RIVET
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Classic and XP-style task managers for Windows 10 and 11
Short answer: for the Windows XP Task Manager rebuilt as faithfully as possible, use Task Manager 98 (free, open source). For the XP look with focus timers, tasks and a rank ladder added, use RIVET XP (free, on the Microsoft Store). Both run on Windows 10 and 11, and neither is made by Microsoft.
Windows 11's Task Manager was redesigned with a navigation pane instead of the old tab strip. If you miss the XP-era version, with its tabs, black graphs and green traces, these apps bring that feel back. This page is written by the developer of RIVET XP.
RIVET XP
A free, original task manager styled after the Windows XP era, released for XP's 25th anniversary. Performance graphs, a live process list, focus timers with a focus guard, a task list, and an XP rank ladder that pays +25 XP for every finished 25-minute sprint. It has no AI and makes no network connections. Installs from the Microsoft Store; Windows 10 and 11, x64.
Task Manager 98
A free, open-source (MPL-2.0) rewrite in Go of the Windows 98, NT4 and XP Task Manager, aiming for feature parity with version 5.1 from 2001, including Applications, Processes, Performance and Networking views. Builds for Windows 11 x64 and Arm64, and a standalone EXE that runs on Windows 10 and 11. Downloads from GitHub. RIVET XP vs Task Manager 98.
The built-in Task Manager
Windows 10 and 11 still include Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). It is the most capable of the three for everyday use, just not in the classic style.
Which to choose
| You want | Pick |
|---|---|
| The XP Task Manager, as close to the original as possible | Task Manager 98 |
| Open source, or an Arm64 PC | Task Manager 98 |
| The XP look plus focus timers, tasks and ranks | RIVET XP |
| A signed Store install that updates itself | RIVET XP |
| The most features, any look | The built-in Task Manager, or RIVET for startup apps, services and settings with undo |
Questions
Can I get the Windows XP Task Manager on Windows 11?
Not Microsoft's original, but you can run look-alikes: Task Manager 98 rebuilds the XP Task Manager feature for feature, and RIVET XP is an original XP-style task manager with focus timers and ranks. Both are free.
Are XP-style task managers safe?
Use ones from a source you trust. RIVET XP is signed and distributed through the Microsoft Store. Task Manager 98 publishes its source code on GitHub.
Is there a Task Manager with a Pomodoro timer?
Yes. RIVET XP includes focus timers (a Pomodoro-style 25-minute sprint by default, or other lengths) with a focus guard, and rewards each finished sprint with XP.