We all use Task Manager to check on how much Windows apps are eating up the system performances or to end tasks that got frozen. While we were on this manager, some of us didn’t get the appeal behind the new task manager on Windows 11 version 22H2. Some people prefer the simplicity of the original Task Manager, even if Windows 11 offers a modernized version with new capabilities and a new style.
The old Task Manager, which is known for its simple, tab-based interface, is still available in Windows 11 but the hamburger menu is where the differences arrive. You may prefer the classic menu rows and tabs that Windows 10 used to have. Let’s look for some ways where you can still stay on Windows 11 while every time, you open the task manager, the old one shows up.
Contents
- Things To Consider Before Launching Old Task Manager
- Why You Should Use Old Task Manager?
- How To Launch Old Task Manager in Windows 11
- #1 Open Old Task Manager via Run
- #2 Open Old Task Manager by Creating a Shortcut
- #3 Open Old Task Manager via SysWOW64
- How to Make a Shortcut to Open the Task Manager in Classic Windows
- Conclusion
Things To Consider Before Launching Old Task Manager
There are a few things to think about before using Windows 11‘s outdated Task Manager. First of all, you cannot use the contemporary Task Manager and the classic one at the same time. You must exit the new Task Manager before opening the previous one if it is already open. The current Task Manager will be displayed by default if you try to open both.
Some users find the menu sidebar with more views, labels, and symbols in the most recent Task Manager perplexing. Users used to the simplicity of the previous interface may find this design overwhelming, even though it gives access to more sophisticated functions like Efficiency Mode. For example, Efficiency Mode, which is not available in the traditional Task Manager, lets you control how much resource third-party programs use.
The traditional Task Manager, on the other hand, has a single light theme with tabs that are placed horizontally. The older interface could seem visually startling to users used to dark mode. Modern features like dark mode support and an integrated settings page are absent from the traditional Task Manager, despite its simplicity.
In the end, even if the traditional Task Manager has a simple structure, its restricted functionality and absence of contemporary design elements may make it feel constrictive. If you’re willing to accept its restrictions, the old Task Manager is still a good choice for people who value simplicity over sophisticated functionality.
Why You Should Use Old Task Manager?
Many customers prefer the original Task Manager because it is straightforward and easy to use. Its navigation bar and tab-based layout make it easy to analyze performance indicators, manage processes, and access additional capabilities. Although Windows 11’s new Task Manager has a more contemporary appearance and more functions, some users find it less user-friendly.
The lightweight interface of the original Task Manager is also perfect for rapid system monitoring and troubleshooting without extraneous distractions. The old Task Manager is more appealing to users who have been using Windows for years because they are accustomed to it.
How To Launch Old Task Manager in Windows 11
Use the exciting methods as you go down in this guide and you will achieve that classic task manager again.
#1 Open Old Task Manager via Run
Using a command is one of the easiest ways to open Windows 11’s old Task Manager. Take these actions:
- Quickly press the “Win” + “R” button and a new little run prompt will show up.
- Press Enter after entering the command taskmgr -d in the text field.
The traditional Task Manager will launch right away. Keep in mind that this method only momentarily launches the previous Task Manager. You will have to type the command again each time you wish to access it. Although this approach is simple, it might get boring if used too often.
#2 Open Old Task Manager by Creating a Shortcut
The old Task Manager can also be opened via the Command Prompt. Here’s how:
- To open the search bar, press Windows + S. Then, type CMD.
- To launch the same as a rightful admin, right-click on it and choose to run it as admin (look at the picture below).
- Type out the following command at the Prompt and hit Enter: taskmgr -d
The traditional task manager will open with this command. This way is transitory, much like the Run method, and you have to type the command each time you wish to use the previous version of the Task Manager. Make sure the current (modern) Task Manager is not running before doing this method. Windows does not support running both versions at the same time.
#3 Open Old Task Manager via SysWOW64
Using the SysWOW64 directory is an additional way to access the previous version of Task Manager. Here’s how to accomplish it:
- Press “Windows” + “E” to open File Explorer.
- Go to the directories listed below: C:\Windows\SysWOW64
- Look in this folder for the “Taskmgr.exe” file.
- You can open the traditional Task Manager by double-clicking the file. This file allows the seamless launch of the old task manager with a shortcut.
- Press “Shift” + “F10” or right-click the “Taskmgr.exe” file, then choose Show More Options.
- Select Send to > Desktop to establish a shortcut.
Your desktop will have a shortcut to the previous Task Manager as a result. Now, you may double-click to start it at any moment.
How to Make a Shortcut to Open the Task Manager in Classic Windows
Many people prefer the traditional Task Manager in Windows because it has a straightforward, tab-based design and a recognizable menu bar at the top. You may just make a desktop shortcut to access this version if you prefer it to the more recent Task Manager with its sidebar layout. Here’s how:
- Choose New > Shortcut from the context menu when you right-click on a blank section of the desktop. The Create Shortcut wizard will then launch.
- Enter the following sets of words in the location field: taskmgr.exe -d. The classic Task Manager interface is launched by this command.
- To continue, click “Next”.
- Click Finish after giving the shortcut a name, such as Task Manager.
- Your desktop will now display the shortcut. Double-clicking it will immediately bring up the traditional Task Manager.
The tab-based interface for exploring processes, performance, and other system data is still there in this version of Task Manager. However, you won’t be seeing the newer functionality if you have to have them as well. Users who prefer the original interface’s functionality and simplicity can access it quickly and easily with this method.
Conclusion
For those who like the lightweight functionality and tab-based design of the previous Task Manager, accessing it in Windows 11 may be helpful. Even though the new Task Manager has sophisticated features like Efficiency Mode and an adaptable UI, some users may find it too much to use. The style of the old Task Manager is simple to use and concentrates on essential features like task management and performance monitoring.
Users have multiple methods to access the classic Task Manager in windows 11 OS, such as using the Run command, Command Prompt, creating desktop shortcuts, or accessing it through the SysWOW64 directory. However, it’s important to remember that the old and new Task Managers cannot run simultaneously, and users may need to adapt to certain limitations, such as the absence of dark mode and modern features. Ultimately, the decision to use the old Task Manager comes down to individual preferences. By following these quick tricks, you can quickly and conveniently access this classic tool whenever needed.
