You want to click a process in Task Manager, but the list keeps jumping around as CPU usage changes. Just as you go to click, another process moves into that spot. A hidden trick helps: hold down the Ctrl key. As long as you do, Task Manager pauses updating the list. This article explains how it works, how to change the update speed permanently and which other Task Manager features in Windows 11 are worth knowing.
Open Task Manager
The fastest way is Ctrl + Shift + Esc. You can also right-click the Start button and choose Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. More handy key combinations are in Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts. The redesigned Task Manager has a menu on the left with the pages Processes, Performance, App history, Startup apps, Users, Details and Services.
Pause with Ctrl
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Go to Processes and sort by, for example, CPU.
- Hold Ctrl. The list freezes.
- Click the process you're after, then release Ctrl.
As soon as you release the key, Task Manager refreshes as usual again. The trick also works on the Details page, where the list of processes is even longer.
When is pausing useful?
- You want to end a process that uses a lot of CPU, but it keeps changing position.
- You want to compare values, for example the memory use of two browsers, without the numbers changing all the time.
- You're taking a screenshot for the helpdesk and want the list to stand still for a moment.
- You're looking for a process that only shows up briefly and then drops down again.
Set the update speed
In Task Manager, go to Settings > Real time update speed and choose High, Normal, Low or Paused. With Paused, the list only refreshes when you press F5.
Choose Low if you want a calmer list without freezing it completely. Don't forget to switch back to Normal after using Paused, otherwise you may later think a program no longer uses any CPU while you're actually looking at old numbers.
On the same Settings page you'll find other useful options, although the names can differ slightly between versions of Windows 11:
- Default start page: have Task Manager open straight on Performance or Startup apps, for example.
- Always on top: Task Manager stays above other windows, handy when you're testing a program.
- App theme: light, dark or following the Windows setting.
More Task Manager tips
- Find a process with the search box at the top.
- Right-click a process > Open file location to see where it comes from. The folder opens in File Explorer, where you can keep it in a separate tab; see tabs in File Explorer: tips and keyboard shortcuts.
- Use Efficiency mode to make an app use fewer system resources.
- On App history you can see which apps use the most network data, which helps if you want to limit your mobile data usage.
- Select Run new task to start a program, optionally with administrator rights.
- Manage services and startup apps. Read Task Manager and services in Windows 11.
If your PC is often slow, Task Manager is the first place to look for the app causing it. More solutions are in speed up a slow Windows 11 PC.
Common problems
The list doesn't freeze when I hold Ctrl.
Click once inside the Task Manager window first so it has focus. Also check that you're on Processes or Details; on the Performance graphs the trick makes little sense.
The numbers don't change at all anymore.
The update speed is probably set to Paused. Set it back to Normal.
I can't end a process.
Some processes run with higher privileges or belong to Windows itself. Don't end system processes if you're not sure what they do.
A note for admins
On managed devices, Task Manager can be disabled through Group Policy or Intune. Users then see a message that Task Manager has been disabled by the administrator. On devices where that isn't necessary, it's best to keep Task Manager available: for many users it's the first tool they reach for when an app freezes.
Nederlandstalige versie: De processenlijst in Taakbeheer pauzeren met de Ctrl-toets