The latest Windows 11 test update, which remains in preview, appears to have introduced a strange new glitch in Task Manager, and it’s leaving users puzzled.
According to reports from Windows Latest, the issue prevents Task Manager from closing properly, instead spawning multiple background instances that quietly eat up system resources.
Task Manager is one of Windows’ most useful tools, allowing users to monitor performance, view running processes, and end unresponsive apps. Normally, closing it is as simple as clicking the familiar “X” button in the top-right corner.
However, following the October 2025 optional update (Build 26200.7019 / 26100.7019), that no longer works as expected. Instead of shutting down, Task Manager remains active in the background, and each time you reopen it, another instance is launched.
Over time, these “ghost” processes pile up, consuming CPU and memory, and can make your PC feel slower than usual.
The issue doesn’t seem to impact all users, but reports on forums and social platforms suggest that many have encountered the bug after installing the latest preview build.
The Windows 11 update, which introduced a redesigned Start menu and visual refinements, appears to have unintentionally broken how Task Manager handles the close command.
How to Properly Exit Task Manager
Until Microsoft fixes the issue in an upcoming patch, users are advised not to close Task Manager using the “X” button. Here are safer ways to exit it:
- End a task from within Task Manager.
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Select “Task Manager” from the list.
- Click “End Task.”
- Restart Windows Explorer
- In Task Manager, locate Windows Explorer under Processes.
- Right-click and choose “Restart.”
- This refreshes your desktop and clears any ghost Task Manager entries.
- Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the command below and hit Enter:
taskkill /f /im taskmgr.exe - This will force-close all Task Manager instances at once.
As this update is still in preview, Microsoft will likely patch the issue in the next cumulative or Patch Tuesday release. In the meantime, avoid using the close button and rely on the methods above to safely end Task Manager.
If the problem persists or affects performance significantly, you can also uninstall the October 2025 optional update until an official fix arrives.
