Windows 11 Task Manager Gets a User-Friendly Numbers Overhaul
▼ Summary
– Microsoft continues refining Windows 11 with small updates for traditional users, alongside its focus on AI and Copilot features.
– A new Windows Insider update allows the Taskbar on secondary monitors to show the calendar and Notification Center, not just the primary display.
– Task Manager is being updated to standardize CPU usage calculations across all tabs, fixing inconsistencies in reporting.
– Previously, the Processes tab in Task Manager miscalculated CPU usage by not accounting for core count, while other tabs did.
– The updated Task Manager change, tested since February, is now re-enabled in Insider builds and includes an optional “CPU Utility” column for legacy data.
Microsoft continues refining Windows 11 with subtle yet impactful changes that improve daily usability, even as AI features dominate headlines. The latest Windows Insider updates demonstrate this commitment through practical tweaks to core system tools, particularly benefiting power users who rely on precise system monitoring.
One notable adjustment affects multi-monitor setups, where secondary displays now properly show calendar and notification center popups when clicking the taskbar. This eliminates the previous limitation where these features only appeared on the primary monitor. While seemingly minor, this change significantly improves workflow for professionals using extended desktop configurations.
The more substantial update involves Task Manager’s CPU measurement methodology, addressing a long-standing inconsistency that confused users. Previously, different tabs within the application displayed conflicting CPU utilization data due to varying calculation methods. The Processes tab notably used a misleading metric that could show 100% CPU usage for single-core operations, while the Performance tab presented accurate multi-core utilization percentages.
Microsoft’s solution standardizes these measurements across all Task Manager views, adopting industry-standard calculations that match third-party monitoring tools. This ensures users get consistent, meaningful data regardless of which tab they view. The company initially tested this change in February but temporarily rolled it back to resolve technical issues. Its reappearance in current Insider builds signals imminent public release.
For compatibility purposes, Microsoft includes an optional “CPU Utility” column in the Details tab, disabled by default, which displays the legacy measurement style. This accommodates specialized workflows or applications that might rely on the previous calculation method. These thoughtful refinements demonstrate Microsoft’s attention to detail in polishing Windows 11’s core functionality, proving that behind the flashy AI announcements, fundamental system improvements continue receiving careful consideration.
(Source: Ars Technica)
