You want to click a process in Task Manager, but the list keeps jumping around as CPU usage changes. A hidden trick helps: hold down the Ctrl key. As long as you do, Task Manager pauses updating the list.
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.
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.
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.
- Use Efficiency mode to make an app use fewer system resources.
- Manage services and startup apps. Read Task Manager and services in Windows 11.
Also see speed up a slow Windows 11 PC and Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.
Read also
Open Task Manager and stop or start services in Windows 11
Speed up a slow Windows 11 computer: 10 tips
The most useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11
Nederlandstalige versie: De processenlijst in Taakbeheer pauzeren met de Ctrl-toets
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