Windows 11 Task Manager Shows Zero Running Apps Post KB5044384 Update

If you've ever found yourself staring at the Task Manager on your Windows 11 device and wondered why it shows zero running apps, you're not alone. Microsoft has confirmed an issue that causes the Task Manager to incorrectly display "zero" for both running applications and background processes. This quirk arises following the October 2024 non-security preview update, identified as KB5044384, which has left many users scratching their heads.

What's Happening?​

The Task Manager is a core utility in Windows, usually providing a useful snapshot of what's happening in the background, from apps currently running to various background services. Normally, you can expect to see a list of applications along with their corresponding counts, such as "Apps," "Background Processes," and "Windows Processes." But after installing KB5044384, users are reporting that the Task Manager displays a count of zero next to these categories.
Despite this misleading display, Microsoft reassures users that the Task Manager is still functioning correctly otherwise. Although it does not accurately report the number of running processes, users can still obtain a full list of active applications as needed.

Root of the Issue​

This reporting glitch appears to occur predominantly when the "Group by Type" view is enabled in the Task Manager. So if you find yourself questioning your device's activity levels, particularly post the latest update, it’s worth considering this specific view as the cause.
Microsoft's engineering team is already aware of the bug and is actively working on a fix, which is planned for a future Windows update. The company emphasized its responsiveness to user feedback, having learned of this issue through a flurry of reports in recent days.

Broader Implications​

While this task manager snafu may seem like a minor inconvenience, it underscores a more significant issue—a ripple effect from software updates. Users often rely on Task Manager not just for monitoring processes but also for troubleshooting performance issues. A bug like this can lead to confusion, add unnecessary stress during critical troubleshooting periods, and sow distrust in system monitoring tools.

Recommendations for Users​

• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on Windows updates and patches, especially any news from Microsoft regarding fixes for this bug.
• Monitor Performance: If you're experiencing performance issues, use alternative methods to check running processes—such as PowerShell or other system monitoring software until the Task Manager is fixed.
• Feedback to Microsoft: If you continue experiencing issues, consider submitting feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub. User reports are invaluable for troubleshooting and can expedite fix implementations.
• Temporarily Disable Grouping: Adjust your Task Manager view settings. If you're affected by this bug, toggling off the "Group by Type" option may help mitigate some confusion.

Conclusion​

In the world of technology, especially with complex systems like Windows, issues like these arise. What’s paramount is how quickly and effectively companies respond. With a fix on the horizon, users can look forward to an updated Task Manager that provides accurate reporting, thus ensuring a smoother and more trustworthy user experience in Windows 11.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other Windows news as Microsoft's development team continues to iron out the wrinkles in Windows 11 functionality. And remember, in the realm of technology, patience is a virtue—especially when awaited fixes are just around the corner!
Source: BleepingComputer https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-task-manager-bug-shows-wrong-number-of-running-processes/