The Task Manager's layout has remained consistent over the years. Except for a few minor changes, Windows has been reluctant to move too many things on the Task Manager. However, the Windows 11 2022 Update introduces a few interesting changes to the Task Manager, including a design overhaul.

The Design Changes in 22H2's Task Manager

Most of the changes in the revamped Task Manager are visual. Here are four key design changes:

1. Dark Mode

Even when you used Dark Mode on Windows 10 or 11, you'd have noticed how Task Manager continued to appear white. This is no longer the case with the revamped Task Manager.

There's no native setting to make the Task Manager switch to dark mode, but as long as you're using dark mode for the system as a whole, the Task Manager will appear black.

2. Section Labels

The revamped Task Manager abandons the tabs layout. You now see a panel at the left instead of the tabs.

The panel folds in to just display the icons and expands when you click the hamburger icon at the top-left, showing the labels for all options.

the left panel containing options in the task manager

3. Different End and Run Task Buttons

You've probably used the End task option by right-clicking on a process when it doesn't seem to be working properly.

This Task Manager removes an extra step where you right-click. You can now select a process and click the End task button at the top-right to terminate a process. There's also a button for the less popular Run new task option right next to the End task button.

the end task button in the task manager

4. A Settings Section

The new Task Manager merges options that were previously segregated into two different options called Options and View. To access these settings on the new Task Manager, you'll need to click on the cog wheel at the bottom left. The new settings option just makes it a little easier to use the Task Manager, but doesn't include any new options.

the settings section in the task manager

Task Manager's Efficiency Mode

Efficiency Mode is a brand-new feature, although a similar feature called "Eco Mode" exists in Windows 10.

With Efficiency Mode, you can control an app or process's access to system resources. Efficiency Mode is a useful feature when your CPU is overworked or you're looking to reduce power consumption.

However, if you're having to run too many processes in Efficiency mode, you might consider disabling those processes, assuming it's safe to do so. Alternatively, you might consider upgrading your hardware.

To run a process in Efficiency mode, select it and click on the Efficiency mode button at the top right. Alternatively, you can also right-click on a process and select Efficiency mode. When a process is running in Efficiency mode, you'll see the green leaves icon next to it.

microsoft edge running in efficiency mode

New Keyboard Shortcuts

The new Task Manager has several new keyboard shortcuts for you to learn. Here are the shortcuts and the actions they perform:

Alt + E: Terminates a process or app (the same action as pressing the End task button)

Alt + N: Opens the Create new task dialog (the same action as pressing the Run new task button)

Alt + V: Enables Efficiency mode for a selected process (assuming efficiency mode is supported for the selected process)

Ctrl + Tab: Takes you to the next tab

Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Takes you to the previous tab

The Revamped Task Manager Blends Is a Welcome Addition to Windows 11

Most changes in the changes Task Manager are visual. Microsoft seems to not want to change a lot in the Task Manager anyway since it has remained pretty much the same for a while, which makes sense—if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Task Manager is a great built-in resource, but did you know you can also replace the Task Manager with a third-party app?