Can you see taskmgr.exe running in background but not sure whether its safe or not? Well this taskmgr.exe belongs to Windows. Find its file location, uses and other information here. TASKMGR.exe is a software component that comes in the Microsoft Windows package. The Taskmgr.exe command runs the Task Manager software. It tracks the applications and processes already running on the system in real-time and displays the performance statistics (centrally used) depending on the active processes. Let’s discuss more about it.
What is TASKMGR.exe?
TASKMGR.exe is a file that comes bundled with the MS Windows package and is used to launch the Windows Task Manager. To launch the taskmgr.exe file you need to press “CTRL+ALT+SHIFT” and select the “Task Manager” option. It opens up the Task Manager window where you can see all the programs and processes currently running on the system along with the performance statistics.
The taskmgr.exe file transfers the information to the disk defragmenter that helps reorganize the details as required. It basically gives the interface the control to end any running process. To check the performance of the currently running processes the taskmgr.exe file uses over 15 variables, analysis graphs, and memory usage and CPU data.
So, the Task Manager will display all the information related to the network status of the computer connected to a network. Here you can see the network activity based on the details. The taskmgr.exe interface also shows which users are connected to the system network and who are using the programs.
What are the features of taskmgr.exe?
Once you launch the Task Manager, a plain and small Windows opens up. Here you will find the currently running applications on desktop. This list does not include the background applications. If you want to terminate any application, you can use the “End Task” button using right click. This is especially useful when a specific program stops responding and does not get closed normally.
As you right click on a program in the Task Manager window, you get more options:
- The End Task option allows you to close the process same as the End Task button.
- The Create New Task (File > Create New Task) option allows you to specify a document, folder, program, or web address, and it’s opened by Windows.
- The Always on Top option (Options > Always on Top) is to keep the Task Manager always on top of the other program windows on the desktop. This allows the Task Manager to be seen at all times.
- The Open File Location option helps open a File Explorer window that displays where the programs .exe file is located.
- On opening the Properties window (Process > Right Click over particular Exe > Properties) , you can adjust the compatibility choices, view the version number of the program, and more.
Moreover, hovering the mouse over the Task Manager icon on the system tray will show you the consumption of CPU, memory, disk, and network (in %). This is the quickest way to keep a track of the CPU usage of your computer.
The Task Manager features a total of 7 tabs which are as follows;
- The Processes tab shows the list of currently running applications and background processes on your computer along with detailed stats for CPU, memory, disk, network, GPU, and other usage details.
- The Performance tab shows the usage statistics for CPU, memory, disk, network, and GPU in real-time graph form.
- The APP History tab (show only on Windows 10) shows the CPU and network usage of the apps for your active user account. This feature works for only the UWP (Universal Windows Platform), and Store apps. These details are not shown for any of the Windows desktop apps.
- The Startup tab shows the startup programs in a list that get automatically launched as you log in to the user account. You can either deactivate the startup programs from this place or by going to Settings – Apps – Startup.
- The Users tab shows you the users that are currently logged into your computer, the resource consumption by these users, and the applications run by these users.
- The Details tab gives an in-depth insight of the processes currently active on your computer.
- The Services tab manages the services of your system. You can also find the same information in services.msc.
Is Taskmgr.exe harmful?
No. TASKMGR.exe is rather developed and added to make your PC work properly and hence, it should not be terminated. This executable fie is located in the hard drive of your system. It is rather safe and does not pose any threat to your system. It must be located in the folder C:\Windows\System32. But, if it shows anywhere else in the drive, then taskmgr.exe can be trojan which is harmful, and should be removed with immediate effect.
Do taskmgr.exe errors occur?
Yes, although it’s a safe process, there are times when it can show errors due to inconsistent applications active on your system. In such case, you may uninstall the specific application causing the error and restart your PC.
Conclusion
If you see variety of instances of a single process, chances are that the system is assigning added resources to a certain task. Overall, there is nothing to worry about taskmgr.exe, unless it’s a trojan or virus. It’s recommended to use a trusted antivirus and run a complete scan at regular intervals.