Being an enthusiast laptop savvy, Evan Charles shares his wisdom on LaptopEcho to help others pick the right machine. He loves guiding people to get...
Did you know that the Task Manager is one of the most frequently used utility programs worldwide? The task manager is a simple yet powerful tool loaded with helpful information about running tasks on your computer. Whether you are a beginner or a pro computer user, you’ll always call out the Task Manager time and again.
Maybe you are the type of computer user who runs several applications and wants to check or terminate a task using too much RAM quickly. Or perhaps you have a multiple monitor setup, and the Task Manager opens on the primary monitor by default; you want to change this setting but don’t know-how. This article shows you different ways to open and how to move task manager to other monitor. Let’s get started.
What Is Task Manager?
The task manager is a Microsoft Windows operating system component that allows users to view and terminate each running computer task (processes). Using the task manager, you can monitor the overall performance of your computer, view available system resources, stop a frozen program, and how much memory and CPU a particular program is using.
When you first open a task manager, you get a small, simple window with a list of running programs on your computer; this excludes background processes. Once you select a program, you can close it by clicking the [End Task] button at the bottom right corner of the window. This comes in handy when a program is not responding and you cannot close it normally.
Move Task Manager to Other Monitor
Since the Task Manager is an essential “task rescue” tool, accessing and moving it through multiple monitors is something computer users should learn. The best way to go about it would be through the Task Manager settings, choosing which monitor you want to appear when opened.
The most common way is to open and move Task Manager with keyboard or mouse to the second monitor. Nonetheless, here are other different methods of how to move task manager to another monitor:
Using Alt + Tab
- Step 1: Press the [Alt] + [Tab] keys simultaneously to select the Task Manager.
- Step 2: Use the Windows + Left/Right arrow keys (often referred to as Windows Snap keyboard shortcuts); repeatedly press to move the window.
- Step 3: Open the screen settings and change the side monitor to the primary monitor.
- Step 4: Re-open the Task Manager. It should open on the side monitor.
Using Alt + D
- Step 1: Assuming the Task Manager is already running, press the [Alt] + [Tab] to switch to Task Manager.
- Step 2: Press [Alt] + [D] keys concurrently to open details mode.
- Step 3: While in the detail mode, press [Alt] + [O] keys, followed by [Alt] + [D] keys again. This action triggers Task Manager bring to front
Using Virtual Desktop
Getting out of an unresponsive screen is relatively easy using a virtual desktop. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Press the [Windows] + [Tab] keys concurrently.
- Step 2: Click on the [+] button to launch a new virtual desktop.
- Step 3: Move your virtual desktop to another monitor and open the Task Manager.
How to Move Task Manager to Other Monitor Using Mac
While the Task Manager is popularly associated with Windows operating system, it also exists in Mac but with a different name. It is referred to as “Activity Monitor.” It provides similar functions as the Windows Task Manager.
Below are easy steps to follow to move the Activity Monitor to another monitor using Mac:
- Step 1: Move the mouse pointer to an inactive screen section while several activity windows are opened.
- Step 2: Now drag it to the preferred monitor. This action takes the “Activity Monitor” to the new monitor and disappears from the old one.
Alternatively, if you know how to move the taskbar to other screen, you can change the primary monitor and open the Activity Monitor from there. This is how you do it:
- Step 1: Move your mouse cursor to a monitor where you want to move the Task Manager.
- Step 2: Move the cursor down to the bottom of the screen where the taskbar/dock should be.
- Step 3: Hold it there for a couple of seconds until the Dock pops up.
- Step 4: Now, use the Dock to open the Activity Monitor.
Ways to Open Task Manager
The Task Manager allows you to see which programs are running on your computer. One fundamental reason you may want to open this utility program is to close an unresponsive/frozen application.
Perhaps the easiest way to open the Task Manager on your Windows computer is by pressing [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del] keys simultaneously on your keyboard. However, there are several other different ways of how to bring up task manager as outlined below:
Method 1: Through the Start Menu
The Start Menu is the most widely used method to open various programs on the computer.
- Step 1: Click on the [Windows] icon on the bottom left corner of your computer. Alternatively, press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Step 2: Scroll down and click to open [Windows System] folder.
- Step 3: You will see a list of system apps, including the Task Manager. Click to open.
Method 2: Using Windows Search
Most Windows users prefer opening applications by searching. Task Manager too can be opened using the Windows search utility.
- Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar.
- Step 2: Type “Task Manager,” It will pop up as you type.
- Step 3: Click to open.
Method 3: Using Command
The command prompt is a powerful tool that can open almost all computer applications and folders.
- Step 1: Press [Windows] + [R] keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
- Step 2: A [Run} window will appear. Type “taskmgr” and press [Enter] or click [OK].
Method 4: Through Windows Power User Menu
Windows Power User Menu is a helpful option menu with essential computer utilities such as Device Manager, Disk Management, Task Manager, Power Options, etc.
- Step 1: Right-click the Windows logo on the bottom left corner of your computer.
- Step 2: Select [Task Manager] from the options menu that appears.
Method 5: Using the Control Panel
You can access the Task Manager using the search option in the Control Panel window.
- Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Step 2: Type “Task Manager” on the search bar at the top right corner and press [Enter].
- Step 3: You will see “Task Manager” under “System.” Click to open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the Task Manager display?
To change the Task Manager, display back to its usual display mode; you need to double click on the border at the top of its window. If you want to see more details of running tasks, press [Alt] + [D].
How do I clean up the task manager?
When working with multiple programs on your computer, they eat up memory and CPU, causing your system to slow down or become unresponsive. It would be best if you cleaned up your task manager. First, press [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del] to open the Task Manager. Remove all unused applications by highlighting them and clicking [End Task].
Conclusion
Windows offers “Task Manager” while Mac offers “Activity Monitor”; both are powerful and perform similar functions. Suppose you are a heavy-duty computer user such as a gamer or video editor. In that case, you certainly agree with us that the Task Manager can save the day and increase productivity.
Therefore, knowing how to play around with the fantastic features of the Task Manager is essential for all computer users. With the many ways of opening and moving the Task Manager to another monitor, you have no reason to stay stuck on a frozen computer screen.
Remember, you don’t have to master all methods but pick one or two that are quick to perform and work well. And, if you can’t access the Task Manager using any of the above methods, we suggest that you scan your computer for malware and viruses.
Being an enthusiast laptop savvy, Evan Charles shares his wisdom on LaptopEcho to help others pick the right machine. He loves guiding people to get the best out of their laptops as he does.
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