Windows 11 Task Manager Bug Creates Performance Nightmare

According to The Verge, Windows 11 users are experiencing a bizarre bug in the optional KB5067036 update that causes Task Manager to duplicate instead of closing when users click the “X” button. The issue, reported by Reddit users and journalist Tom Warren, prevents Task Manager from properly shutting down and instead keeps multiple instances running in the background, consuming CPU and RAM resources. Microsoft’s update notes mention fixing app grouping in Task Manager but don’t acknowledge this duplication bug, and the company’s official documentation still states they’re “not currently aware of any issues with this update.” Temporary workarounds include using the “End task” button within Task Manager or running a specific command prompt instruction to force-close all instances. This unusual behavior highlights ongoing quality control challenges in Windows updates.

The Technical Roots of Window Management Failures

This duplication bug reveals deeper issues with Windows 11‘s window management architecture. The fact that clicking the close button triggers duplication rather than termination suggests a fundamental breakdown in how the operating system handles application lifecycle events. In normal operation, the “X” button sends a WM_CLOSE message to the application, which should trigger a clean shutdown sequence. The duplication behavior indicates that either this message isn’t being processed correctly, or the Task Manager process is failing to terminate while simultaneously spawning new instances. This type of software bug is particularly concerning because it affects a core system utility that users rely on for troubleshooting other application issues.

Microsoft’s Growing Quality Assurance Problem

What’s most troubling about this incident isn’t the bug itself, but Microsoft’s apparent lack of awareness despite widespread user reporting. The company’s insistence that they’re “not currently aware of any issues” while multiple users document the problem on social media and tech publications suggests a disconnect between Microsoft’s internal testing and real-world usage patterns. This follows a pattern of recent Windows updates introducing significant regressions, raising questions about whether Microsoft’s accelerated release schedule is compromising thorough testing. The optional nature of this update provides some protection, but the fact that such a fundamental flaw made it through quality assurance indicates potential gaps in Microsoft’s testing protocols for core system components.

Resource Drain and System Stability Risks

Multiple Task Manager instances running simultaneously create a compounding performance problem that could severely impact system stability. Each duplicate instance consumes additional CPU cycles and memory, creating a feedback loop where users might open more Task Manager windows to diagnose the performance degradation caused by… more Task Manager windows. This becomes particularly problematic on systems with limited resources, where the cumulative effect of multiple instances could trigger memory pressure, increased swap file usage, and overall system sluggishness. The workaround of using taskkill commands requires technical knowledge that average users may not possess, leaving them trapped in a cycle of deteriorating performance.

What This Means for Windows Update Strategy

This incident underscores the inherent risks in modern operating system development cycles, where rapid iteration can sometimes outpace comprehensive testing. Microsoft’s shift toward more frequent, smaller updates was intended to provide faster fixes and features, but bugs like this Task Manager duplication suggest the approach may need refinement. The company faces a difficult balancing act between delivering timely improvements and maintaining system stability. For enterprise environments, where system reliability is paramount, such bugs reinforce the importance of delayed update adoption and thorough testing before deployment. As Windows continues to evolve, Microsoft may need to reconsider its testing methodologies for core system components to prevent similar issues from reaching users.