ScreensieHow to Open Task Manager
See running apps, startup items, and hardware usage.
5 min · Easy← All guides
Processes
A process is a running instance of a program, with its own memory use and activity on the computer.
Processes instructions, reference material, and troubleshooting.
Which process should I investigate?
Start with the program involved in the reported problem, then compare its CPU and memory use while the problem occurs. A short burst of activity is different from usage that stays high. Record the process name and what the user was doing before choosing the process-management guide.
Should I end a process to fix a slow PC?
Save the user's work and try closing the application normally first. Ending a process can discard unsaved work, and ending a system process can disrupt Windows. Confirm what the process belongs to before taking action, then repeat the original task to check the result.