Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

A recent Windows 11 update introduced a bug that leaves Task Manager running invisibly in the background, draining memory and slowing performance. This guide shows you how to detect and fix it fast.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 5, 2025

Have you ever closed Task Manager only to feel your PC dragging minutes later? 

You’re not imagining it. 

Microsoft’s October 2025 update (KB5067036) quietly broke Task Manager’s close button, leaving behind ghost processes that hog memory and slow down your system. 

If you’re a frequent Task Manager user, or just someone who never shuts down, this bug could be eating up gigabytes of RAM without you knowing.

Feature Explanation

The bug affects Windows 11 users who installed KB5067036, an optional update released on October 28, 2025. 

When you close Task Manager using the “X” button, it doesn’t actually quit. Instead, it lingers in the background. 

Reopening it spawns another instance, and so on. 

Each ghost process uses around 20MB of RAM. 

Multiply that by dozens or hundreds and you’ve got a performance bottleneck.

What You'll Gain

• Save system memory.
• Avoid slowdowns during multitasking.
• Quickly fix a hidden performance issue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Desktop

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the “X” to close it.
3. Reopen Task Manager and check for multiple instances under the “Processes” tab.
4. To manually close them:

• Select each Task Manager process.
• Click End Task.

fig. 1 - Check if Task Manager Isn't Closing

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to detect and fix manually.
• Doesn’t cause data loss or crashes.
• Microsoft is working on a patch.

Cons

• Can silently degrade performance over time.
• Affects users who frequently open Task Manager.
• No automatic fix yet—requires manual cleanup.

Configuration Guide

• No toggle exists to disable Task Manager’s close behavior. 
• The only workaround is manual cleanup or using the command line. 
• Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is developing a fix.

Feature Access

Affected users:

• Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2
• Installed KB5067036 (October 28, 2025)
• Optional update; only installs if manually selected
• No subscription required. 
• Applies to all editions of Windows 11 with the update.

Score

Criterion  | Score  |  Justification

Value  7

Fixing this bug prevents memory drain and improves system responsiveness.

Usability  6

Requires manual cleanup or command line—manageable but not intuitive.

Wow Factor  5

It’s more of a “yikes” than a “wow,” but the fix is oddly satisfying.

Total: 18/30 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft’s October update introduced a Task Manager bug that leaves ghost processes running. 
• While not catastrophic, it can slow down your system over time. 
• Manual cleanup is easy and effective until a fix arrives.

Try It Yourself

Open Task Manager, close it, and reopen. 

See multiple entries? 

You’re affected. 

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READ MORE

• Notepad Remembers Now
  
• How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11
  
• What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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