How To Remove Process Explorer As Task Manager

When it comes to managing tasks on your computer, Process Explorer is a popular choice. However, there may be instances where you want to remove it as your task manager. But how do you do that? Let's explore the process of removing Process Explorer and returning to the default task manager in just a few simple steps.

The first step in removing Process Explorer as your task manager is to understand its background and why you might want to switch back to the default option. Process Explorer is a powerful tool developed by Microsoft, providing advanced features for monitoring and managing running processes in the Windows operating system. However, for some users, the additional features and complexity of Process Explorer may not be necessary, and they may prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the default task manager. By removing Process Explorer, you can restore the default task manager, making task management a breeze.

Understanding Process Explorer as Task Manager

Process Explorer is a powerful tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to view and manage running processes on their Windows systems. It provides detailed information about each process, including its CPU usage, memory usage, and other vital statistics. However, there may be instances where you want to remove Process Explorer as the default Task Manager and revert to the default Windows Task Manager. This article will guide you through the process of removing Process Explorer as Task Manager, allowing you to revert back to the original task management tool.

Step 1: Launch Process Explorer

Before removing Process Explorer as the default Task Manager, you first need to launch the application. To do this, follow these steps:

• Download and install Process Explorer, if you haven't done so already. It is available for free from the Microsoft website.
• Launch Process Explorer by double-clicking on its icon or running it from the Start menu.

Once Process Explorer is running, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Configure Process Explorer Options

Before removing Process Explorer as Task Manager, it's essential to adjust the application's settings to ensure a smooth transition back to the default Windows Task Manager. Here's how you can configure the options:

• In the Process Explorer window, click on the "Options" menu at the top of the screen.
• From the dropdown menu, select "Replace Task Manager."
• Another submenu will appear, giving you the option to select between replacing the 32-bit Task Manager or the 64-bit Task Manager. Make sure to choose the appropriate option based on your system architecture.
• Once you've made your selection, exit Process Explorer.

With the options correctly configured, you are ready to proceed with removing Process Explorer as Task Manager.

Step 3: Remove Process Explorer as Task Manager

To remove Process Explorer as the default Task Manager, follow these steps:

Windows Version	Process	Command
Windows 7 or earlier	regedit	regedit.exe /s "C:\Path\to\reset_taskmgr.reg"
Windows 8 or later	PowerShell	powershell -command "Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced' -Name 'PreferredTaskManager' -Value '{0}'"

Replace "C:\Path\to\reset_taskmgr.reg" in the Windows 7 or earlier command with the actual path to the reset_taskmgr.reg file. If you don't have this file, you can download it from reputable sources.

Step 4: Verify Task Manager Change

Once you have completed the previous steps, it's essential to verify that Process Explorer is no longer the default Task Manager. To do this, follow these steps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Confirm that the Task Manager window that opens is the default Windows Task Manager.

If the default Windows Task Manager is now displayed, you have successfully removed Process Explorer as Task Manager.

Removing Process Explorer as Task Manager in Different Contexts

In addition to the general process outlined above, there may be specific scenarios or systems where additional steps or considerations are necessary to remove Process Explorer as Task Manager. This section will cover some of these unique situations:

Removing Process Explorer in a Corporate Environment

In a corporate environment, the process of removing Process Explorer as Task Manager may require additional steps due to group policies or system configurations. Here are the potential additional steps:

• Contact your IT department or system administrator to inquire about any group policies that may prevent changes to the default Task Manager on your computer.
• If group policies are in place, request assistance from your IT department to modify or disable these policies temporarily, allowing you to make the necessary changes.
• Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to remove Process Explorer as Task Manager.
• After successful removal, re-enable any disabled group policies or revert to the previous configuration with the assistance of your IT department.

By following these additional steps, you can remove Process Explorer as Task Manager in a corporate environment.

Removing Process Explorer on Windows Server

Windows Server operating systems may have different configurations and requirements compared to desktop versions of Windows. If you need to remove Process Explorer as the default Task Manager on a Windows Server, follow these steps:

• Launch Process Explorer by double-clicking on its icon or running it from the Start menu.
• From the Process Explorer menu, click on "Options" and then select "Replace Task Manager."
• Select the appropriate option from the submenu, based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
• Exit Process Explorer.
• Open the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R and type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
• Locate both "taskmgr.exe" and "taskmgr.exe.wow64" keys and delete them.
• Close the Registry Editor.

After completing these steps, you have removed Process Explorer as Task Manager on your Windows Server.

Restoring Process Explorer as Task Manager

If you have removed Process Explorer as the default Task Manager using the steps mentioned above but later wish to restore it, follow these instructions:

• Launch Process Explorer.
• Click on the "Options" menu and select "Replace Task Manager."
• Select the appropriate option based on your system architecture.

Process Explorer will be restored as the default Task Manager on your system.

Removing Process Explorer as Task Manager can be useful in specific scenarios or if you prefer the simplicity of the default Windows Task Manager. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove Process Explorer as Task Manager and revert back to the original task management tool on your Windows system.

Methods to Remove Process Explorer as Task Manager

If you are looking to remove Process Explorer as the default Task Manager on your computer, there are a few methods you can try:

1. Using the Task Manager Options:

• Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
• Go to the Options menu and click on "Replace Task Manager."
• Select "Restore Task Manager" from the dropdown menu.

2. Removing Process Explorer from Startup:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Startup tab.
• Uncheck the box next to Process Explorer.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

These methods should help you remove Process Explorer as the default Task Manager on your computer. If you encounter any issues, it is recommended to seek further assistance from technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers related to removing Process Explorer as the Task Manager:

1. Why would I want to remove Process Explorer as the Task Manager?

Process Explorer is a powerful tool that provides more detailed information about running processes than the standard Task Manager. However, some users may prefer to use the default Task Manager for simplicity or compatibility reasons. Removing Process Explorer as the Task Manager allows you to revert back to the default option.

To remove Process Explorer as the Task Manager, you can follow these steps:

2. How can I uninstall Process Explorer as the Task Manager?

To uninstall Process Explorer as the Task Manager, you need to download and install a different third-party Task Manager software. You can find many alternatives available online, such as System Explorer or Process Hacker. Once you have installed a new Task Manager, you can then uninstall Process Explorer from your system.

Here are the steps to uninstall Process Explorer:

3. Can I disable Process Explorer as the Task Manager temporarily?

Yes, you can disable Process Explorer as the Task Manager temporarily without uninstalling it completely. To do this, open Process Explorer and go to the Options menu. From the drop-down menu, select "Replace Task Manager" to disable Process Explorer as the Task Manager temporarily. If you want to re-enable it, simply select "Restore Task Manager."

Keep in mind that disabling Process Explorer temporarily will only revert back to the default Task Manager until you close Process Explorer. Once you reopen Process Explorer, it will become the default Task Manager again.

4. Are there any risks involved in removing Process Explorer as the Task Manager?

Removing Process Explorer as the Task Manager itself does not pose any risks to your computer. However, it's important to choose a reputable alternative Task Manager to ensure you have a reliable and secure tool for managing processes and system performance. Additionally, always exercise caution while making changes to your system settings and make sure to back up your data beforehand.

5. Can I restore Process Explorer as the Task Manager if I change my mind?

Yes, if you change your mind and want to use Process Explorer as the Task Manager again, you can easily restore it. Open Process Explorer and go to the Options menu. From the drop-down menu, select "Replace Task Manager" and select "Restore Task Manager." This will make Process Explorer the default Task Manager once again.

Remember to always download Process Explorer from a reliable source to ensure you have the latest and most secure version.

In summary, removing Process Explorer as Task Manager is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. First, access the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and selecting "Task Manager" from the menu. Then, locate the Process Explorer tab and right-click on it. Finally, click on "End Task" to close Process Explorer and remove it as your default Task Manager.

By following these steps, you can easily remove Process Explorer as Task Manager and revert to the default Task Manager provided by your operating system. Remember to exercise caution when working with Task Manager as it allows you to monitor and control important system processes. If you encounter any issues or difficulties during the process, seek assistance from a technical expert or refer to the official documentation for your operating system.