Task manager stuck while it looks fine on resources monitor?

Question

Ever Since the late Feb (2026) update this keep happening to me, what worse when i open some app like unity for instance, it's running yes but stuck in the background process. this also effect me when i open some text editor and more. i already upgrade the Ram so it prob help but this CPU scream is really anoy me the task manager not responding while i can just check the Resouce monitor and its fine edit:

just to add something worse it also cannot allow me open settings on win 11 btw, wich also cannot allow me to update windows yay

Answer 1

I noticed you reported my answer did not resolve the issue, and I want to make sure I answered your question completely and accurately. Please give me more details on what happened after I tried the suggested solutions in my first response.

Answer 2

Hi, good day!

When was the last time it worked properly?

Have you made any changes to your computer recently?

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Please try the following methods below.

• Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-10-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca

After that, restart your computer using Clean boot of Windows 11.

• Perform a Clean Boot

Determine whether a background program or a software conflict is causing the issue.

Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msconfig

Press Enter

Select System Configuration > go to the Services tab.

(Important) Select and make sure to put a check mark on "Hide all Microsoft services"

Click Disable all.

Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all the unnecessary services running there. Restart your computer.

Please check the support article at the link below for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd#ID0EBBD=Windows_11

• Re-register Settings app and built-in apps via PowerShell

Windows key+X then select Windows Terminal (Admin)

copy and paste the commands below one at a time then press Enter. Please ignore the red errors and let the process complete.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 3

This behavior matches a known Windows 11 issue where Task Manager itself misreports or mishandles CPU usage and can leave one or more Taskmgr.exe processes hung after closing, especially after recent updates.

Because Resource Monitor shows normal CPU usage while Task Manager shows 100% and becomes unresponsive, the problem is almost certainly with Task Manager, not with the actual system load.

Workarounds and mitigation steps:

1. Terminate all Task Manager instances
   When Task Manager is frozen or shows 100% CPU while Resource Monitor looks normal:
   • Open an elevated Command Prompt (cmd as administrator).
   • Run:

          taskkill /F /IM Taskmgr.exe
     

   • Reopen Task Manager and check if it behaves normally.
2. Use Task Manager to end its own extra process
   If Task Manager is still responsive enough:
   • Go to the Processes tab.
   • Find additional Taskmgr.exe entries under Apps or Background processes.
   • Select the extra instance and choose End task.
3. Rely on Resource Monitor for accuracy
   Until Microsoft ships a permanent fix, use Resource Monitor (or Performance Monitor) to validate real CPU usage and process behavior. Resource Monitor pulls data from the same underlying sources and is not affected by this Task Manager UI bug.
4. Keep Windows updated
   Microsoft has acknowledged Task Manager issues in recent Windows 11 builds and marked them as mitigated in servicing updates. Install the latest cumulative update for Windows 11 when available, as this is where fixes for Task Manager behavior are delivered.

If Unity or other apps appear “stuck” only in Task Manager but behave normally and Resource Monitor shows low CPU, this is just a Task Manager display problem. If they are actually unresponsive, use Resource Monitor or taskkill to end them instead of relying on Task Manager.

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References:

• Troubleshoot processes by using Task Manager
• Use a screen reader to navigate Windows support tools
• Latest Windows 11 update, I’ve noticed Task Manager sometimes opens multiple instances - Microsoft Q&A