How to Fix Task Manager Crashes When Opening Performance Tab in Windows 11

Task Manager is one of the most useful built-in tools in Windows 11 for monitoring system resources, managing startup apps, and troubleshooting performance issues. However, some users encounter a frustrating problem where Task Manager crashes, freezes, or closes unexpectedly when they open the Performance tab.

The issue may occur immediately after clicking the Performance tab or after viewing CPU, memory, disk, or GPU statistics. In most cases, the problem is caused by corrupted system files, outdated graphics drivers, Windows bugs, damaged performance counters, or third-party software conflicts.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix Task Manager crashes in Windows 11. In this guide, we will walk you through all the working solutions step by step.

How to Fix Task Manager Crashes When Opening Performance Tab in Windows 11

1. Restart Windows Explorer

A temporary glitch in Windows Explorer can sometimes affect Task Manager functionality.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. If Task Manager opens, switch to the Processes tab.
3. Locate Windows Explorer.
4. Right-click it and select Restart.
5. Wait for the taskbar and desktop to refresh.

Now reopen Task Manager and check whether the Performance tab works properly.

2. Restart Your Computer

Temporary system issues may cause Task Manager to crash unexpectedly.

1. Save your work.
2. Click the Start menu.
3. Select the Power icon.
4. Click Restart.
5. After rebooting, launch Task Manager again.

If the issue persists, continue with the next method.

3. Update Windows 11

Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs affecting Task Manager.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download and install all available updates.
5. Restart your computer.

After updating, test the Performance tab again.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

The Performance tab displays GPU usage and hardware metrics. Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause crashes.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card.
4. Select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
6. Install any available updates.
7. Restart your PC.

For the latest drivers, consider downloading them directly from:

• NVIDIA
• AMD
• Intel

5. Repair Corrupted System Files

Damaged system files can prevent Task Manager from working correctly.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Terminal (Admin).
3. Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

4. Wait for the scan to finish.
5. Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Restart your computer after both scans complete.

These tools repair corrupted Windows components.

6. Rebuild Performance Counters

Corrupted performance counters can cause the Performance tab to crash.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the following command:

lodctr /R

3. Wait for the process to complete.
4. Restart your computer.

This command rebuilds the Windows performance counter library.

7. Run the Performance Monitor Diagnostic

Windows includes built-in diagnostics for performance-related issues.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

perfmon /report

3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for Windows to generate the report.
5. Review any errors related to system performance or counters.

Resolve any issues identified in the report.

8. Reset Task Manager Settings

Corrupted Task Manager settings may cause crashes.

1. Open Task Manager.
2. Click Settings if accessible.
3. Restore default settings if available.

Alternatively:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

regedit

3. Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TaskManager

4. Delete the TaskManager key.
5. Restart your PC.

Windows will recreate the default Task Manager settings automatically.

Note: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Back up the registry before making changes.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party software may conflict with Task Manager.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Open the Services tab.
4. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
5. Click Disable all.
6. Open the Startup tab.
7. Click Open Task Manager.
8. Disable unnecessary startup programs.
9. Restart your PC.

Test whether the Performance tab works normally in a clean boot environment.

10. Create a New User Profile

If the issue occurs only in one account, your user profile may be corrupted.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Other users.
3. Click Add account.
4. Create a new local account.
5. Change the account type to Administrator.
6. Sign in using the new account.
7. Open Task Manager and test the Performance tab.

If the issue is resolved, consider migrating your files to the new profile.

Conclusion

Task Manager crashing when opening the Performance tab in Windows 11 is usually caused by corrupted performance counters, graphics driver issues, damaged system files, or third-party software conflicts. In most cases, updating drivers, rebuilding performance counters, and repairing Windows components successfully resolve the issue.

If the problem persists after trying all the methods above, consider performing an in-place repair upgrade of Windows 11 to restore system components without losing your files and apps.