10 ways to open the Computer Management tool in Windows (all versions)
The Computer Management app is included in all modern versions of Windows, and it acts like a control panel for many advanced administration tools: Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Performance Monitor, Device Manager, Disk Management, Services and Applications, and more. We like using it for troubleshooting and system administration tasks because it offers easy access to so many tools. In this tutorial, we show all the methods we know for opening the Computer Management tool in Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1:
NOTE: This guide covers Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. Some methods work in all three versions of Windows, others just in one or two. For each method, we mention the Windows version in which it works. If you do not know the version of Windows that you have, read this tutorial: What version of Windows do I have installed?
1. Use search (all Windows versions)
One of the easiest ways is to use the search. In Windows 10, enter the words "computer management" in the search field on the taskbar and then click or tap the search result with the same name.
Also in Windows 7, the fastest way to launch Computer Management is to use the search box from the Start Menu. Enter the words "computer management" and then click the appropriate search result.
In Windows 8.1, you can use search by switching to the Start screen and then starting to type "computer management." Once the search results are shown, click or tap "Administrative Tools," and then open Computer Management.
2. Use the Control Panel (all Windows versions)
Another way to open Computer Management in all Windows versions involves using the Control Panel. Open Control Panel, go to "System and Security" and then click or tap "Administrative Tools."
A list of administrative tools is shown. Double-click or double-tap Computer Management.
3. Use the Start Menu to find Computer Management (Windows 10 only)
In Windows 10, there is also a Computer Management shortcut in the Start Menu. To use it, click or tap Start, and scroll down the list of apps to those that start with the letter W. There, open the Windows Administrative Tools folder, and click or tap Computer Management.
Unfortunately, older Windows versions do not include a similar shortcut.
4. Use Cortana (Windows 10 only)
In Windows 10, you can use your voice to talk to Cortana: on the right side of the search box from the taskbar, click or tap the microphone icon to make Cortana listen to you. Alternatively, you can also say "Hey Cortana," if you enabled this feature of hers. Then, say "Open Computer Management."
You can also try other similar commands, such as "Launch Computer Management."
5. Use the WinX menu (Windows 10 and Windows 8.1)
In Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, another fast way to launch Computer Management is to use the power user menu. Open this menu, with a right-click or long tap on the Start button. You can also press the Win + X keys on your keyboard. Then, click or tap the Computer Management option from the menu.
6. Create a shortcut and pin it on your desktop (all Windows versions)
You can also create a shortcut for Computer Management and place it on your desktop or someplace else. When you create the shortcut, use the command compmgmt.msc as the target.
If you do not know how to create shortcuts, read this guide: How to create shortcuts for apps, files, folders and web pages in Windows.
7. Use the Run window (all Windows versions)
The Run window is another quick method to open system tools in Windows. You can also use it to open Computer Management. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open Run, enter the command compmgmt.msc, and then press Enter or OK.
8. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell (all Windows versions)
You can also open Computer Management from the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Type the command mmc compmgmt.msc and press Enter on the keyboard.
9. Use Task Manager (all Windows versions)
The Task Manager can also be used for launching the Computer Management tool. First press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager. If you are doing this on a Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 PC, and the Task Manager opens up in its compact mode, click or tap "More details." Then, open the File menu, go to "Run new task," and type the command compmgmt.msc. Finally, press Enter on your keyboard or the OK button.
10. Use the Computer Management shortcut from our collection (all versions of Windows)
We have created the most extensive collection of shortcuts for Windows. Download it, extract it and you can find the Computer Management shortcut in the Administration Tools sub-folder for your Windows version.
Are you using Computer Management?
As mentioned in the introduction of this tutorial, we use Computer Management for lots of administration and troubleshooting tasks. We encourage you to try it out, learn how to access it and use it. Before closing this article, share with us your favorite method for opening it. Comment below and let's discuss.