There are many hidden secret tricks exist in Windows OS which have been shared many times in past by us. You can check out following article containing several hidden and unknown tricks present in Windows:
[Did You Know] Collection of Some Simple and Easy to Use Tips and Tricks for Windows Explorer
Most of the time I have noticed that these secret tricks involve CTRL or SHIFT key pressing while clicking on an option for example, accessing hidden "Exit Explorer" option in Start Menu, accessing hidden context menu options, accessing classic context menu for Taskbar program buttons in Windows 7, etc.
Using the same procedure another secret feature can be revealed in almost all Windows versions including Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.
This secret feature is related to "Task Manager" in Windows. We all know that "Task Manager" is a system tool in Windows. You can open it by right-clicking on Taskbar and selecting Task Manager option. You can also directly open it by pressing "Ctrl+Shift+Esc" keys together.
Task Manager is widely used to close running programs and services in Windows. It can also be used to start a new program. You just need to select "File -> New Task (Run...)" option.
When you click on "New Task" option, it launches RUN dialog box where you can either type program name or select it using Browse dialog box.
But did you know you can directly open a Command Prompt window using "New Task" option? Yes, that's true. We have mentioned this trick long time back in this tutorial, check the NOTE given in Step 3.
You just need to press "CTRL" key while clicking on "New Task (Run...)" option in Task Manager and it'll directly open Command Prompt window instead of RUN dialog box.
It might become very useful if you have broken Windows Explorer by replacing default Explorer.exe file with a custom 3rd party Explorer.exe file downloaded from a theme website and RUN dialog box shows error or doesn't open at all.
In such case, you can open Command Prompt window using this trick and restore default Explorer.exe file.
Check out following video to see this secret trick in action:
Did you already know this trick or was it new for you? Did you notice this trick when we posted this tutorial in past? Feel free to share your feedback in comment...
Posted by: Vishal Gupta | Categories: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Ramesh Kumar
Now That's a Neat Trick! :)
Awesome VG!
Kyle
HOLY SHOOT I NVR KNEW ABOUT THIS
THX VG U THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Xantes
But did you know that a Task Manager Window itself can be also quicker called by pressing simultaneously "Ctrl + Sgift + Esc"?!
Giro
Ctrl+Alt also runs task manager.....
NSDCars5
Knew it since last month ;) Glad you found it too.
leomate
Work in windows 8 Too.
sasja
hmmmm....
is there a trick to open regedit? (at school)
Xantes
"Ctrl + Alt" NEVER, I mean NEVER opens SOMETHING! Ever! Like I said the other alternative combination is " Ctrl + Shift + Esc"! Should you have tried you never would have mentioned such things like that!
NZero
This is awesome! Very new to me.
But why they keep this as hidden? They should add two new option below "New task (Run...)" called
"Open Command Prompt" and "Open Command Prompt as Administrator".
VG
^^ That would be better but many times such kind of admin options are hidden in Windows such Exit Explorer option, Open Command Prompt window here option in folder/drive context menu, etc.
@sasja
Do you mean when regedit is disabled by admins?
abdul hadi
Hi VG,
Really its cool Trick... and i like the concept of Video presentation also.... and i hope i wll find more videos in http://www.askvg.com
Thanks and Regards
Mohammed Abdul Hadi.
prakashgp
i was able to open command prompt by by typing cmd in run dialog box.. But this one is much easier than that.. Thanx..
Kyle
does anyone also know about a hidden trick to unlock all secret columns for the 'Processes' and 'Networking' tabs? its simple, and it appears VG has one unlocked: "Base Pri"
on either the 'Processes' and/or 'Networking' tabs, click View>Select Columns. here you have a HUGE list of hidden column features that are unchecked by default. enable them all and enjoy a fully featured and unlocked Task Manager.
I have tested and this trick works well in Vista, 7, and 8. not sure for XP.