Get Windows 8/10 Look-Like Metro Task Manager in Windows XP, Vista and 7

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.

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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:

Windows_8_Metro_Task_Manager.png

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.

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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…

Published in: Software, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. 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.

  2. Hey, i am planning to make a utility next 2 weeks. So PLS, tell me of any good and useful suggestions.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 🙂

  5. I agree with the other one’s positive feedback. I love this page and I hope it’ll stay as it is now.

  6. i installed this and i see an entry which says “foldform” what is this? i am running win7x64 w/4gb mem

  7. Just to ask, can’t I replace it with the original taskmgr.exe found in the system32 folder in windows??

  8. That seriously looks like the Mac force quit window when you press Command + Option + Escape. Another photocopy from Apple -.-

  9. ^^ 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.

  10. ^^ 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.

  11. Doesn’t have complete look??
    When I click on ‘More Details’ default task manager opens up…

  12. I am facing an error:
    The application failed to initialize properly(0xc0000135). Click on OK to terminate the Application
    _________________
    OK
    _______________
    Running windows xp 32 bit in VPC.

  13. Here are two excellent FREE Task Managers which puts the rest of them to shame, DTaskManager and Process Explorer. One of the many features is to enable anyone of these as the default Task Manager.

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