3 ways to open Windows task manager on remote desktop

Now that you know more, you can learn about how to open the task manager in a remote desktop connection. There are different ways that work in different situations depending on your device type or setting:

Key Combination

If you always like quick and clean solutions, key combinations are made for you. There are two different sets of key combinations that can be used on a remote desktop. The first is the default key combinations that are used in local machines, and the second is specifically designed for remote desktops. You have the choice to use either of the sets.

When you click on the Remote Desktop Connection icon, a dialog box opens; choose Show Options, then select the Local Resources tab; in the Apply Windows Key Combinations drop-down, you will see three options:

On this computer: the default key combination works only on the local machine and alternate key combinations on the remote desktop. On the remote computer: the default key combination works only on the remote desktop and alternate key combinations on the local machine. However, they return to default once you end the session. Only when using the full screen: the default key combination works on either of the local and remote desktops, which has the full screen. Now, what are the default and alternate key combinations? See below:

The default key combination involves pressing the following keys together:

Ctrl + Alt + Del

Alternate key combinations require the following keys pressed together:

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

or

Ctrl + Alt + End

or

Windows key + X -> select Task Manager

These key combinations are like remote desktop connection task manager shortcuts that force the remote computer to directly launch it. Yet most users are not aware or used to taking advantage of them.

Right Click

If you’re more comfortable using your mouse or touchpad or if your keyboard doesn’t work, you need to navigate the Windows menu by right-clicking which is different for each Windows edition.

For example, in Windows XP, you need to:

Right-click the Taskbar -> select Task Manager

but in Windows 7 and 8:

Right-click the Taskbar -> select Start Task Manager

and in Windows 10 and 11:

Right-click the Start Icon -> select Task Manager

Clicking is still the most popular way to open a remote desktop task manager since it is doable on all device types, especially touch screen devices such as mobile or tablets that are not connected to a physical keyboard.

Command prompt

If you are a geek and enjoy typing commands for Windows to execute, then the followings are right for you:

In the lower-left corner of the taskbar, click:

Start->Run->type taskmgr

or hold the following keys together:

Windows key + R->type taskmgr

or

in any command prompt window ->type taskmgr

Command prompt is still the most technical-looking way of opening a remote desktop task manager, and most average users are not comfortable with it.

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