How to enable the Task Manager shortcut in the Taskbar context menu in Windows 11
A few days ago, a cumulative update called KB5019509 was rolled out to Windows 11 22H2. It brought a few interesting changes, including a Tabbed File Explorer, Suggested Actions, Taskbar Overflow and more
I came across a few posts that claimed that a new way to access the shortcut was available in Windows 11 22H2. They were referring to the Task Manager shortcut in the Taskbar's context menu. You may remember that I had tested the option in my virtual machine when Windows 11 Build 25211 was released last month to the Dev Channel. But I couldn't find the shortcut in Windows 11 22H2.
A Tweet from WindowsUpdate, and the announcement article for the update on Microsoft's blog (footnote 1) both mention that some of the features are coming soon to Windows 11. The release notes for KB5019509 does not list the shortcut among the changes that it brought. So this could be the reason why the Task Manager shortcut was not enabled for me, it has not been rolled out to users yet. Anyone who has it likely used a workaround to add the feature manually.
There is something funny about this. Microsoft had enabled the feature in Build 22000.1163 that was released to the Release Preview channel that was released a few days ago, before it brought it to Build 22623.870 in the Beta channel today.
This is rather strange because experimental features are usually introduced to the Dev Channel. Once Microsoft gets some positive feedback from users, the feature is then pushed for testing in the Beta Channel, before it is rolled out to the Release Preview builds. Finally, the features make their way to the Stable channel. That's why I think it is a bit odd that the Task Manager shortcut skipped the Beta and went straight to the Release Preview builds, but guess what? It is actually available in the Stable version too, it's just not enabled by default. A Reddit user has posted instructions on how to get it working, here are the steps you can follow.
Note: You will need to be on Windows 11 22621.675, i.e. the KB5019509 has to be installed on your computer. Otherwise, you can't access the new shortcut.
How to enable the Task Manager shortcut in the Taskbar context menu in Windows 11
1. Click on the Start button and type Regedit. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Paste this in the tool's address bar, and press Enter.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\4
3. You will need to create a new key under the folder named 4. Right-click on 4 in the left pane, and select New > Key. Name it as 1887869580.
4. Select the new folder, switch to the right pane.
5. Right-click inside the pane and select Create. Choose a new DWORD and name it as EnabledState. Double-click on it and change its value from 0 to 2.
6. Create another DWORD, this time name it as EnabledStateOptions. You don't have to change its value.
Reboot the computer. Try right-clicking on the Taskbar, and you should see the shortcut for the Task Manager in the context menu.
You can always access the Task Manager and other system tools by pressing Win + X, or right-clicking the Start button. But having a shortcut in the Taskbar's menu could be useful.
There is not still W11 23H2 and these instructions are nonsense by now. :[
It worked for me just fine. You’re probably not following the instructions clearly.
Just tried the password option and the OOBE option and didnt work.
Worked perfectly. Thank OP.
Worked perfectly for me just now. Specifically, the regedit option.
Is this cut and paste from a Microsoft PR paper, because it 1000% BS:
“By listening to user insights, Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to refining the Windows experience based on real-world needs.”
Windows 11 is proof they don’t give a s*it.
Worked for me just now
I agree! Windows 11 was a downgrade to me and I kept all 8 computers in our family on Windows 10 as a result. They didn’t listen to any customers. The taskbar was THE main reason I stayed away from Windows 11. With 6 monitors, it is impossible to navigate so many browser tabs, without the feature. I will try the new version in the virtual box to see if it is worth it yet.
Microsoft did a terrible job with this implementation.
They simply need to employ the creator of StartAllBack to fix Windows. He is smarter and more talented than the entire campus of Microsoft employees.
lol
Thank you so much! I work in IT and this is extremely useful information!
Thanks man. The second method worked great!
I used the second method, and i got exactly what i expected.
Using the Bypass 2: Use a banned email address email worked fantastically as I had gone to far to use the bypass 1.
I will be back when I next have a problem.
Keep you the great work
W11 File Explorer is the worst crap ever done. W11 is the biggest shame ever.
Just one more reason for me to go to Linux when Windows 10 ages out.
@ MarineRecon,
Be careful which Linux distro you choose. Some of them don’t include the Wayland protocol which is a security issue i.e. apps can copy, paste and inject data without user interaction.
It’s included in Fedora: https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/latest/system-administrators-guide/Wayland/
How about a DARK MODE for your website? That would be oh so nice.
Something like this : [https://img.justpaste.me/image/8617] maybe?
Done with ‘Dark Reader Extension for ? Firefox’ [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/darkreader/]
This comment was written on [https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-installation-has-failed-how-to-fix-this-upgrade-error/#comment-4573155}
Definitely NOT! Once you get older and your eyesight starts to fail you’ll positively loathe dark mode.
Microsoft completely ruined File Explorer by converting to XAML/WinUI/whatever new bloated modern garbage. Its worse than it ever was.
i tested it on win10 current edition. speeds up explorer like a charm
SO what is the priority numbers to give preference to ethernet over wireless?
Worked very well happy to have Windows Photo Viewer back in action in Windows-11
Worked for me (registry option) thank god, I can use the search option to find things on my computer again. Thank you so much!
Install Everything Search and dispense with Microsoft’s crappy search tool. https://www.voidtools.com/
Martin wrote an article on it: https://www.ghacks.net/2020/10/09/add-everything-search-to-the-windows-taskbar-for-even-faster-searches/
I presume the text “WindowsCopilot,,” is a typographical error (2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/). The broken comment system unfortunately looks like it is populating itself via AI autopilot.
Hopefully, this Windows Copilot nonsense fails even more spectacularly than Cortana. Who requested this? We want all of the UX features removed back in 11, not this copilot nonsense.
I really don’t mind all of these Windows enhancement but Microsoft get one thing very wrong. ‘Opt in’, is far better than seek information and work to disable.
Turn off Windows Copilot entirely is not good enough.
How to uninstall Copilot entirely ?
@ ilev,
Use Gpedit or the registry. Explained in this article: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/
With that snake oil salesman Panos gone, hopefully Windows can return to a normal desktop operating system without all the insanity it has right now in Windows 11.
Can we please stop being ‘politically correct’ (lying) and call them ads again instead of ‘suggestions’?