Windows 11 introduced a redesigned Task Manager with a modern interface, improved navigation, and additional features. The new Task Manager includes a sidebar layout, better performance graphs, improved startup app management, and support for Dark Mode. These changes make it easier to monitor system resources and manage running applications.
However, some users may still see the older Task Manager interface if they are using an earlier Windows 11 build or if the new version has not been fully enabled. In such cases, updating Windows or enabling certain features may be necessary to access the redesigned Task Manager.
If you want to enable the new Task Manager in Windows 11, follow the steps below.
How to Enable the New Task Manager in Windows 11
Work through the following methods to access the redesigned Task Manager.
1. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version
The new Task Manager is available in newer Windows 11 builds.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates.
- Restart your computer.
After updating, open Task Manager to see if the new interface appears.
2. Open the New Task Manager
Once enabled, you can access Task Manager in several ways.
Method 1: Keyboard shortcut
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Method 2: Start menu
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Task Manager.
Method 3: Search
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Task Manager and open the application.
If the new version is available, it will display the redesigned interface.
3. Enable the New Task Manager Using ViveTool
If the new Task Manager is hidden in your Windows build, you can enable it using ViveTool, a feature control utility.
- Download ViveTool from its official GitHub repository.
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
- Move the extracted folder to a convenient location such as C:\ViveTool.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- Navigate to the ViveTool folder: cd C:\ViveTool
- Run the following command: vivetool /enable /id:36390579
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, open Task Manager to check the updated interface.
4. Join the Windows Insider Program
If the new Task Manager is not available in your current build, you may need a newer version of Windows.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Select Windows Insider Program.
- Join the Beta or Dev channel.
- Install the latest preview updates.
These builds often include the latest features.
Conclusion
The new Task Manager in Windows 11 offers a modern design, improved navigation, and better performance monitoring tools. While most recent Windows 11 versions include the updated interface by default, some users may need to update Windows or enable hidden features to access it.
By updating your system or using tools such as ViveTool, you can enable the new Task Manager and take advantage of its improved performance management features in Windows 11.
