How to Reset Task Manager to Default in Windows 10


Task Manager can be used to view and manage your processes, performance statistics, app history, users, processes details, and services in Windows 10.

When you open Task Manager for the first time, is is shown in fewer details mode. It will remember all changes you make to the Task Manager window such as switching to more details mode, set options, view settings, window size, columns size, column details, sorting order, default tab, etc...

If wanted, you can reset Task Manager whenever you like to return it back to a default state to start fresh again.

This tutorial will show you how to completely reset Task Manager to default for your account in Windows 10.


Contents

  • Option One: Reset Task Manager to Default using Keyboard Shortcut
  • Option Two: Reset Task Manager to Default using a REG file



EXAMPLE: Default Task Manager
Reset Task Manager to Default in Windows 10-default_task_manager.png






OPTION ONE

Reset Task Manager to Default using Keyboard Shortcut


1 Close Task Manager if currently open.

2 While pressing and holding the Ctrl + Shift + Alt keys, open Task Manager, and release the Ctrl + Shift + Alt keys.

Reset Task Manager to Default in Windows 10-win-x_task_manager.png Reset Task Manager to Default in Windows 10-open_task_manager_from_start_menu.png Reset Task Manager to Default in Windows 10-taskbar_task_manager.jpg






OPTION TWO

Reset Task Manager to Default using a REG file


The downloadable .reg file below will delete the registry key below to reset Task Manager to default. This key will automatically be recreated the next time you open Task Manager to save your new changes.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TaskManager


1 Close Task Manager if currently open.

2 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.

Reset_Task_Manager_to_default.reg

Download

3 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

4 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

6 When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn