Fixing the Windows 11 Task Manager Duplication Issue

Have you recently installed the optional KB5067036 update for Windows 11 and found that your Task Manager is duplicating? You’re not alone in this issue, which can lead to multiple instances of the application consuming excessive RAM and CPU resources. In this article, we will discuss effective workarounds to resolve this frustrating glitch.

Understanding the Task Manager Duplication Bug

The Task Manager duplication bug on Windows 11 emerged following the October 2025 optional update (KB5067036), primarily impacting builds 26100.7019 and 26200.7019. This glitch occurs when you exit the Task Manager using the “X” button; instead of properly terminating, the process continues to run in the background. The next time you open Task Manager, you may notice multiple “taskmgr.exr” entries in the Details tab, each utilizing approximately 20-25MB of RAM and some CPU resources.

Fortunately, since KB5067036 is an optional update, users who have not installed it can simply wait for Microsoft to issue a fix in a future update.

Determining if You’re Impacted

To check for the Task Manager duplication bug, simply follow these steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
Close it by clicking the “X” button.
Repeat this process 5-10 times.

Next, switch to the Details tab and look for all instances of taskmgr.exe.

If you observe multiple entries, you are indeed affected. You may also see several Task Manager instances listed under the Processes tab. Should your device feel sluggish or exhibit high memory usage, consider exploring our tips for managing memory consumption in Windows.

Solutions to Resolve the Issue

Here are a few methods you can employ to terminate the duplicate processes and avoid future issues:

1. Manually End the Tasks

In the Processes tab of Task Manager, right-click each entry for Task Manager and select End Task. Although this method can be time-consuming, it is effective. You can simplify this task by adding the End Task option to your taskbar.

If you seek a quicker resolution, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command: taskkill /im taskmgr.exe /f.

Use Command Line Clear Task Manager Duplication

This command will promptly terminate all instances of Task Manager. Alternatively, you can restart your PC for a temporary fix.

2. Remove KB5067036 Update

If the duplication issue persists, navigate to Settings -> Windows Update -> Update history -> Uninstall updates to select KB5067036 and restart your device.

3. Safely Enable Features with ViVeTool

If you wish to retain the benefits of the update without experiencing the bug, consider using ViVeTool from GitHub. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and input the following command: vivetool /enable /id:49407484, 57048231 and restart your system.

For those inclined, some users offer a .reg file for conducting registry edits on GitHub under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Ensure you back up your registry prior to modifications and can undo changes with the following command:

REG DELETE "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\14" /f

Microsoft’s Acknowledgment and Next Steps

Microsoft has recognized the Task Manager duplication issue as a known problem and suggests manually ending the process or utilizing the command-line approach, particularly cautioning frequent users regarding possible performance declines.

Anticipate a comprehensive fix in the upcoming cumulative update or patch. Until then, users may choose to uninstall the problematic update or implement the aforementioned workarounds.

If you have not yet installed the update, consider postponing until a reliable fix is available due to recent quality control concerns across Windows builds. For additional tips and tricks, refer to our comprehensive Task Manager guide.

While the Task Manager duplication bug might not crash your system, it can significantly drain memory and hinder performance. Utilize these quick and effective solutions—whether manually terminating tasks, leveraging the Command Prompt, or uninstalling KB5067036—to ensure your PC operates efficiently.

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