Set Task Manager Default Tab Using Regedit

By default, the Windows Task Manager opens directly to the Processes tab, but you can force it to open to any specific tab using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit). This guide walks you through navigating the registry, creating or modifying the required registry value, and setting the correct numeric identifier for your preferred default startup tab.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow administrative access.

Step 2: Navigate to the Task Manager Registry Key

In the Registry Editor address bar at the top, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TaskManager

Step 3: Create or Modify the StartUpTab Value

1. Look in the right-hand pane for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named StartUpTab.
2. If StartUpTab does not exist:
   • Right-click an empty space in the right pane.
   • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   • Name the new value StartUpTab and press Enter.
3. Double-click StartUpTab to open its edit window.
4. Set the Base to Decimal.

Step 4: Enter the Value Data for Your Desired Tab

In the Value data field, enter the number that corresponds to the tab you want Task Manager to open to:

• 0 = Processes
• 1 = Performance
• 2 = App history
• 3 = Startup / Startup apps
• 4 = Users
• 5 = Details
• 6 = Services

Step 5: Save and Verify

1. Click OK to save the changes.
2. Close the Registry Editor.
3. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to verify that it now launches directly to your designated default tab.