how to always show task manager on top windows
how to always show task manager on top windows

how to always show task manager on top windows

How to Always Show Task Manager on Top Windows: A Comprehensive Guide for All Users

Introduction

Hey readers, ever found yourself frustrated when your Task Manager window keeps getting hidden behind other active windows? If so, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix to this annoyance: you can set Task Manager to always stay on top. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the different methods of keeping Task Manager visible at all times, ensuring you have full control over your system’s performance monitoring.

Methods for Always-On-Top Task Manager

Method 1: Using the Right-Click Menu

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" or right-clicking on the Windows taskbar.
  2. Right-click on the Task Manager title bar.
  3. Select "Always on Top" from the menu.
  4. Task Manager will now remain on top of all other windows.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Admin)

  1. Press "Windows Key + R" to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type "cmd" and press "Ctrl + Shift + Enter" to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. Enter the following command and press Enter: "taskmgr /alwaysontop"
  4. Task Manager will automatically launch and stay on top of other windows.

Method 3: Using PowerShell (Admin)

  1. Press "Windows Key + X" and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter: "taskmgr /alwaysontop:$true"
  3. Task Manager will launch and remain on top of other windows.

Customizing Task Manager’s Always-On-Top Behaviour

Subheading 1: Enabling Always-On-Top for Specific Tabs

If you only want certain tabs in Task Manager to stay on top, you can customize the setting:

  1. Open Task Manager and navigate to the desired tab (e.g., Performance, Details).
  2. Right-click on the tab’s title bar and select "Always on Top."
  3. Only the selected tab will remain on top of other windows.

Subheading 2: Disabling Always-On-Top

To disable the always-on-top feature for Task Manager:

  1. Right-click on the Task Manager title bar.
  2. Uncheck the "Always on Top" option from the menu.
  3. Task Manager will now behave like any other window, disappearing behind active windows.

Task Manager’s Significance and Benefits

Subheading 1: Monitoring System Performance

Task Manager provides essential insights into your system’s performance by displaying real-time data on:

  • CPU usage
  • Memory usage
  • Disk usage
  • Network activity

This information helps identify potential issues, such as high CPU usage or low memory, allowing you to take corrective actions promptly.

Subheading 2: Managing Processes and Applications

Task Manager gives you control over running processes and applications, enabling you to:

  • End unresponsive programs
  • Set process priorities
  • Terminate malicious processes
  • Monitor application resource consumption

By managing processes, you can optimize system performance, prevent crashes, and enhance overall system stability.

Troubleshooting Always-On-Top Issues

Subheading 1: Task Manager Not Always on Top

  • Ensure you’ve followed the methods outlined above correctly.
  • Check if any other third-party software or settings are overriding the always-on-top setting.
  • Restart Task Manager and try again.

Subheading 2: Always-On-Top Not Working for Specific Tabs

  • Verify that the individual tab’s "Always on Top" setting is enabled.
  • Ensure that the main Task Manager window itself is set to "Always on Top."
  • If the issue persists, try resetting Task Manager’s settings to default by deleting the following file: "C:Users<username>AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTaskManagerSettings.xml"

Conclusion

Mastering the art of keeping Task Manager always on top is a valuable skill for those seeking complete control over their system’s performance and application management. By following the methods and customization options outlined in this guide, you can ensure that Task Manager remains easily accessible at all times, enabling you to monitor your system’s health, troubleshoot issues, and optimize its performance.

If you found this article informative, be sure to check out our other articles covering various Windows and PC-related topics. We’re committed to providing you with the latest tips, tricks, and troubleshooting solutions to enhance your computing experience.

FAQ about How to Always Show Task Manager on Top of Windows

1. How do I keep Task Manager on top of all other windows?

  • Right-click on the Task Manager title bar and select "Always on Top".

2. Why is Task Manager not showing on top of other windows?

  • Check if "Always on Top" option is enabled in the Task Manager settings. If not, enable it.

3. How do I make Task Manager transparent?

  • Task Manager does not have a built-in transparency option. You can use third-party tools like "TaskbarX" to achieve transparency.

4. How do I resize the Task Manager window?

  • Hover your mouse over the edge of the Task Manager window until a double-sided arrow appears. Drag and resize the window accordingly.

5. How do I change the Task Manager view?

  • Click on the "View" tab in Task Manager and select the desired view option, such as "Compact view" or "Detailed view".

6. How do I add columns to the Task Manager?

  • Right-click on the column header and select "Select Columns". Check the boxes for the columns you want to add.

7. How do I refresh the Task Manager?

  • Press "F5" on your keyboard or click the "Refresh" button in the Task Manager toolbar.

8. How do I kill a process in Task Manager?

  • Select the problematic process in the "Processes" tab and click the "End Task" button.

9. How do I access Task Manager when it’s hidden?

  • Press "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Esc" or "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Del" and select "Task Manager".

10. How do I restart Task Manager?

  • Right-click on the Task Manager icon in the taskbar and select "Restart".