How do I get my Crtl+Alt+Del to work?

Question

hey Folks,

So my crtl+alt+del function is not working. It's supposed to show the "security options screen" or whatever it's called. From there you can open the task manager, etc. Normally use it for stopping programs that aren't responding. However, pressing this combination of buttons on my computer does absolutely nothing. On any screen or at any time.

The individual buttons work: I can copy/paste with CTRL+C / V, I can switch screens using ALT+Tab, and I can remove text in a word processor with the DEL button. I have also tried throwing the Function button in, to no avail.

I turned on the on-screen keyboard and pressed CTRL+ATL+DEL. A dialogue appears stating:

"To use the commands available when you press CTRL+ATL+DEL, click your user tile and choose an option."

I have no idea what my user tile is, but I have a feeling this is not going to help me with my problem. Since Windows is terrible, and even though this is a brand new computer, it's still freezing on me fairly regularly. The CRTL+ATL+DEL function is at least an option for trying to un-freeze the computer and stopping unresponsive programs, but simply opening up the security options from my user tile is not going to work in that scenario nor is it what I'm looking for right now.

I'm on a brand new computer:

Device name MSI Processor 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-12450H 2.00 GHz

Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.71 GB usable)

Device ID E81CD973-7927-4296-B132-87AFC31EAB37

Product ID 00342-21126-79770-AAOEM

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Edition Windows 11 Home Version 23H2

Installed on ‎2024-‎06-‎25

OS build 22631.4037 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22700.1027.0

Answer 1

Are you unable to right click the Taskbar and open Task Manager that way?

Answer 2

Hi Gregpry,

Thanks for your post. If Windows freezes ctrl alt delete does not work, you can try using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc combination and close all unresponsive apps. Here’s how:

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.

Step 2. In the Processes tab, right-click the unresponsible program or app and select End task. Then repeat the same procedure to close other unresponsive processes. Also, you can try pressing the Power button for several seconds to hard shutdown your PC.

If it still doesn’t work, the “computer freezes can’t Ctrl Alt Delete” problem could be caused by other factors.

You can follow the troubleshooting guide for deeper analysis.

My Computer Is Frozen and Control Alt Delete Not Working? [Fixed] - MiniTool Partition Wizard

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

---

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.