Process Explorer from Microsoft Store - "Replace Task Manager" breaks on every update

Question

The install location of the Microsoft Store version is a folder that contains the version. For example:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.SysinternalsSuite_2025.11.0.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Tools\procexp.exe

When using the "Replace Task Manager" option, that file path is put in the registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe

Therefore, every time Microsoft Store automatically updates Process Explorer, that file path no longer exists and so Ctrl+Shift+Esc does nothing. I have to open Process Explorer from the start menu, deselect and reselect "Replace Task Manager" to fix it.

Would it be possible for the updater to update the value of that registry key if it exists?

For now I might run a scheduled task or something to update it.

Answer 1

Currently, the Microsoft Store version of Process Explorer does not automatically update the registry key for the "Replace Task Manager" option when the application is updated. This can lead to the issue you described, where the file path becomes invalid after an update, causing the shortcut to stop functioning.

As a workaround, you might consider creating a scheduled task that runs a script to update the registry key automatically after each update. However, there is no built-in functionality in the Microsoft Store version to handle this automatically at the moment.

For future improvements, it would be beneficial to provide feedback to Microsoft regarding this issue, as they may consider implementing a solution in future updates.

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References:

• Sysinternals Suite