Windows 11 Task Manager Update: Say Goodbye to Confusing CPU Usage!

Microsoft wrapped up last week with a bunch of Windows 11 Insider Builds.

1. For users on the Canary Channel, they can update to Build 27802. On the other hand, individuals in the Beta Channel who have opted for updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2 will receive either Build 22635.5015 or Build 26120.3360.

The last of those builds is also available through the Dev Channel.

Improving Windows 11 Task Manager

If you haven’t yet upgraded to the most recent Windows 11 Insider build, you could try a brief test to observe an unusual action in the Task Manager.

Check the CPU usage displayed in the Processes section of Task Manager, then switch to either the Performance tab or the Users tab to verify the CPU statistics as well.

It’s quite possible that you encountered three distinct CPU usage stats. Keep in mind that slight variations are normal due to the numerous tasks computers handle simultaneously. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes there can be a significant gap between these tabs.

In the future, you’ll notice that each tab in the Task Manager uses distinct approaches to compute its figures, but this is about to be streamlined.

Microsoft explains the change in its blog post about Windows 11 Insider Build 26120.3360:

We’re making an update to how Task Manager calculates CPU usage on its Processes, Performance, and Users pages. The updated method will use industry-standard metrics, ensuring consistent CPU workload display across all pages and compatibility with third-party tools. For users who prefer the old system, a new optional column called ‘CPU Utility’ (initially hidden) has been added to the Details tab. This column shows the previous CPU value used on the Processes page.

That change should make CPU usage a bit less confusing for those who open Task Manager.

Using emojis on Windows 11

Microsoft is also striving to simplify the usage of emojis within Windows 11. While the system currently provides a quick access key to the emoji panel (by pressing Windows and the period key), not everyone may be aware of this shortcut.

Testing a fresh system tray icon introduces an innovative method for accessing the emoji panel, enabling users to easily incorporate emojis, GIFs, and unique characters into their work.

Windows 11 Build 26120.3360: New Features

Choose what Lock screen widgets appear

Starting now, we’re making available lock screen widgets (previously known as “Weather and more”) to Windows Insiders within the European Economic Area (EEA). You can easily customize these widgets by adding, removing, or rearranging them according to your preferences. Available widgets include Weather, Watchlist, Sports, Traffic, among others, with those supporting the small sizing option being compatible for addition. To modify your lock screen widget settings, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Initially, we’re launching this feature for EEA Insiders and aim to extend it to other regions in due course. For now, Windows Insiders outside the EEA will still have the “Weather and more” experience.

In conjunction with that, we’re incorporating a fresh feature called “Lock Screen Widget Disable” for IT administrators. With this, they can deactivate lock screen widgets without affecting those on other parts of the PCs they supervise. To modify this setting, initiate the Local Group Policy Editor application and proceed to Computer Configurations > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets. Please note that currently, this feature is only compatible in EEA regions, but it will expand to accommodate more regions down the line as well.

Windows 11 Build 26120.3360: Changes and Improvements

We are beginning to roll out a change to the way Task Manager calculates CPU utilization for the Processes, Performance, and Users pages. Task Manager will now use the standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages and aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. For backward compatibility, a new optional column called CPU Utility is available (hidden by default) on the Details tab showing the previous CPU value used on the Processes page.

Windows Share

We are adding the ability to share directly to apps that support sharing in Windows when right-clicking on local files in File Explorer or the desktop.

2025-03-03 17:09