Task Manager Shortcut - Open All Users View in Windows 7/Vista
Opening Task Manager with the "All Users" View
Have you ever considered a method for launching Task Manager directly into the "All Users" perspective, rather than being limited to your own processes? A reader recently inquired about this functionality, prompting this guide for broader accessibility.
To clarify, the Processes tab within Task Manager features a "Show processes from all users" button. Activating this button re-opens Task Manager, displaying all running processes. This can be cumbersome if frequent access to this view is required.
Creating a Dedicated Task Manager Shortcut
Begin by right-clicking on your desktop or within any folder, then selecting "New" followed by "Shortcut" from the context menu.
In the shortcut creation window, enter the following command into the location field:
taskmgr.exe
After inputting the command, proceed to the next screen and assign a descriptive name to the shortcut. "Task Manager (All Users)" is a suitable option.
Next, right-click the newly created shortcut and select "Properties." This allows you to assign a shortcut key for quick access, provided the shortcut resides on the desktop or within the Start Menu.
Crucially, click the "Advanced" button and check the "Run as administrator" box. This step is essential for the shortcut to function as intended.
The resulting shortcut will now launch Task Manager directly into the "All Users" view, though a User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear.
Further Customization
For advanced users, it's possible to configure the shortcut to bypass the UAC prompt, although this requires additional configuration steps.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Shortcut Creation: Right-click and create a new shortcut as described above.
- Command Input: Enter
taskmgr.exein the shortcut location. - Naming: Provide a clear name, such as "Task Manager (All Users)".
- Properties: Open the shortcut's properties.
- Shortcut Key (Optional): Assign a key combination for quick launching.
- Advanced Settings: Select "Run as administrator".
This method provides a streamlined way to access the Task Manager with the "All Users" view, enhancing system monitoring capabilities.
