8 Task Manager tips that Windows users should know

Task Manager is a management tool in Windows, but many users only use it for basic tasks like closing unresponsive applications or checking resource usage. If you are new to Windows or use Task Manager mainly for simple tasks, you can read this article to learn more about how to use Task Manager more powerfully. Here are a few tips for using Task Manager in Windows.

Freeze Task Manager

Task Manager has an option to freeze this task manager to stop updating the display of computer resources being used by applications on the computer. We just need to hold down the Ctrl key to stop viewing the parameters more easily. To continue using it, press the Ctrl key again.

Enable performance mode for Task Manager

Task Manager has an efficient mode to reduce resource usage of lower priority processes.

To enable efficiency mode for a process, right-click the process and select Efficiency Mode .

Set default tab in Task Manager

Task Manager opens the Processes tab by default to check resource consumption right away. However, if you often use another tab like Performance, App History, then you should leave that tab as default.

In the Task Manager interface, click Settings below.

Go to the next interface at Default Start Page , click and select the default tab you want to open on Task Manager.

Change how resource consumption is displayed

You can sort processes in ascending or descending order based on resource usage for easier tracking. Click the column header that interests you, such as Memory, to bring the processes that use the most resources to the top of the list.

Customize column display in Task Manager

Task Manager displays columns like CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network in the Processes tab. However, many people don't know that they can customize the columns to add needed information or remove irrelevant data.

Right- click any column header and select or deselect the information you want to display.

Start New Task Immediately

Task Manager provides an option for users to quickly start new tasks, allowing you to open programs, files, or folders without navigating through multiple menus.

In the Task Manager interface, we click Run New Task in the toolbar above as shown.

Now you enter the program you want to run the new task into the interface and click OK below.

Quick Command Prompt Access

Command Prompt is a powerful tool for executing commands and troubleshooting problems on Windows. Although there are many ways to open Command Prompt, you can use Task Manager to open it when other methods are disabled.

Click Run New Tab and type cmd in the box to open. Check Create this task with administrative privileges and click OK.

Return to classic Task Manager view

Microsoft has redesigned the Windows 11 Task Manager interface, with a modern look and new features. However, if you prefer the classic Task Manager from Windows 10, with its simpler design and fewer features, there are tricks to get back to that classic interface.

• How to return to the old Task Manager interface on Windows 11