A Bizarre Windows 11 Bug Duplicates Task Manager Instead of Closing It

Windows 11 users are encountering a baffling glitch where clicking the “X” button to close Task Manager spawns duplicate windows instead. The bug, reported across forums and social media, turns a simple task into an unexpected spectacle.

How the Task Manager Duplication Bug Works

Users describe a frustrating loop:
1. Click the “X” to close Task Manager.
2. The window briefly disappears.
3. It reappears—sometimes with multiple copies.

Reddit and Microsoft Community threads overflow with anecdotes:
– “Closed Task Manager three times and ended up with three instances. Is this a feature?”
– “My PC is now a Task Manager vending machine!”

Possible Causes of the Bug

While unconfirmed by Microsoft, tech analysts suggest:
– Race condition: The system fails to fully terminate Task Manager before reopening it.
– Shell integration issue: A flaw in how Windows 11 handles window management commands.
– Update-related trigger: Reports spike after Windows 11 22H2/23H2 updates, hinting at a recent code hiccup.

4 Temporary Fixes for the Task Manager Bug

Until Microsoft patches the issue, try these workarounds:

1. End Task via System Tray

Right-click the Task Manager icon in the tray > End Task.

2. Use Task Manager to Kill Itself

• Open Task Manager > Details tab.
• Locate Taskmgr.exe > End Task.

3. Force Close with Keyboard Shortcuts

Select Task Manager and press Alt + F4 (often more reliable than the “X”).

4. Restart Windows Explorer

Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe

Microsoft’s Response and Future Fixes

No official acknowledgment exists yet. Historically, such bugs are resolved in cumulative updates—so submit reports via Feedback Hub to accelerate a fix.

Windows 11’s History of Odd Glitches

This joins a growing list of quirks, including:
– Start menu disappearing acts.
– File Explorer memory leaks.
– Inconsistent right-click menus.

While Windows 11 excels in design, stability remains a pain point for power users.

Final Word

If your Task Manager has developed a cloning habit, use the workarounds above. Share your experience in the comments—and may your task management stay (somewhat) under control!