Task manager is an important tool that helps in managing everything that is currently running on the laptop/PC. So, how to open task manager using shortcut keys on Windows and macOS laptop/PC? There are a number of ways in which you can open the task manager to manage the processes and programs operating on the computer at the moment. Along with the keyboard shortcut for task manager, you can use Run Window, Start Button, Command Prompt, and other ways to open the task manager for managing various tasks running on your Windows computer. In case you have mac OS, you can use the relevant shortcut for the task manager to manage tasks operating on your laptop/PC. Read to find about the shortcut keys to open manager on Windows and macOS laptop/PC.
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What are the shortcut keys to open task manager on Windows laptop/PC
There is more than one shortcut for task managers and it is convenient to know them all as any application or process can prevent you from using your usual method. For example, task manager is generally accessed when any application or program hinders the operation of the computer, and if a particular program disables the keyboard, then you can still use a mouse or other options to access the task manager and End Task. Here are the different options of shortcut for task manager.
Using Ctrl + Shift + Escape
One of the easiest and often used ways to access task manager is through the keyboard. Simply press the shortcut keys for task manager – Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open it on Windows laptop/PC.
Using Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Another shortcut for task manager using the keyboard is to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, which will give you certain options, including Task Manager that you can select to open it on Windows laptop/PC.
Using Run Window
The other shortcut for task manager is through the Run Window. For this:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type ‘taskmgr’.
- Click OK to open task manager on Windows laptop/PC.
Using Start Button
The next shortcut for task manager is using the Start Button on the taskbar.
- Right-click on the start button.
- Select Task Manager from the options to open it on Windows laptop/PC.
Using Start Search
- Click the Start Search button.
- Type Task Manager in the search bar.
- Press Enter to open Task Manager on Windows laptop/PC.
Using Taskbar
Right-click anywhere on the open space on the taskbar and get options including Task Manager, which you can click on to open it on Windows laptop/PC.
What are the shortcut keys to open task manager on macOS laptop/PC
First things first, there is no task manager on macOS laptop/PC rather there is Activity Monitor which can be used for closing programs, applications, etc that are unresponsive or unused. Similar to the Windows Task Manager, you can close programs or applications that are frozen or hanging by clicking on Force quit (the equivalent of End Task of Task Manager in Windows laptop/PC). The Activity Monitor also provides information on CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, Network, and Cache (in later versions). Here are the different shortcut keys to open for task manager (activity monitor) on macOS laptop/PC.
Using Spotlight
- Click on the Spotlight button (magnifying glass icon on the top right corner).
- Type ‘Activity Monitor’ in the Spotlight Search bar and hit Return.
Using Launchpad
- Click on Launchpad (rocket icon in the Dock).
- Type ‘Activity Monitor’ and hit Return.
Using Finder
- Click on Finder (half-blue, half-white face icon in the Dock).
- Go to Applications folder.
- Next, go to Utilities folder.
- Now, select Activity Monitor.
Once the Activity Monitor window opens, you can highlight any application or program that you wish to stop, click on the cross button (X) on the top left corner and finally, click on Force Quit to close the problematic application or program.
Press Command + Option + Esc simultaneously to reach the Force Quit Applications window that lists all the applications and programs running on the macOS computer. Select the application or program and click on Force Quit (blue button) to close it. Besides, the name of the application that is already unresponsive or frozen will be highlighted in red, which you can Force Quit.
