The "Task Manager" does not open: the most complete recovery guide

The fact that the "Task Manager" does not open on the computer, as a rule, we learn at the most inopportune moment - for example, when you need to stop the "hung" program. This is where the real panic begins, because it is this application that allows you to monitor the system and correct the problems in time. Let's try to understand why the "Task Manager" does not open and how to restore it.

Possible reasons

Like other system processes, Task Manager is loaded by default when Windows starts, so the user can not disconnect it accidentally. In most cases, the problems with this program indicate that the computer is infected with viruses.

Malware developers often implement the appropriate code. This is done with the expectation that a normal user does not know how to enable the process manager back, and can not stop virus processes in the computer's memory. But, fortunately, in most cases this can be corrected without the help of specialists.

Check if there is a taskmgr.exe file in the system

In the worst case, the executable file responsible for the given system process could be completely deleted from memory. So first check to see if it is in the system. How to do it?

1. Open the "Run" window (via "Start" or using the combination of Win + R).
2. Type cmd to start the command line.
3. Write down the full path to the desired file and press Enter (as a rule, it lies in the System32 folder).
4. If an error message appears on the screen, this is a good sign. So, the process file is in place and you just need to unlock it. If the console writes that it was not possible to find taskmgr.exe, most likely it was deleted by the virus.

Go ahead. Now that you know what the root of the problem is, you need to figure out how to restore the work of the "Task Manager".

Important: Before you do anything, be sure to check your computer for viruses. For reliability, it is recommended to use 2 different programs and scan in "Safe Mode".

Turn on Task Manager in the Registry Editor

As you know, Windows stores information about all programs and accesses in the registry. If you do not open the "Task Manager", then the virus got to these files and added its own notifications that block the launch of this utility. Our task is to find and remove them. What is needed for this?

1. Launch the Run application.
2. Open the registry editor with the regedit command.
3. In the subfolders, locate the Policies folder. As a rule, viruses add the parameter DisableTaskMgr here - it is responsible for the fact that you do not have the "Task manager" open.
4. Change the parameter value from "1" to "0" or completely delete it.

After restarting the PC, the process manager must earn in normal mode. However, not always the problem is solved so simply.

What if the Registry Editor is also unavailable?

Some especially "advanced" viruses block the work of this system application to further complicate the user's life. How can this be remedied?

Method # 1: Modify Group Policy Settings

If you do not see the "Task Manager" and the Registry Editor, you can try enabling appropriate accesses on behalf of the administrator.

1. In the Run window, type gpedit.msc. The Group Policy Editor appears on the screen .
2. Find the "User Configuration" tab. We are interested in the section "Administrative Templates"> "System".
3. On the right, in the workspace, you will see the item "Deny access to registry editing tools". Right-click on it and select "Edit".
4. Check the box next to "Disabled" and save the changes.

It should be noted that this option does not work in "home" versions of Windows (Home).

Important: often in the settings of Group Policy, you can also remove the lock "Task Manager". Try to do this - perhaps, you do not need to get acquainted with the registry at all.

Method # 2: Using the UnHookExec.inf file

Especially for such cases, Symantec, which develops antivirus software, has posted a small INF-file, which allows easy removal of the ban on editing the registry. All you need is to download this file to your PC, right click and select "Install". Please note that there will be no new windows or notifications on the screen.

Method # 3: Enabling the registry by using a direct command or a .bat file

Another option that will help restore system settings to standard values.

1. Start the console as administrator.
2. Enter the command with the screenshot, and then press Enter.

After that, the registry editor must earn. If you do not know how, or for some reason do not want to use the command line, you can go in a different way and create a BAT file.

Unlock the "Task Manager" using the command line

Some users find it more convenient to create a new file that removes the ban on launching the Task Manager, using a direct command. What is needed for this?

1. Enter the command line as an administrator (in Windows 7 and below - by right-clicking on the application in the Start menu, in versions 8 and 10 - via the Win + X menu).
2. Enter the code you see in the screenshot, and press Enter.

If you do not see the "Task Manager" and the command line is also unavailable, there is an alternative.

1. Copy all the code.
2. Insert this line into an empty Notepad file.
3. Save the document with the .BAT extension.
4. Run the file as administrator (in Windows XP you can just open it).

If the window of the command line flashed on the screen and then disappeared, the command was successful, and the registry editor is available again.

Create a REG file to restore access

Another option, what to do if the "Task Manager" does not open. In this case, we add to the registry a new file that includes the program and removes the message that it is disabled by the administrator.

To do this, you need to create a blank document in Notepad and enter the following code:

This file must be saved with the extension .REG. Then you need to close Notepad and double-click on the document icon to open it, allow the Registry Editor to make changes and restart the computer.

Useful programs

1) AVZ. Excellent anti-virus utility from the Russian programmer Oleg Zaitsev. The best option for those who do not open the "Task Manager" Windows 7. Unlock the system application can be only a couple of clicks ("File"> "System Restore").

2) UVS. A more complex program, designed for IT professionals. You can enable the process manager in the menu "Advanced"> "Tweaks". In addition, it allows you to create your own lists of safe files, detection criteria for viruses, and so on.

3) RegWorks / Registrar Registry Manager. Alternative registry editors that you can use to find and remove settings made by malware.

4) Process Explorer / Process Hacker. If you do not see the "Task Manager" Windows 10 (or another version of the operating system), you can use a third-party application instead. These programs are distinguished by a simple interface, and by the capabilities of something even superior to standard tools.