A strange Windows 11 bug that repeats the Task Manager instead of closing it

If you’re a Windows 11 user who frequently uses the Task Manager tool, you’ll likely be avoiding the latest operating system update from Microsoft. Reddit users And my colleague Tom Warren An error is reported in Optional Windows 11 update KB5067036 It causes the Task Manager to repeat itself when you try to close the application, affecting your computer’s performance.

The bug breaks the “X” button to exit Task Manager, preventing the app from shutting down and keeping it running in the background instead. Repeated attempts to open and close the app result in multiple states that can consume your CPU and RAM resources.

According to changelog notes KB5067036, the update includes a fix for Task Manager that resolves some apps not being grouped with their processes, but does not mention any other changes to Task Manager. Microsoft has not acknowledged this new bug as of writing, and the KB5067036 log still says the company is “not currently aware of any issues with this update.”

We’ve reached out to Microsoft for more information.

Fortunately, Latest Windows and Reddit user BNSoul I found a temporary solution. Individual Task Manager instances can be closed by selecting the End Task button in the application instead of clicking the X button, or users can run Taskkill /im Taskmgr.exe /f In Windows 11 command prompt to stop all instances of Task Manager running at once.