Task Manager is one of the most essential tools in Windows 11, allowing you to monitor running processes, manage startup apps, and keep an eye on your system’s performance. The Performance tab, in particular, provides real-time information about your CPU, memory, GPU, disks, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi usage. Whether you’re troubleshooting a slow computer or monitoring hardware utilization, this tab offers valuable insights into your PC’s health.
However, some Windows 11 users have reported that Task Manager crashes immediately after opening the Performance tab. In some cases, the application closes without displaying an error message, while others experience freezing, blank graphs, or repeated crashes every time they switch to the Performance section. These issues can prevent you from monitoring your system and may indicate problems with Windows components, graphics drivers, corrupted system files, or performance counter data. However frustrating this issue might seem to be, you don’t have to worry about it at all. Follow along to try out these 12 best tips to fix the Windows 11 Task Manager crashing when opening the Performance tab.
Fix Task Manager Crashes When Opening the Performance Tab in Windows 11
Based on my personal experience, temporary glitches, damaged system files, outdated graphics drivers, corrupted performance counters, or conflicting third-party applications are among the most common causes.
1. Restart Your Computer
Why this works:
Task Manager may crash because a background Windows service or system process is temporarily stuck. Restarting your computer refreshes system services, reloads drivers, and clears temporary memory-related issues that may be causing the crash.
Steps to follow:
- Save all your open work.
- Click the Start menu.
- Select Power.
- Click Restart.
- Wait for Windows to boot completely.
- Open Task Manager and check the Performance tab.
2. Install the Latest Windows 11 Updates
Why this works:
Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs affecting built-in Windows applications, including Task Manager. Installing the latest updates can resolve known compatibility issues and improve overall system stability.
Steps to follow:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Download and install all available updates.
- Restart your computer.
- Test the Performance tab again.
3. Run the System File Checker (SFC)
Why this works:
Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Task Manager from loading hardware information correctly. The System File Checker scans Windows system files and automatically replaces damaged copies.
Steps to follow:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter.
sfc /scannow
- After that, be sure to wait for the SFC scan to complete.
- Next, restart your computer if repairs are made.
4. Repair the Windows Image Using DISM
Why this works:
If the Windows component store is corrupted, SFC may not be able to repair all damaged files. DISM restores the Windows image so that system files can function correctly.
Steps to follow:
- Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- Run the below command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Allow the process to finish and then reboot your computer.
- Check whether Task Manager opens normally.
5. Update Your Graphics Driver
Why this works:
The Performance tab displays GPU statistics in real time. An outdated or corrupted graphics driver can cause Task Manager to crash when attempting to retrieve GPU performance data.
Steps to follow:
- On your device, press Windows + X to open Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and restart your PC after the update.
6. Rebuild Windows Performance Counters
Why this works:
Task Manager relies on Windows performance counters to display hardware usage. If these counters become corrupted, opening the Performance tab may cause Task Manager to crash.
Steps to follow:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Now, you have to run the following command and press Enter.
lodctr /R
- Let the process to complete and restart your Windows computer.
7. Restart the Performance Logs & Alerts Service
Why this works:
This Windows service collects performance data that several monitoring tools rely on. Restarting it can resolve temporary problems affecting performance monitoring.
Steps to follow:
- Press Windows + R > type services.msc and press Enter.
- Locate Performance Logs & Alerts.
- Right-click the service.
- Select Restart if available.
- If it’s stopped, click Start.
- Test Task Manager again.
8. Perform a Clean Boot
Why this works:
Some third-party utilities, hardware monitoring software, RGB control tools, or antivirus programs can interfere with Task Manager. A Clean Boot helps determine whether another application is causing the crash.
Steps to follow:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type msconfig.
- Open the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Open the Startup tab and launch Task Manager.
- Disable all startup applications and rstart your PC
9. Check for Corrupted User Profile
Why this works:
Sometimes the issue is limited to a specific Windows user profile. Creating a new account helps determine whether profile corruption is responsible for the crashing behavior.
Steps to follow:
- On your PC, head over to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Now, choose Add account.
- Create a new local user > sign in using the new account.
10. Reset Task Manager Settings
Why this works:
Corrupted Task Manager preferences can occasionally cause unexpected behavior. Resetting its settings forces Windows to recreate fresh configuration files.
Steps to follow:
- Close Task Manager.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type the following command and press Enter.
taskmgr
- Hold Ctrl while launching Task Manager to reset its preferences.
- Release the key once Task Manager opens.
- Check whether the crash is resolved.
11. Scan for Malware
Why this works:
Certain types of malware interfere with Windows monitoring tools, including Task Manager. Running a security scan helps eliminate malicious software that may be causing crashes.
Steps to follow:
- Navigate to Windows Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Select Scan options.
- Choose Full scan.
- Click Scan now and then follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.
12. Repair Install Windows 11
Why this works:
If Task Manager continues crashing despite trying every other solution, a repair installation reinstalls Windows system files without deleting your personal files or installed applications.
Steps to follow:
- Download the latest Windows 11 installation media from Microsoft’s official website.
- Mount the ISO file.
- Run Setup.exe.
- Select Keep personal files and apps.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Complete the repair installation.
- Check whether Task Manager works correctly afterward.
FAQs
1. Why does Task Manager crash only when I open the Performance tab?
The Performance tab relies on Windows performance counters, graphics drivers, and hardware monitoring services. If any of these components become corrupted or malfunction, Task Manager may crash while trying to display system statistics.
2. Can outdated graphics drivers cause this issue?
Yes. Since the Performance tab displays GPU utilization and memory usage, outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are one of the most common causes of crashes.
3. Will running SFC or DISM delete my files?
No. Both SFC and DISM only repair Windows system files. They do not remove your personal files, installed applications, or documents.
4. Is it safe to rebuild performance counters?
Yes. The lodctr /R command rebuilds Windows performance counters using the default backup stored on your system. It is a commonly recommended troubleshooting step for performance monitoring issues.
5. What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If Task Manager still crashes after trying every solution, perform a repair installation of Windows 11. If the problem persists even after that, the issue could be related to faulty hardware, and running hardware diagnostics is recommended.
Signing off…
And that’s about it! This annoying Task Manage issue can make it difficult to monitor your computer’s hardware usage, diagnose slowdowns, or troubleshoot performance-related issues. Fortunately, the problem is usually caused by software-related factors such as corrupted system files, damaged performance counters, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicts with third-party applications. By working through the solutions in this guide, you can identify the root cause and restore Task Manager to normal operation.
