According to PCWorld, Microsoft has fixed a Windows 11 bug that kept Task Manager running in the background after users tried to close it. The problem began after October 28th updates when closing Task Manager didn’t actually end the process. This led to background instances consuming system resources, which compounded when users opened multiple Task Manager windows. Microsoft addressed the issue with yesterday’s update, build KB5068861, which specifically resolves the incomplete process termination. The update also fixed handheld gaming device bugs preventing low-power mode and controller input issues on login screens. These fixes come as Microsoft has particular interest in the growing handheld gaming market.
Why this bug was actually annoying
Look, Task Manager isn’t exactly a resource hog. But here’s the thing – when it doesn’t close properly, every time you open it again, you’re creating another instance. Basically, you could end up with multiple Task Managers running without even knowing it. And for people who rarely reboot their systems? That’s where the performance impact really adds up over time. It’s one of those “death by a thousand cuts” scenarios where background processes slowly eat away at your system’s responsiveness.
Microsoft’s gaming handheld attention
What’s interesting is that this same update fixed issues specifically for gaming handhelds. Now, why would Microsoft care so much about that niche? Well, with devices like the Steam Deck and various Windows-based handhelds gaining popularity, Microsoft has a vested interest in making sure Windows 11 plays nicely with this emerging hardware category. They can’t afford to lose this market to Linux or other alternatives. So these seemingly minor fixes actually reveal where Microsoft sees growth potential in the PC space.
The bigger picture for system stability
This whole situation highlights something important about modern computing. We’re increasingly relying on systems that run for weeks or months without full reboots. When core system tools like Task Manager – the very thing you use to monitor and manage processes – starts misbehaving, it undermines trust in the entire operating system. For professionals in industrial settings who depend on reliable computing, these kinds of stability issues are completely unacceptable. That’s why companies working with critical systems often turn to specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US that prioritize reliability above all else.
What this means going forward
Microsoft’s relatively quick response here (about a month from problem identification to fix) shows they’re taking these quality-of-life issues seriously. But it also raises questions about their testing processes. How did a bug affecting something as fundamental as Task Manager closing make it through to public release? As Windows 11 continues evolving, especially with its focus on new form factors like handhelds, we’ll probably see more of these growing pains. The key will be how quickly Microsoft can identify and squash them before they impact too many users.
