Windows 11 issues: closing Task Manager increases problems
For any Windows user, from the casual to the most seasoned technician, the Task Manager stands as a crucial tool. It serves as a sanctuary when applications freeze or when we need to terminate an unresponsive process. Thus, it feels almost poetic—and somewhat tragic—that an update to Windows 11 has led to a situation where closing this vital tool does not only fail to shut it down but actually multiplies its instances. Yes, it’s reminiscent of Gremlins.
The Task Manager Bug in Windows 11
The issue has been identified following the installation of the optional update KB5067036, which was recently rolled out for users of version 23H2 of Windows 11. What should be a simple action—clicking the “X” in the corner of the Task Manager window—turns into a trap: the process does not actually terminate, and upon reopening the tool, multiple active instances are generated in the background.
There are no warnings or notifications; the system quietly begins to accumulate processes as if they were Pokémon. This phenomenon can have serious repercussions.
Impact on System Performance
Users have reported various performance issues stemming from this bug. Common complaints include:
- Increased CPU usage
- Higher memory consumption
- Overall degradation in system performance
In more technical environments, where active processes are monitored closely, the problem becomes apparent: every attempt to close the Task Manager results in a new hidden instance that continues to run unabated. While this is not a catastrophic failure, it is bothersome enough to disrupt the daily experience of many users.
Microsoft's Response to the Issue
As of now, Microsoft has remained silent on the matter. Users have reported the issue on forums and communities such as Reddit, but the company has not issued any official statement. Given that this is a “preview” update, one could argue that they are testing the boundaries of absurdity before rolling out a final patch. However, under any logic, one would expect that closing a window would perform the function it claims to execute.
What Can Users Do?
For those affected by this bug, there are a couple of options available:
- Avoid the update (if it hasn’t been installed yet)
- Use alternative methods to manage Task Manager instances
- Employ command line solutions like
taskkill /f /im Taskmgr.exe - Restart the system entirely
- Minimize the window instead of closing it, akin to hiding a monster under the bed, hoping it won't awaken
These workarounds can help mitigate the effects of this peculiar bug while waiting for a more permanent solution from Microsoft.
The Irony of the Task Manager Bug
In a surreal twist within the Windows 11 universe, we find that the very tool designed to terminate rogue processes has become one itself. While this may not be the most severe bug in the operating system's history, it is undoubtedly one of the most ironic. When even the Task Manager refuses to die, perhaps it’s time to accept that nothing is eternal, except for those pesky zombie processes that linger indefinitely.
For those looking for visual guidance on managing administrator accounts and other related issues in Windows 11, here’s a helpful video:
For more information about this issue, you can read more in detail at Ars Technica.
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