This method often comes in handy especially when the mouse is not working or something has crashed that you cannot interact with the desktop. When this particular combination of shortcut keys is executed (while holding CTRL and SHIFT, press on ESC), Windows will instantly bring up the task manager. 3 other methods on how to open task manager in Windows 11 CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keyboard shortcut keysĪ much better method to quickly open task manager is by pressing the keyboard shortcut keys – CTRL + SHIFT + ESC.