6 Ways to Open Task Manager without Ctrl+Alt+Delete in Windows 11 | 10

Task Manager on Windows is the ultimate tool that can not just display tidbits of information about the ongoing processes and the system as a whole but can also help end troubling processes, and unnecessary tasks, and stop unwanted startup programs.

Most users trigger Task Manager when an ongoing task, say the current window is no longer responding, there is no way to kill the ongoing task and hence can’t start a new task. 

Based on the situation you are in, you should know the different ways to open the Task Manager so that you don’t end up doing a hard reset that can potentially harm your system or user data.

So, let’s discuss some different ways of opening the Task Manager on Windows 10 or 11.

1. Use a different shortcut key instead

While the traditional shortcut key of Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager has been replaced by a menu where one of the options in the menu is to open it, however, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut key to open the Task Manager.

The shortcut key will open the Task Manager no matter where you are, even when you are in a full-screen app. As long as your keyboard is working properly, this is by far the most convenient way to open the Task Manager on Windows 11. It will not leave your current window at all.

2. Taskbar context menu

By right-clicking on the Windows taskbar it is possible to open the Task Manager. However, on Windows 11, it was not possible till one of the recent updates. Now, even on Windows 11, you can right-click on Taskbar to get the context menu to open the Task Manager. 

If your keyboard is not working, for any reason, and you are in the middle of an app that is not responding, this is one of the best ways to open the Task Manager. But this is going to help as long as you can access the taskbar.

3. Using Run Command

Another great way of opening the Task Manager on Windows is to open it using the Run command.

Using Run, you can not just trigger Task Manager but other programs like Calculator, Paint, and other installed programs.

To open Task Manager using Run, use the Windows + R shortcut key to open Run. Type in ‘taskmgr’, and hit the enter key. You should get Task Manager right on your desktop to kill the troubling processes or do whatever you want.

4. Using Command Prompt

If you are in the middle of some work either on Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, it is possible to trigger Task Manager right from there. Simply type in ‘taskmgr’ and hit the Enter key. If you are a developer or often use PowerShell or Command Prompt to complete your work, this can be a handy way to open the Task Manager.

5. From Windows 11/10 start the menu

One great way of opening the Task Manager is to open it right from the Start menu or use a desktop shortcut. Click on the start button, search for Task Manager, and pin the same to the start menu by clicking on ‘Pin to taskbar’. Follow the screenshot, and after you pin the Task Manager app to the start menu you can open it right from there.

6. Create Task Manager Desktop Shortcut

You can also create a shortcut to the Task Manager program right on your desktop. To create the shortcut, right-click on your Desktop, hover over to ‘New’, and then click on ‘Shortcut’.

Now type in the following in the location text box, and click on ‘Next’.

%windir%\system32\taskmgr.exe /7

Now, assign a name to the shortcut, where ‘Taskmgr.exe’ should be the default name, and click on ‘Finish’.

Now, you can open Task Manager right from the desktop whenever you need.

So, those were some ways to open the Task Manager on Windows 11 without the Ctrl + Alt + Del shortcut key. While all the ways I have mentioned here will not be helpful in everyday situations, you never know when and how bad the adverse consequences can be. Thus, as Task Manager is a utility to get back normal control over your system, you must know how to open it, based on the specified consequence. 

Do you have any questions? Feel free to comment on the same below.