The Task Manager is a Microsoft Windows network based operating system utility that is used to view running programs and processes. It provides in-depth information about the performance of the computer in terms of currently running applications and programs, running processes and their effect on CPU performance, memory usage, network events and data, user information and system services. It can also be used to turn on or turn off system services, shut down or restart the computer, hibernate or log off Windows. In short, it serves as a Windows operating system performance barometer.

The Task Manager can be activated by using the following key combinations:

  • Ctrl+Alt+Del
  • Crtl+Shift+Esc

The Task Manager can also be invoked by typing “taskmgr.exe” in the Run Start menu option. The Task Manager consists of the following tabs:how to enable task manager

  • Applications

The Applications tab displays the programs and applications launched by users and their status. It has three buttons that can be used to terminate, switch or start new programs.

  • Processes

The Processes tab displays information about the various processes running on the computer and their corresponding CPU and memory usage.

  • Performance

The Performance tab displays in dynamic graphical form, the CPU usage and memory usage. It also displays in numerical values, the totals for threads and processes currently running on the computer, totals for physical, kernel, and commit memory.

  • Networking

The Networking tab displays in dynamic graphical form, the network performance. It displays the overall quality of the networks the computer is connected to and the availability of the network connections.

  • Users

The Users tab displays the list of users who are permitted to access the computer, and their related session status and client name.

How to enable Task Manager

You might not be able to access Task Manager if it is disabled. To enable Task Manager, perform the following steps:

  1. lick Start and then click Run.
  2. In the Open text box, type gpedit.msc.
  3. The Group Policy window appears.
  4. Click the directory tree User Configuration and then click the folder Administrative Templates.
  5. On the right pane of the Group Policy window, double-click the System folder.
  6. Double-click the folder Ctrl+Alt+Del Options.
  7. Double-click the option Remove Task Manager.
  8. The Remove Task Manager Properties window appears.
  9. Select the radio button Not Configured or Disabled.
  10. Click Apply and then OK.