop, simply start the task “explorer.exe”.
- You can use Windows Task Manager to stop a program from running when they are causing errors.
Asinger says
January 16, 2013 at 9:06 pmThe problem I have is how to navigate through the list of Applications using only the keyboard when my mouse isn’t working or not present. I have tried lots of things but nothing gets me into the list of applications so that I can move through them (e.g. using the up/down arrows). Any ideas? Thanks
Mitz says
January 18, 2013 at 11:17 pmDo you mean a list of devices in the device manager? If you are using the keyboard to navigate then when you are on your device try hitting the enter key to open to see the details.This article might also help navigate http://tips4pc.com/computer_tips_and_tricks/keyboard-shortcuts-to-fill-out-a-form-when-your-mouse-is-not-working.htm
Oliver says
April 9, 2012 at 9:19 amTask manager could also help you in case if certain programs or application are frozen your pc to access anything. Moreover, there are several instances of same program are running continuously which makes your pc slower. So, by using task manager you can stop those too.
Thomas says
February 21, 2012 at 2:40 pmHi Mitz
Nice article. As an IT pro I use the task manager in a daily basis. It is a must for fixing performance issues or virus attack on all Windows computers. In Windows 7 the task manager has been improved with additional features e.g. access to services. Maybe you can do a follow up post on Windows 7 task manager at some point?
Anne says
February 16, 2012 at 8:24 amGreat explanation, Mitz. I’ve never used some of these because I didn’t know what they were for. Funny how we use computers and only make use of some of the features. Thanks for this.
Mitz says
February 16, 2012 at 10:51 amYes there are so many things hiding on the computer.. I know where everything is because I have always dissected every new version of windows.. I can’t help it!