Windows 11 Tip: How to find the old Task Manager?

Since the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has updated many elements of the user interface, including the Task Manager. If you prefer the old task manager, simpler and more straightforward, know that it is still possible to use it in Windows 11. Here are several methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Keyboard shortcut

The easiest method to open the old task manager is to use a keyboard shortcut. Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys together and the old task manager will open instantly.

Method 2: Start Menu

You can also find the old task manager in the Start menu.

1. Click the Start
2. In the search bar, type “Task Manager”
3. Click on the “Task Manager (Desktop)”

Method 3: Command Prompt

Command Prompt lets you open the old Task Manager by issuing a simple command.

1. Open Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R , then type “cmd” and press Enter .
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

taskmgr -d

3. Hit Enter and the old Task Manager will open.

Method 4: Create a shortcut

You can create a shortcut on the desktop or taskbar to quickly access the old task manager.

To create a desktop shortcut:

1. Right-click an empty space on the desktop and select New > Shortcut .

1. In the Item Location , type the following command:

taskmgr -d

3. Click Next .
4. Give the shortcut a name, such as “Old Task Manager” .
5. Click Finish .

To create a taskbar shortcut:

1. Follow steps 1-4 of Create a desktop shortcut .
2. Right-click the newly created shortcut and select Pin to Taskbar .

Features of the old task manager

The old Task Manager offers several features missing from the new version, including:

• Tree Process View : This feature makes it easy to view the hierarchy of running processes.
• Tabs for different process types : You can quickly switch between running processes, processes under the “Performance” tab, system processes, and processes in application history.
• More options to manage processes : You can kill processes, suspend processes, set process priority and view details of each process.

Conclusion

The old Task Manager is a powerful and flexible tool that can be useful for power users and system administrators to Windows Task Manager . If you prefer the interface and features of the old Task Manager, you can easily use it in Windows 11 by following any of the methods described above.

Remarks

• The old Task Manager is not updated with new Windows 11 features.
• Some features of the old Task Manager may not be available in all editions of Windows 11.