How to Change Columns in Windows 11 Task Manager

This guide explains how to customize the columns in the Task Manager app on Windows 11. Customizing your view helps you see the information that matters most to you.

Why: You should manage columns to quickly spot which apps are using the most memory, CPU power, or disk space. This helps you troubleshoot slow computer performance.

What happens when done: Your Task Manager will display only the data you choose, making it much easier to read and manage your active programs.

The Task Manager app has been a staple in Windows for years. It allows you to view running tasks, startup programs, and overall system performance. Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, Task Manager was redesigned to fit the look of Windows 11. It now features a clean navigation bar, a settings page, and a dark theme.

How to add or remove columns

You can change the columns on most pages in Task Manager by following these steps:

1. Open the open the Task Manager app or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
2. Select a page from the left menu, such as Processes, App history, Startup apps, or Users.
3. Right-click on any existing column title (like “Name” or “Status”).
4. Check the box to add a column or uncheck it to remove it.
5. You can also click and drag column titles to rearrange them.

Managing columns on the Details page

The Details page works a bit differently than the others. Follow these steps to change your view here:

1. Click on the Details page in the left menu.
2. Right-click on any column title.
3. Select Select column from the menu.

1. A pop-up window will appear. Check the boxes for the information you want to see and click OK.
2. To remove a column, right-click the title and select Hide column, or uncheck the item in the Select column window.

Note: If you need to run advanced diagnostic commands, you can open the Command Prompt with admin privileges by typing cmd in the search bar, right-clicking it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”

Summary

Task Manager is a vital tool for monitoring your computer. By right-clicking column headers, you can easily add or remove data points to focus on the information you need. While most pages allow simple right-click adjustments, the Details page uses a dedicated selection menu to manage its columns. Customizing these views allows you to keep a closer eye on your computer’s health and performance.