Resuscitating a Frozen System Interface

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 can 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 about repairing corrupted Windows files to 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 the Remove Task Manager policy if you can access Group Policy Editor on your PC. This is how you can disable the Remove Task Manager policy:

Open Local Group Policy Editor on your Windows PC. If you’re on Windows Home, you’ll need to learn how to access the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows Home first.
Double-click User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Ctrl + Alt + Del Options in Group Policy Editor’s sidebar.
Next, double-click Remove Task Manager to view a window for configuring that policy.
Select Disabled or Not Configured if you find this policy enabled.
Click Apply to set the new option for enabling Task Manager.
Then close the Remove Task Manager window by clicking OK.

If this policy is not enabled, try turning it on and off. Click Enabled and Apply to activate the policy. Then select Disabled/Not configured to 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 scan with 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:

To access Registry Editor, press the Windows key + S key combination, enter a regedit keyword, and click the matching result shown in the search tool.
Next, go to the Policies key by inputting this path inside the registry address bar:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
Skip to step seven if you can see a System subkey. If you can’t, right-click Policies and select New > Key.
Enter System in the new key’s text box.
Right-click System and select New > DWORD.
Input DisableTaskMgr inside the DWORD’s text box.
Double-click the DisableTaskMgr DWORD within the System key.
The value for the DisableTaskMrg DWORD should be 0. If it’s set any differently, erase the number in the Value box and input 0.
Click OK to set the DisableTaskMgr value.
Now close the Registry Editor. To ensure the changes take effect, restart your Windows PC after editing the registry.

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 can run that PowerShell command:

Activate the Type here to search box by utilizing the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut.
Enter PowerShell inside the file search box.
Click Run as administrator for the matching PowerShell app search result.
Input this command:
Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Press Enter to execute the command and wait for it to finish before exiting PowerShell.

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 try 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 to fixing Windows issues by creating new accounts includes 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 can 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 about how to utilize System Restore on Windows tells 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 can apply this potential resolution with the Reset this PC tool, as covered in this article about resetting Windows 10 or 11 . There’s no need to back up user files since you can select a Keep my files option within the Reset this PC window. Make sure the Reinstall preinstalled apps option 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.

Win11 Tips

Resuscitating a Frozen System Interface