If you are using the new Windows 8 OS or following this blog regularly, you might be knowing about the new modern and advanced Task Manager introduced in Windows 8 by Microsoft.
This new Metro Task Manager opens in a small window and shows the running programs list. It provides 2 buttons "More details" and "End Task". You can select a program from the list and click on End Task button to close the program. "More details" button opens a different Task Manager window which provides access to various other things such as services, users, etc similar to classic Task Manager which is found in earlier Windows versions.
If you are using Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 and want to have a similar Task Manager in your Windows, here is something interesting for you.
Our reader "Masroor Aijaz aka JX Geat" has developed a Windows 8 look-like metro Task Manager utility for Windows XP, Vista and 7. Its a very small utility in size and is portable so you don't need to install it.
Following is a preview of this utility in action:
As you can see it looks very close to Windows 8 Task Manager. You can end task of running programs and when you click on "More details" button, it launches default Task Manager present in Windows.
It also provides "Restart Explorer" button to restart Windows Explorer similar to Windows 8. You can also use "Ctrl+P" keyboard shortcut to restart Explorer. Make sure the Task Manager window is active while using this hotkey.
If you close Metro Task Manager window, it sits quietly in system tray and you can again access it by double-clicking on its icon. If you want to permanently close it, right-click on its system tray icon and select Exit option.
UPDATE: A new version has been released which comes with some fixes and UI updates.
Changes in new version:
- Fixed a bug which was causing program crash
- Font size decreased in task list pane for better look
- Fixed a bug related to automatic refresh
- Restart Explorer label converted into button
- A few other minor UI updates
You can download the new version using following link:
You'll need to install .NET Framework to use it.
You can pin it to Taskbar, create a shortcut on Desktop, Quick launch toolbar or add it to Desktop context menu for quick and easy access.
Feel free provide your feedback or suggestions in your comment...
Posted by: Vishal Gupta | Categories: Software, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
SCBright
I really don't like the Windows 8, but some features like this could be ported to a future Windows 7 Service Pack.
Thanks for the info VG! And congratulations to JX Geat.
Mr.Hung
don't like taskmanager in windows 8
Kyle
@SCBright,
i agree...
Lester
Hey, i am planning to make a utility next 2 weeks. So PLS, tell me of any good and useful suggestions.
Andy
VG does an awesome Job providing valuable information on tweaking windows... These things need to be identified and tested prior to posting and unfortunately this takes time.
I believe this is still one of the most valuable websites around providing accurate and timely information, also VG has more developers creating tools for this site than any other I'm aware of.
Agni Chattopadhyay
VG, many many thanks for all your effort, hard-work and dedication. Thank you for enlightening us by sharing your valuable knowledge. You are an inspiration to me. To say the truth, I started blogging after being inspired by Lifehacker, Digital Inspiration and ASKVG. Keep up the great work :)
julian
I agree with the other one's positive feedback. I love this page and I hope it'll stay as it is now.
WARREN JONES
i installed this and i see an entry which says "foldform" what is this? i am running win7x64 w/4gb mem
VG
^^ It must be a 3rd party software process which you have installed in your system.
Anubhav
Just to ask, can't I replace it with the original taskmgr.exe found in the system32 folder in windows??
VG
^^ You can but its not advisable.
Lee Joonmin
That seriously looks like the Mac force quit window when you press Command + Option + Escape. Another photocopy from Apple -.-
Rakesh(RKY)
Can we bypass any trial version software....
VG
^^ Bypassing trial versions is not a good thing but if you can remove all instances of the software from Windows folders and Registry, you might be able to enjoy it again for its trial period.
Rakesh(rky)
may i know why it is not good thing.
VG
^^ Because trial version are created to be used within trial period. The company wants you to purchase the product to use forever and if you bypass this limitation and convert trial version into full version, you are breaking the license agreement and supporting software piracy. Its similar to using pirated Windows in your system.
Bob Bobson
Anybody complaining about the Windows 8 Task Manager being bad has clearly only seen screenshots of the basic mode instead of seeing its advanced mode:
blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx
The Windows 8 Task Manager actually has several great and highly useful features like better grouping and naming functions and the heat map. Unfortunately this “port” has none of those and is the simple, basic version that everybody hates.
Ashutosh
Doesn't have complete look??
When I click on 'More Details' default task manager opens up...
VG
^^ Yes. Thats how it was designed to work. ;)
Black_Ps`
We will see the full version of Windows 8 Task Manager for Windows 7?
VG
^^ May be in future. Cant promise atm. :)
Black_Ps`
ok thanks,it will be great.
scania18r
I think its awesome but you should ad more features :D Sorry for my english
Evil Taskmanager
Isnt a Win8 Taskmanager, just a Win7 TM with the optionen less details window.
Zero
Hey, can I replace it with the original taskmgr. exe in my system?
Black_Ps`
See neowin.net/forum/topic/1149964-a-windows-8-like-task-manager-for-windows-7-work-in-progress/ much better then this one.