How to add quick access to Task Manager on Windows 11

By Mauro Huculak
published

Here are three ways to create quick access to the Task Manager on Windows 11.

windows-11-task-manager-open-2021
windows-11-task-manager-open-2021 (Image credit: Windows Central)

On Windows 11, you can no longer right-click the Taskbar to open Task Manager since the new design includes a limited context menu, and while there are still some other ways to launch the experience (for example, from the Quick Link menu by right-clicking the Start button or using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut), you can also add few other quicker ways to open Task Manager from the Taskbar, Start menu, or desktop.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will show you three easy ways to add quick access to the Task Manager.

How to add Task Manager access from Taskbar

To add quick access to Task Manager from the Taskbar, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Task Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Right-click the icon and select the Pin to taskbar option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. (Optional) Click and drag the icon closest to the "Start" button.

Once you complete the steps, you can always start Task Manager quickly from the Taskbar.

How to add Task Manager access from Start menu

To add a button to open Task Manager from the Start menu, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Task Manager, right-click the top result, and select the Pin to taskbar option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Right-click the Task Manager icon in the Start's "Pinned" section and select the Move to top option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the Task Manager icon will be easily accessible from the top of the Start menu.

How to add Task Manager access from Desktop

To create a shortcut to open Task Manager on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Use the Windows key + D keyboard shortcut (if applicable).
  2. Right-click a space on the desktop.
  3. Select the New submenu and choose the Shortcut option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Type the following command and click the Next button:taskmgr

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Confirm a name for the shortcut – for example, Task Manager.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the shortcut will give you quick access to Task Manager from the Windows 11 desktop.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

10 Comments
  • Ctrl Shift Esc
  • Yes that's what I've always used!
  • I was wondering why they removed the easy option they had in 10
  • Right-click on the start button then select Task Manager. I found it by accident this week. lol Yeah, it's not the same as on the task-bar, but at least I don't have to hit Ctrl-Shift-Esc or pin it to the task bar. It means I have to go to where the start button is, but there have been times where my task bar is full of icons and I barely have any empty spaces to right-click on in Windows 10. So I've gotten used to right-clicking in the start button now.
  • dude, seriously how do I thumbs up this more than once...we need the article to mention this
  • Right-click on the start button and select Task-Mgr. Same as it used to be on the task bar.
  • Is it me?
    But my build of Windows 11 has a Task Manager on the taskbar.
  • I keep using Win Key + X, then 'T'. It still works just fine on Windows 11 most of the times. I noticed it sometimes fails to bring up the menu the first time I hit Win Key + X, so Ctrl+Shift+Esc seems to be the best option for me.
  • Because T is for both Task Manager and Apps and Features. You then need to press the Enter key. But yeah CTRL+SHIFT+ESC is easier.
  • I right-click on Start and it's still there...