Task Manager is one of the most important Windows 11/10 system utilities. So, it’s a big issue when Task Manager is not working. Some users have reported Task Manager not opening (working) for them when they try to access it.
Task Manager might throw up an error message or simply not respond when it’s not working. Task Manager opens with a blank window and crashes soon after for some users. Users can’t utilize Task Manager when it’s not working. This is how you may fix Task Manager not working on a Windows 11/10 PC.
1. Run System File and Image Repair Commands
Many users have confirmed running system file and image repair commands can fix the Task Manager not working. So, that’s one of the first things you should try for fixing Task Manager when it’s not opening.
To apply this potential solution, you’ll need to input separate Command Prompt commands for running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) tools. The SFC tool repairs system files and DISM services the Windows image.
Follow the instructions in our article aboutrepairing corrupted Windows filesto run the SFC and DISM command-line tools.
2. Disable the Remove Task Manager Policy
Group Policy Editor includes an option for disabling Task Manager. If you see an error message that states Task Manager is disabled, that option is likely enabled. Even if you don’t see an error message, you should still check theRemove Task Managerpolicy if you’re able to access Group Policy Editor on your PC. This is how you can disable theRemove Task Managerpolicy:
If this policy is not enabled, try turning it on and off. ClickEnabledandApplyto activate the policy. Then selectDisabled/Not configuredto disable it.
3. Initiate an Antivirus Scan
Malware can sometimes be the reason for the Task Manager not working. Task Manager is targeted by malware because it’s an important system utility. So,run an antivirus scanwith Windows Security or third-party security software to check for and purge malware from your PC. Select the most thorough antivirus scanning option in whatever option you utilize.
4. Edit the Policies Key
Note that running an antivirus scan might only eliminate the cause of this issue. Then you would still need to re-enable Task Manager to get it working after purging malware that disabled it. A virus will have likely disabled Task Manager in the registry. You can re-enable the Task Manager by editing the Policies registry key like this:
5. Run the PowerShell Command for Re-Registering Apps
Some users say they managed to fix Task Manager by running a PowerShell command for reinstalling and registering built-in Windows 11/10 apps. If that worked for them, maybe this resolution will fix Task Manager not working on your PC. This is how you’re able to run that PowerShell command:
6. Change Your User Account
Windows user account issues can also cause Task Manager to stop working. For example, your user account might be corrupted in some way. In this case, you can attempt to repair the corrupted user account or set up an entirely new one. Task Manager might work fine in a new user account.
First, set up a new user account and sign into it to see if Task Manager works there. If it does, transfer all the user files from your old Windows account to the new one. Our guide tofixing Windows issues by creating new accountsincludes instructions for applying this troubleshooting method.
7. Restore Windows to an Earlier Time
The System Restore tool can address some of the potential causes for Task Manager not working if you have it enabled. Much depends on whether you may select a restoration point that will roll Windows back to a date when Task Manager worked okay. If you can, rolling Windows back to an earlier time is worth a try when other potential solutions are ineffective.
Our article abouthow to utilize System Restore on Windowstells you how to apply this potential fix. Choose a restoration point that will restore Windows to a time when you could utilize Task Manager without issues. You’ll need to reinstall desktop software and apps installed after a chosen restore point.
8. Reset Your Window PC
This final resolution for the Task Manager not working is the most nuclear of the lot. Resetting Windows 11/10 will restore the platform to factory default settings by reinstalling it, which will obliterate malware and repair system file issues. It’s recommended as a last resort since resetting Windows will wipe out all the software you’ve installed.
you’re able to apply this potential resolution with the Reset this PC tool, as covered in this article aboutresetting Windows 10 or 11. There’s no need to back up user files since you can select aKeep my filesoption within the Reset this PC window. Make sure theReinstall preinstalled appsoption is selected to retain the software bundled with your PC.
Use Task Manager Within Windows Again
Task Manager is not something most users can do without. Fortunately, the potential resolutions in this guide will likely resolve many of the Task Manager issues that prevent users from opening and utilizing that utility. At least one will probably kick-start Task Manager on your PC, enabling you to use that tool as required again.
