How to Keep Windows 11 Task Manager Always on Top
The Windows 11 Task Manager lets you keep its window visible above all other applications on your screen.
Task Manager is a handy tool that shows you everything running on your PC, like which programs are using the most CPU or memory. The “always on top” setting means you can watch your computer’s performance live without the Task Manager window getting covered up.
This feature is especially helpful for spotting programs that are slowing down your PC. The newer Windows 11 Task Manager also changes its look to match your PC’s theme, giving you quick performance details.
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click “Always on top” in the menu to make it stay visible above other windows. This setting ensures you can monitor system activity without the window being hidden.
Step 1Open Task Manager
Opening Task Manager is the first step to using its always on top feature in Windows 11. The quickest way to open Task Manager is by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard. Another option is to right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the list that appears.
You can also right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.
Also, right-click the Task Manager icon on your Taskbar – that’s the bar at the bottom of your screen. If you don’t see the icon right away, check the Taskbar overflow area by clicking the up arrow near the clock.
Step 2Turn on “Always on Top”
To enable the Task Manager’s ‘Always on top’ feature, click the option in the menu. This setting makes sure the Task Manager window stays visible, even when you open other programs. Clicking the option again turns the feature off.

Alternative Method:
For an alternative method, you can manage the ‘Always on top’ setting from Task Manager’s main settings menu. Inside Task Manager’s settings, find the ‘Windows management’ section. Check the box next to the ‘Always on top’ option to activate the always on top feature for your Task Manager.
To keep the Task Manager window on top of other applications, find the ‘Windows management’ section in Task Manager settings. Within this section, users will find an option labeled ‘Always on top’. Checking the box next to this option ensures the Task Manager window remains visible even when other programs are active, preventing accidental hiding.


Alt + A on your keyboard to quickly toggle the “Always on top” option on or off when inside Task Manager’s Settings.Summary
- “Always on top” keeps the Task Manager window visible above all other windows.
- Use
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager quickly. - Right-click the Taskbar icon or use Task Manager’s Settings to turn “Always on top” on or off.
- This helps you watch your computer’s activity without losing the Task Manager behind other apps.
The ‘Always on top’ feature keeps the Task Manager window visible above all other applications, so you won’t lose track of it. You can open Task Manager quickly by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. To turn the ‘Always on top’ feature on or off, use Task Manager’s Settings menu. This feature makes it easy to monitor your computer’s activity.
That’s it! Now you can keep Task Manager right where you want it.
What does "always on top" mean in Task Manager?
The ‘always on top’ option in Task Manager means the window stays visible above all other apps, even when you click on something else.
Why is my taskbar staying on top?
If your taskbar won’t hide despite the auto-hide feature being enabled, an application is likely the cause. The taskbar stays visible if a program or service running on your computer ‘notifies’ it. An example is if an app has different icon images for different events.
How to get rid of Task Manager overlay?
To toggle the statistics overlay on and off, click on it and press Del. Then the shortcut is gone. So if I press Alt+R again, it doesn’t toggle.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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