Right-click on your taskbar and look on the Task Manager option. If it is grayed out, that means it has been disabled. Typing ‘taskmgr’ in the Run box won’t work either. This is usually (though not necessarily) caused by malware. Follow one of these two methods to fix it:
Using the Registry Editor
Enter ‘regedit’ in the Run box and browse to:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER
- Software
- Microsoft
- Windows
- CurrentVersion
- Policies
- System
Notice the DisableTaskMgr key with the value of 1. Delete this key.
*Note: If you can’t remember the registry path, just press Ctrl + F and type in ‘DisableTaskMgr’, and you’ll find your way.
Using the Group Policy Editor
If even the Registry Editor is disabled, use the Group Policy Editor. Enter ‘gpedit.msc’ in the Run box and browse to:
- User Configuration
- Administrative Templates
- System
- Ctrl+Alt+Del Options.
Look for ‘Remove Task Manager’ entry and change its setting to ‘Disabled’.