Windows 11 Task Manager Bug: The App That Won’t Quit
If you’re a Windows 11 user, the latest operating system update might bring a frustrating surprise. A peculiar bug is causing the Task Manager to duplicate itself instead of closing, as reported by Reddit users and my colleague, Tom Warren. This glitch, tied to the optional KB5067036 update, can significantly impact your computer’s performance.
The Problem: Task Manager’s Endless Loop
The core issue lies with the “X” button, typically used to close applications. Instead of shutting down Task Manager, the bug keeps it running in the background. Each attempt to close the app results in another instance, leading to multiple Task Manager windows consuming CPU and RAM resources. This behavior can quickly degrade your system’s responsiveness.
What’s Causing the Issue?
The KB5067036 update, according to its change log, was intended to fix an issue where some apps weren’t correctly grouped with their processes. However, this update seems to have introduced a new problem. Microsoft, at the time of writing, has yet to acknowledge the bug. The company’s log still states that it isn’t aware of any issues with the update.
Temporary Workarounds
Fortunately, there are a couple of temporary solutions available. Windows Latest and Reddit user BNSoul have provided the following workarounds:
- End Task: Close individual Task Manager instances by selecting the “End task” button within the app.
- Command Prompt: Run
taskkill /im taskmgr.exe /fin the Windows 11 Command Prompt to shut down all Task Manager instances simultaneously.
These methods should help you regain control of your system while Microsoft works on a permanent fix. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for additional information and will provide updates as they become available.
Source: The Verge
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