How to Restore Old Task Manager on Windows 11
If you have missed the classic look and feel of the Task Manager since moving to Windows 11, here’s how you can access it once again.
If you are moving from Windows 10 to 11, there are several noticeable user interface changes. When you first start with the new operating system (OS), the centered Start button is a glaring example. Another noticeable change is to the Task Manager utility in Windows 11.
Obviously, there are more changes throughout, but Microsoft allows you to restore the classic feel of Windows 10 in certain situations. For example, you can move the Start button to the left corner of the taskbar.
Also, you can still launch the classic version of the utility you may be used to, but it’s hidden. You’ll need to do some work for it. So, if you prefer the old Task Manager experience, we’ll show you how to access it on Windows 11.
Task Manager on Windows 11
When Windows 11 was first released, launching the Task Manager took a few steps. However, with recent updates, you can right-click the taskbar and launch it like you did on previous versions of Windows.
Regardless of how you launch it, you’ll notice the new look and feel of the system management utility on Windows 11. You can access the tabs from the left bar or click the menu button in the top left corner to expand the tabs you need to get system info.
It also includes other features like window management, customization, advanced settings, and real-time update speeds.
Launch Old Task Manager on Windows 11
If you want to use the old 32-bit version of the Task Manager utility to use full-time or just try it out, there are a few ways to do it.
- The old Task Manager is in the following path that you can copy and paste into the Run dialog (Windows key + R) or the File Explorer address bar and press Enter:
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Taskmgr.exe
- Alternatively, you can press Windows key + R, type the following, and click OK or press Enter:
taskmgr -d
It’s also worth noting that you can use the above command from command line utilities like PowerShell or the Command Prompt.
Whichever method you use, the old version of the tool that you’re used to from previous versions of Windows with the tabs at the top will open on your Windows 11 system.
An example of running the old Task Manager on Windows Version 24H2.
Pin Old Task Manager to Start Menu
If you want to launch the old Task Manager more easily, you can pin it to the Start menu on Windows 11.
- Open the C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder, right-click taskmgr.exe, and select Pin to Start from the context menu that appears.
Note: You may need to show file extensions to find it in the folder.
- Once you complete the steps, press the Windows key to open the Start menu and click the Taskmgr icon from the menu.
Now, it’s important to mention that you can’t use the new Task Manager and the classic version simultaneously. You can only use one instance at a time, so you’ll want to decide before launching either version. If you prefer the old version, it’s probably best to create a shortcut that you can easily access to open it.
Using the Old Version of Task Manager on Windows 11
When Windows 11 was initially released, the Task Manager was a bit buggy, but the bugs have since been fixed. So, there isn’t much of a reason to use the old version unless you prefer the look and can navigate the tabs more easily.
Still, at least for now, you can launch the old version if you want by using the above steps. However, as with other deprecated Windows features, the company could remove this option anytime.
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