|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Users are left perplexed by a strange new glitch in Task Manager that appears to have been introduced by the most recent Windows 11 test update, which is still in preview. Windows Latest reports that the issue prevents Task Manager from closing properly and instead creates numerous background instances that stealthily consume system resources.
One of Windows’ most useful tools, Task Manager lets users end unresponsive applications, view running processes, and monitor performance. In most cases, all you need to do to close it is click the familiar “X” button in the top-right corner. That, however, no longer functions as expected following the October 2025 optional update (Build 26200.7019 / 26100.7019). Instead of shutting down, Task Manager remains active in the background, and each time you reopen it, another instance is launched.
These “ghost” processes can make your computer feel slower than usual as they accumulate over time and consume CPU and memory. Although reports on forums and social media suggest that many users have encountered the problem after installing the most recent preview build, the issue does not appear to affect all users. The Windows 11 update, which introduced a redesigned Start menu and visual refinements, appears to have unintentionally broken how Task Manager handles the close command.
How to Exit Task Manager Correctly Users are advised not to use the “X” button to close Task Manager until Microsoft addresses the issue in a forthcoming patch.
Here are safer ways to exit it:
Until Microsoft fixes the issue in an upcoming patch, users are advised not to close Task Manager using the “X” button. Here are safer ways to exit it:
- End a task from within Task Manager.
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Select “Task Manager” from the list.
- Click “End Task.”
- Restart Windows Explorer
- In Task Manager, locate Windows Explorer under Processes.
- Right-click and choose “Restart.”
- This refreshes your desktop and clears any ghost Task Manager entries.
- Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the command below and hit Enter:
taskkill /f /im taskmgr.exe - This will force-close all Task Manager instances at once.
This will force all Task Manager instances to close simultaneously. Microsoft will likely address the issue in the subsequent cumulative or Patch Tuesday release because this update is still in preview.
In the interim, to safely close Task Manager, don’t use the close button. Instead, use the methods above. You can also uninstall the optional October 2025 update until an official fix arrives if the issue persists or significantly affects performance.