The Windows Task Manager can show some basic system level information like your current running applications, processes, system performance and more – there are some applications out there that can replace the Task Manager[1] (and can show you more information) but the Windows version is a pretty good piece of software.
How To Open The Task Manager
To open the task manager, hit these three buttons at the same time:
CRTL + Shift + ESC
Why Disabling The Task Manager Is Important
There could be a few reasons, mainly if you are running a kiosk PC and you don’t want people messing around.
How To Disable The Task Manager
As always, please read this important information on editing the System Registry.
- Hit the Windows Key+R, type regedit into the run dialog and hit OK.
- Now that you’re in the the Registry, navigate to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- Create a new DWORD value by right-clicking the right pane and click New, then DWORD
- Name this newly created value:
DisableTaskMgr - Double Click DisableTaskMgr and, in the Value Data text box, assign it this value[2]:
1
- Close the Registry and reboot your machine.
The next time anyone tries to call the Task Manager, they’ll see an error:
Uninstall
To enable the Task Manger again, just remove this Registry key and reboot.
Download
You can download this Registry key and call it at will! Just download and double-click the entry you’d like to add to your system. Also, if you’d like to make sure that there isn’t any malicious code (which I suggest, it’s your system – don’t trust anyone!), right-click the downloaded file and click Edit (or open it in Notepad). The code should closely match the instructions above.
Troubleshoot
Having trouble? Discus your problem in the Samanathon.com Windows Registry forum!
[1] This hack will only disable the default Task Manager that ships with Windows – it will not affect third-party apps.
[2] A value of 0 will enable the Task Manager.
I very nice tutorial. Thanks for sharing. BTW, I don’t think anyone would want to disable their Task Manager. It’s quite a useful utility.
You’re right, it is pretty useful. There might be times where you would want to disable it though, like if you are running an kiosk application and don’t want someone to be able to exit it.
Cool!
I did the same but with the GPE as well.
Thanks for the registry files, they’ll come in handy I know..
I didn’t look into using the Group Policy Editor – Great tip!
I subscribed to your feed about a month ago, so I guess I missed your article.
Task Manager is about the only thing I would want to keep running. Otherwise I cannot use my trusty Control-Alt-Delete.
Very true! This tip isn’t for a power-user’s computer, more like a unattended machine.
hi
i have one problem in regedit
there is no system folder in policies
so how can i disable taskmgr.
i have xp service pack 2 as a OS.
waiting for your reply
thanx
Krunal,
You can try creating it yourself – let me know if that fixes it!
It is true, that normally no one wants to disable the Task Manager but in my case a virus disabled the task manager, probably in order not to retrieve with the task manager the virus komponent name.
Your tool was very helpful. I removed the task manager disable entry in the registry, found the virus name in the task manager, started the laptop in safe mode and removed the program I found previously in the task manager.
After complete de-installation of the program I found in the task manager my problem was solved finaly.
Regards
OrientalSieg
u r advise is so cooooooooooooooooooooooool
I hv one problem.i hv used quick heal firewall,after tat my task manager is disable.Can you please tell,this is because of any virus or else wats the reason behind tat?
how can I enable my taskmanager by gpedit.msn?
Thanks for the informative post.. and thanks for adding our comment to the blog. I am subscribing to your feed so I don\’t miss the next post!
GREAT!
This is a great tip. I also discovered another way of accomplishing this for those of us who are afraid of hacking the registry directly. It’s not free, but for $0.99 only I think it’s worth the convenience. Here is the URL:
http://www.softwarecandy.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=2&products_id=30
thanks
Hey but in Windows XP sp 2 there is only 1 option under Policies which is Explorer . There is no option called as System.
What shall I do to disable my task manager.
You can create it.
I did “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
” already, but I didn’t see “System” after Policies.Can you tell me?
Thank for hand.
how about sp 3, is there a option System under Policies or not?
Just did this and few more things at work. Too many people messing around it lol.
napkin rings´s last blog ..Letters Charm
Nice post, keep up with this interesting work.
Good to know that this Registry Hack is being covered also in this web site, thanks for taking time to discuss this.
Good job !
“it’s your system – don’t trust anyone!”
I like your honesty. With so many hackers fooling people with wrong codes, it is nice to see someone who tells others to to trust anyone, not even himself.
Akhilesh´s last blog ..Enable Task Manager disabled by Administrator or Virus in Windows
I agree with you completely on this matter and enjoyed perusing your ideas here in your blog. I have bookmarked your website and look forward to coming back for more.