Overview
This lecture covers the key features of Task Manager in Windows, including how to access it and use its main tabs for troubleshooting and system management.
Accessing Task Manager
- Task Manager can be opened using Ctrl+Alt+Delete, right-clicking the taskbar, or pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- Task Manager provides a realtime overview of system performance and running processes.
Services Tab
- The Services tab displays all Windows services currently running on the system.
- Users can start, stop, or restart services directly from Task Manager.
- Right-clicking a service allows further management or launching the services applet for additional options.
Startup Tab
- The Startup tab lists applications that launch automatically when Windows boots.
- Disabling or enabling startup applications can help troubleshoot boot issues.
- Applications can be enabled or disabled by right-clicking them in the Startup tab.
Processes Tab
- The Processes tab shows all active applications and background processes.
- Columns display metrics like CPU, memory, disk, network, and GPU usage.
- Columns can be sorted or customized to identify resource-heavy applications.
Performance Tab
- The Performance tab provides graphical, real-time history (last 60 seconds) of CPU, memory, disk, network, and GPU usage.
- Enables users to analyze system performance trends and pinpoint resource-related problems.
Users Tab
- The Users tab lists all users currently logged in, either locally or over the network.
- Displays resources and applications each user is accessing.
- Users can be disconnected from the system via this tab.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Task Manager — a Windows tool for monitoring processes, performance, and managing applications, services, and users.
- Service — a background program that supports core Windows functions or applications.
- Startup Application — a program set to launch automatically during Windows boot.
- Process — an instance of a running program or background task.
- GPU — Graphics Processing Unit, responsible for rendering images and video.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice opening Task Manager using the different shortcuts.
- Explore each Task Manager tab on your Windows system.
- Experiment with enabling/disabling startup applications for troubleshooting practice.