How To Disable Task Manager On Windows PC

Published 2023-04-08

Task Manager is a multipurpose tool that allows users to monitor and control background processes. It can regulate the efficiency of Windows-based services, processes, and applications. But what if you’re giving someone else access to your computer and don’t want them to tamper with it? Deactivating the Windows Task Manager is one possible solution, and we have provided three methods to do the same:

Also Read: How To Fix Disk stuck at 100% in Windows Task Manager

Ways To Disable Task Manager On Windows PC

1. How To Use The Local Group Policy Editor To Disable Task Manager?

Use the Group Policy Editor to deactivate Task Manager if necessary. Nevertheless, if you use Windows Home, you should first activate your Local Group Policy Editor because this will only function with Windows Pro or Enterprise editions. Use the Local Group Policy Editor to deactivate Task Management by doing the following steps:

Step 1: Launch the Run box by pressing Win + R.

Step 2: Click OK after entering gpedit.msc in the text field.

Step 3: Go to the following path in the Local Group Policy Editor window:
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Ctrl+Alt+Del Options

Step 4: Next, click on Remove Task Manager in the right pane.

Step 5: Choose the Enabled option and then click on Apply.

Step 6: To save the changes, click OK at the end.

Your Windows PC has disabled the Task Manager. Choose Disabled in Step 5 if you ever need to re-enable it. Your computer’s Task Management will turn on right away.

Also Read: How to Enable Task Manager Option in Taskbar Context Menu

2. How To Use The Registry Editor To Disable Task Manager?

You can modify the Registry to disable the Task Manager if you’re using Windows Home edition and don’t have access to the Local Group Policy Editor. But keep in mind that incorrect Registry modification can result in significant issues. The Windows Registry should therefore be backed up before any modifications are made. Follow these procedures to disable the Task Manager using the Registry:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type regedit in the text space and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: Click Agree to proceed if the UAC window appears on the screen.

Step 4: Go to the below-mentioned path in the left pane:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Step 5: If the System folder cannot be seen, right-click on Policies and choose New followed by Key.

Step 6: Rename this Key as “System” and press the Enter key.

Step 7: Make a right-click on the empty pane once you’ve selected the System folder and choose New followed by DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 8: Rename this key as “DisableTaskMgr” and press Enter.

Step 9: Double-click the new value to enter 1 in the Value data field.

Step 10: Reboot your PC.

Your Windows PC will now be devoid of Task Management. Remove the DisableTaskMgr value from the Registry or set it to 0 if you need to re-enable it. For the changes to take effect, reboot your PC.

Also Read: FIX: There Are No Startup Items to Display in Task Manager Error (Windows 11)

3. How To Use Windows PowerShell /Command Prompt To Disable Task Manager?

If you’re a command-line user, you may also disable the Task Manager using Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1: Search for Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell by clicking Start.

Step 2: Make sure you click on Run as administrator to run these apps in an elevated mode.

Step 3: Enter the command shown below into the command window:

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

The aforementioned command will disable the Task Manager on your PC by adding a new DWORD value to the Registry.

Note: Execute the following command to re-enable it:

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Restarting your computer after the command has been run will make the modifications take effect. Your computer will then enable the Task Manager.

Also Read: Task Manager not Working on Windows 11? Here’s the Fix!

The Final Word

Task Manager is an excellent Windows utility for controlling active apps and processes. Although it is often helpful, you might occasionally want to turn it off for security reasons.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.

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