Overview
- Microsoft’s November security and quality update KB5068861 (OS builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171) resolves a bug that kept taskmgr.exe running after the window was closed.
- After the October 28 KB5067036 preview, closing Task Manager via the X button did not end the process, causing multiple background instances that could degrade performance over time.
- Windows Latest measured each hidden instance using roughly 20–25 MB of RAM and up to about 1.5% CPU, which could add up on systems where Task Manager was opened frequently.
- Independent testing verifies that installing KB5068861 immediately restores normal Task Manager behavior, and Microsoft advises users to apply the update.
- Users unable to update right away can temporarily end all lingering processes manually, including via an elevated Command Prompt using: taskkill.exe /im taskmgr.exe /f.