Microsoft KB Archive/323527

= How to use Windows Task Manager =

Article ID: 323527

Article Last Modified on 5/18/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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This article was previously published under Q323527





SUMMARY
This article describes how to use Windows Task Manager. It also explains how to perform some frequently used procedures, such as how to start programs, how to end processes, and how to monitor the computer's performance.

Task Manager displays information about the performance of your computer and the programs and processes that are running on your computer. You can use Task Manager to start programs, to start or to end processes, and to view a dynamic display of your computer's performance.

How to start Task Manager
To start Task Manager, do any of the following:
 * Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Task Manager.
 * Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
 * Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, and then click Task Manager.

How to quit, switch to, or start a program
The Applications tab displays the status of the programs that are running on the computer. To quit, to switch to, or to start a program, follow these steps:
 * 1) Click the Applications tab.
 * 2) Do one of the following, as appropriate for the action that you want to perform:
 * 3) * Quit a program

To quit a program, click the program that you want to quit, and then click End Task.

Note When you quit a program in this manner, any unsaved data in that program is lost.
 * 1) * Switch to another program

To switch to another program, click the program that you want to switch to, and then click Switch To.
 * 1) * Start a program

To start a program, click New Task. In the Create New Task dialog box, click Browse, locate and select the program that you want to start, click Open, and then click OK.

Note This procedure is quite similar to starting a program by using the Run command on the Start menu.

How to end a process
The Processes tab displays information about the processes that are running on the computer. To end a process, follow these steps.

Note Proceed with caution when you end a process. If you quit a program in this manner, data that has not been saved will be lost. If you end a system process, a system component may no longer function correctly.
 * 1) Click the Processes tab.
 * 2) Do one of the following, depending on the action that you want to perform:
 * 3) * If you want to end a single process, click the process that you want to end, and then click End Process.
 * 4) * If you want to end a process and all processes directly or indirectly related to it, right-click the process that you want to end, and then click End Process Tree.

How to monitor your computer's performance
Click the Performance tab to view a dynamic overview of the performance of your computer, including the following measures:
 * Graphs for CPU and memory usage
 * The total number of handles, threads, and processes that are running
 * The total number of kilobytes (KB) used for physical, kernel, and commit memory

Note Your system administrator may have implemented a local policy on your computer to disable Task Manager. In this scenario, you should contact the system administrator or your help desk if you need local process control or the ability to monitor the computer's performance.

