One of the most important Windows utilities is Task Manager. And there may be times, when you cannot access Task Manager in the usual ways (right-clicking on your taskbar selecting Task Manager from the menu).While on Windows XP you can access the Task Manager using Ctrl+Alt+Delete, on Windows Vista and Windows using that shortcut brings up a menu of items, one of which is the Task Manager.
But this keyboard shortcut works the same on all versions of Windows and it’s one you should commit to memory. If you become infected with malware this may be the only way to access the Task Manager. It your mouse becomes disabled or Windows becomes non-responsive, you might find you can open the Task Manger directly using this shortcut.
You’re waiting for the shortcut aren’t you? OK here it is:
CTRL+SHIFT+ESCAPE
COOL !
I like the idea but all I get is my start up button (shell) Any ideas?
You’re not pressing the keys correctly. You have to press and hold down CTRL and SHIFT and then ESC or it won’t work. All Windows computer respond with Task Manager if you use that keyboard shortcut.
Worked immediately! I like that one 🙂
works for me on Windows 7 Pro.
Thanks for this tip! I’m using Win7 Pro. Worked immediately….as in, it came up faster than any other way I’ve tried before! Love it….pb
I have always used CTRL+ALT+DEL for years to pull up Task Manager
CTRL+ALT+DELETE brings up a context menu on Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8x with other options than Task Manager, so it’s a round about way to get there — Windows XP was the last version of Windows where CTRL+ALT+DELETE opened just the Task Manager. Just so you know 🙂
Wonderful info! I’m using Windows 7 on my new computer, and this will come in very handy!
Great tip! Wish I could pin it to one of my Pinterest boards. I either get a message that the image is too small or there is no pinable image on the page.
OK I’ve added an image for you — that should make this post pinnable.
Thanks for pinning us 🙂
CTRL+SHIFT+ESCAPE Works great on Vista and is really quick!
Works great for me.Thanks
Wow….simple & fast–LOVE IT! Thanks Again! Just mentioned you in my Emsisoft survey after getting the FULL VERSION!