The task manager shortcut key is Ctrl + Shift + Esc. It opens Task Manager in one step on Windows 10 and Windows 11, without the blue menu screen. From there you can close a program that has stopped responding and see what is using the processor, memory and disk.
If the screen is too frozen for that, Ctrl + Alt + Delete brings up a menu that almost always works, with Task Manager as one of its options.
Quick facts
Open Task Manager
Ctrl + Shift + EscWhen frozen
Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then Task ManagerPower user menu
Win + X, then TEnd selected task
Delete or the End task buttonSwitch tabs inside
Ctrl + TabMac
Option + Command + Esc
Task manager shortcut key and two other ways in
| Keys | What happens | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Task Manager opens directly | Normal use |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Security menu, then click Task Manager | The screen is stuck |
| Win + X, then T | Power user menu, then T | You are already using Win + X |
The first time it may open in a small view with only app names. Click More details at the bottom to see the full tabs. Windows remembers your choice, so next time it opens in the detailed view.
End task shortcut key for a frozen program
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- On the Processes tab, find the program marked Not responding.
- Click it once, or move to it with the arrow keys.
- Press Delete or click End task. The program closes.
Anything unsaved in that program is lost. Wait a minute first if the program is busy saving or printing, because Not responding sometimes clears by itself.
What Task Manager tells you
| Tab | Use it to |
|---|---|
| Processes | See which apps use the most CPU, memory or disk |
| Performance | Check memory size, processor speed and network use |
| Startup apps | Stop programs from starting with Windows, which speeds up boot |
| App history | See which apps used the most data |
| Users | Sign out other accounts on a shared computer |
Windows task manager shortcut when the mouse is stuck
Task Manager works fully from the keyboard. Use Tab to move between areas, the arrow keys to move through the list, and Alt to reach menus. In Windows 11, Ctrl + Tab moves between the pages on the left. If the whole computer is unresponsive, see the restart shortcut key guide for a safe restart from the security screen.
When Task Manager does not open
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc does nothing | Try Ctrl + Alt + Delete |
| Disabled by your administrator | Office computers may block it; ask IT |
| Opens behind other windows | Click Options, then Always on top |
| Screen totally frozen | Hold the power button as a last step |
On a Mac
The Mac equivalent is Force Quit: Option + Command + Esc lists open apps; choose one and click Force Quit. For detailed use, open Activity Monitor. See the Mac force quit guide, and the close window shortcut for closing programs normally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for Task Manager?
How do I open Task Manager when the screen is frozen?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager.
What is the end task shortcut key?
Select the program in Task Manager and press Delete.
Is the Task Manager shortcut the same in Windows 11?
Yes.
Can Task Manager make my computer faster?
It shows what is slowing it and lets you disable startup apps, which often helps.
What is Task Manager on a Mac?
Force Quit with Option + Command + Esc, or Activity Monitor.