Microsoft is testing a new task manager for Windows 11 that is said to be more efficient and user-friendly. The new task manager, which is called Windows 10 Task Manager, was first spotted by users on the Windows 10 Insider Program forum. According to the forum post, the new task manager will allow users to manage their tasks more efficiently and effectively. It will also include features such as a list of all the tasks that are currently running on your computer, as well as a list of all the tasks that have been added to your computer recently. The task manager is said to be available in both English and Spanish language versions. Microsoft has not released any information about when or where the beta version of the task manager will be available for download.


Usually, Microsoft publicizes significant changes in Windows Insider previews, but the company tucked a brand new task manager into Windows 11 Build 22538 in the Dev channel. However, you have to jump through some hoops to enable it.

Gustave Monce first spotted the feature on Discord and shared it on Twitter by FireCubeStudios. Basically, it brings the Windows 11 design to the task manager. That means it gets Mica effects, the WinUI design components, a sidebar that replaces the tabbed interface, and even a dark mode.

Important to note is that Microsoft hasn’t officially enabled this. According to Monce, it’s pretty broken at this time. While we don’t necessarily recommend trying it, if you happen to be on the Dev channel on Windows 11, you can take steps to enable it.

— FireCube (@FireCubeStudios) January 19, 2022

First, you’ll need to download and extract ViVeTool. Next, run Terminal as an administrator in the ViveTool directory and enter the following command:

vivetool addconfig 35908098 2

vivetool addconfig 37204171 2

vivetool addconfig 36898195 2

vivetool addconfig 36898195 2

From there, restart your computer, right-click the Start button, and select “Task Manager” when complete to see the secret new version.

It looks like a nice change to the task manager, but we’ll have to wait until Microsoft enables it officially before getting a good feel for how nice it truly is, as it’s somewhat broken in its current state.

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