Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Open Task Manager on Windows

Windows · Windows & Task Management
ActionOpen Task Manager
ShortcutCtrl + Shift + Esc
PlatformWindows
CategoryWindows & Task Management

About this shortcut

On Windows, you open task manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Opens Task Manager directly. It sits in the Windows & Task Management group and is one of the Windows shortcuts people look up most, so it is worth committing to memory — it works the same way across almost every app that follows standard Windows conventions.

How to use it

1

Get ready

Open the app or screen where you want to open task manager.

2

Press the keys

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

3

Done

Opens Task Manager directly.

More Windows & Task Management shortcuts

Switch Between Apps
Alt+Tab
Open Task View
Win+Tab
Close Current App
Alt+F4
Security / Sign-out Screen
Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Snap Window Left
Win+Left
Snap Window Right
Win+Right
Maximise Window
Win+Up
Minimise Window
Win+Down