How to Reset All Task Manager Settings to Default in Windows 11
What is Task Manager ?
Task Manager is a built-in Windows 11 tool that shows active programs, resource usage, and lets you force-close unresponsive apps.
Why reset Task Manager settings?
Sometimes Task Manager settings get changed and you want to put them back the way they were. Instead of changing each setting one at a time, you can reset them all at once. This is helpful if you don’t remember what the original settings looked like.
Resetting Task Manager restores its default layout, column sizes, and view options. Any custom arrangements, such as modified columns in the Processes tab or custom performance graphs, revert to their original state.
Reset Task Manager settings by clicking "Settings" in the bottom-left corner and then selecting "Reset all settings to default." Alternatively, hold Ctrl + Shift + Alt while opening Task Manager for a quick reset.
Option 1Use a Keyboard Shortcut
What this does: This shortcut resets Task Manager instantly using a key combination.
What Changed
This reset method is available in Windows 11.
- Press and hold Ctrl + Shift + Alt keys while opening Task Manager.
Option 2Use Task Manager Settings
You can reset task manager settings directly through the built-in preferences menu if your app layout looks strange or fails to open properly. This approach lets you quickly restore default configurations without touching hidden system files or using command line tools. Open Task Manager, find the settings gear icon at the bottom of the window, and choose the option to restore original defaults.
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Click Settings on the bottom left side of Task Manager.
- Click the Reset all settings to default button.
- Click Reset to confirm your choice.
Option 3Delete the Settings File
You can completely reset task manager settings by deleting the hidden configuration file stored inside your user profile data folder. This advanced troubleshooting step forces Windows to generate a brand new preferences file from scratch, which fixes persistent glitches where the app fails to save your preferred view or column widths. Make sure you close the app completely before locating and deleting this file.
Latest Update
This method is the most thorough, as it removes the user-specific configuration file for Task Manager.
- **ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED** Delete the file located at:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\TaskManager\settings.json
Summary
You can easily reset task manager settings back to their original factory defaults in Windows 11 using a quick keyboard shortcut, the app preferences menu, or by deleting the saved configuration file manually. The fastest method involves pressing a simple key combination while launching the app, while the other choices offer reliable alternatives if your preferences menu is unresponsive or stuck.
Understanding Task Manager Settings
Task Manager in Windows 11 offers various ways to customize its appearance and behavior. You can change how columns are displayed in the Processes tab, adjust the graphs and data shown in the Performance tab, and configure options like always-on-top display. When you reset Task Manager, all these customizations revert to their default values. This is useful if you've accidentally changed a setting or want to return to a clean slate for monitoring your system's performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If resetting Task Manager doesn't resolve your issue, or if you encounter errors:
Task Manager won't open: Ensure you have administrative privileges. Try running Task Manager as an administrator (Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then click the gear icon). If the registry method was used, double-check the path and value name for typos.
Settings don't stick: Make sure Task Manager is fully closed before attempting a reset. If you deleted the configuration file, ensure you didn't accidentally recreate it. Check for any third-party software that might be managing or overriding Task Manager settings.
Errors during reset: If you encounter errors while editing the registry, undo the changes you made. Consider using the file deletion method instead, as it's generally less prone to systemic errors.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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