How to disable Task Manager on Windows 10
It’s possible to disable the Task Manager app on Windows 10, and in this guide, we’ll show you two ways to complete this task.
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On Windows 10, Task Manager is an advanced feature that gives you access to tools to start and stop applications, monitor system performance and running apps and services, and much more.
Although it is a handy tool, sometimes, you may want to disable access to prevent users from restarting specific programs, changing processes priorities, or because you need to comply with your organization’s policies.
Whatever the reason it might be,Windows 10includes at least two ways to disable the Task Manager app across the desktop using the Group Policy Editor or Registry.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through two ways to disable the Task Manager for all users.
How to disable Task Manager using Group Policy
If you use Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), the easiest way to prevent users from accessing Task Manager is using the Local Group Policy Editor.
To disable the Windows 10 Task Manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Task Manager will no longer be available through the experience. For example, theCtrl + Shift + Esckeyboard shortcut won’t work, the Task Manager option from the taskbar context menu will be disabled, and the option in the Lock screen won’t be available. If the user tries to open the app from within the Start menu or elsewhere, they will receive a “Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator” message.
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If you no longer need to restrict access to the Task Manager, you can undo the changes using the same instructions, but onstep No. 5, make sure to select theNot configuredoption.
How to disable Task Manager using Registry
In the case you use Windows 10 Home, you won’t have access to the Local Group Policy Editor. However, you can still disable the “Remove Task Manager” policy with the Registry.
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended tomake a full backup of your PCbefore proceeding.
To disable Task Manager with the Registry on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, similar to using Group Policy, the Task Manager will be disabled for any user logged on the device.
In the case you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but onstep No. 4, right-click and delete theSystemkey. If the System key has additional options, it is recommended to either set theDisableTaskMgrDWORD value to1to0or right-click and delete the key, instead of deleting the “System” key.
We are focusing this guide on disabling the Task Manager app for all users. However, you can use this guide torestrict access to the feature for specific Windows 10 users.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
