- Windows 11 has an error where Task Manager won’t close, but instead duplicates itself.
- The issue is tied to the optional update KB5067036, which Microsoft is aware of.
- The easiest fix is to end Task Manager either in Task Manager or via Command Prompt.
Windows Task Manager should be the one beacon of light in the darkness, that one utility app that should work when nothing else will. So, if your Windows 11 Task Manager shows duplicates out of nowhere, what do you do?
Never fear. In this article, we’ll be showing you how to fix this issue.
Blame It on KB5067036
So, what is the Windows 11 duplicate task managers bug exactly? The problem occurs when trying to close Task Manager. The app utility doesn’t properly close on clicking the “X” and then goes on to create several duplicates of itself.
This isn’t so much a problem with your PC as it is with the optional update KB5067036. Multiple users have reported this bug only since its installation. As is the case with most bugs introduced during an update, Microsoft will most likely provide a fix at a later stage as part of an additional patch. They are aware of the issue, however, and have listed it as “mitigated” in their updates.
What to Do When Windows 11 Task Manager Shows Duplicates
The good news is, you don’t have to wait around for Microsoft to repair the issue. There are a few fixes that you can try yourself in the meantime:
End Task Manager in Task Manager
A quick way to ensure the app utility closes correctly is to use Task Manager to end it. This might sound strange, but it’s very effective. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Open Task Manager directly by pressing (Ctrl + Shift + Del).
Step 2. In the “Processes” tab, scroll down until you find “Task Manager” and click it once.
Step 3. Click the “End Task” button, and Task Manager should close correctly.
End Task Manager via Command Prompt
If you’re dealing with Windows 11 multiple task managers, another way to quickly kill the process is to do so in Command Prompt. Here’s how:
Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “cmd” before hitting (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to run as Admin.
Step 2. In Command Prompt, type “taskkill.exe /im taskmgr.exe /f” and hit “Enter.”
Step 3. All instances of Task Manager should close.
Change the Registry
If you’re looking for a more permanent fix, then you can adjust your Registry files and add several keys to ensure Task Manager doesn’t duplicate or run in the background. Keep in mind, though, that your Registry does contain crucial system files, and making changes carries with it its own risk.
That said, some savvy developers have already devised a fix and uploaded the results on GitHub. You can try Simon Macer’s here . If you’re ever unsure of the files, check them in Notepad first. Once downloaded, simply double-click it to add it. If you ever want to uninstall, open Command Prompt as Admin and type:
REG DELETE “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\14” /f
Alternatively, if you’re still unsure, simply be patient and wait until Microsoft releases its own fix.
