Complete Guide: How to Fix Task Manager Not Showing Network Usage
Step-by-Step Solutions for Windows 10 & 11 Network Monitoring Issues
Understanding the Task Manager Network Issue
When Task Manager fails to display network usage, you lose visibility into which applications are consuming bandwidth, monitoring connection speeds, and troubleshooting network-related performance problems. This common Windows issue can stem from multiple sources.
Quick Fixes
Simple solutions that work in 2 minutes
Driver Solutions
Update, reinstall, or fix network drivers
Service Fixes
Restart essential Windows services
Advanced Methods
Registry edits & system file repairs
⚠️ Important: Before You Begin
Check your Windows version: Solutions may vary between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Most methods work for both, but some steps differ.
Create a restore point: Before making system changes, create a restore point as a safety net. Type “Create a restore point” in Windows search and follow the prompts.
Backup important data: While these fixes are generally safe, it’s always good practice to backup critical files.
Part 1: Quick Fixes (5 Minutes or Less)
Restart Task Manager & Network Adapter
The simplest solutions that fix the issue 30% of the time.
Method A: Restart Task Manager
Right-click Task Manager in taskbar → “Close window” or press Alt+F4 when focused
Right-click Start button → “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” → Type: taskmgr and press Enter
Method B: Toggle Network Adapter
Press Win+R → Type: ncpa.cpl → Press Enter
Right-click your active network adapter → “Disable” → Wait 10 seconds → Right-click again → “Enable”
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Go to Performance tab → Check if Network section appears
💡 Pro Tip: Keyboard Shortcut Method
For faster troubleshooting: Win+X → A (opens Admin Terminal) → Type: netsh interface set interface "Ethernet" admin=disable → Wait 5 seconds → Type: netsh interface set interface "Ethernet" admin=enable → Replace “Ethernet” with your adapter name.
Check Performance Monitor Settings
Windows Performance Monitor might be disabled or misconfigured.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Press Win+R → Type: perfmon → Press Enter
Expand “Data Collector Sets” → “System” → Right-click “System Performance” → “Start”
Open Admin Command Prompt → Type: lodctr /r → Press Enter → Restart computer
⚠️ Warning: Performance Counter Corruption
If lodctr /r fails: You may have corrupted performance counters. Try: unlodctr /q followed by lodctr /q in Admin Command Prompt.
System file check: If issues persist, run: sfc /scannow to check for corrupted system files.
Part 2: Network Driver Solutions
Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupt network drivers are the #1 cause of Task Manager network issues.
Method A: Automatic Driver Update
Right-click Start button → “Device Manager”
Find your network card (Ethernet or WiFi) → Right-click → “Update driver”
Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”
Method B: Manual Driver Installation
In Device Manager → Right-click adapter → Properties → Details tab → Property: “Hardware Ids”
Visit Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or Broadcom website based on your adapter
Run downloaded installer or use “Browse my computer for drivers” in Device Manager
Reinstall Network Adapter
Completely remove and reinstall network drivers to fix corruption.
Reinstallation Wizard
Use DriverStore Explorer or export drivers from Device Manager before removal
Device Manager → Network adapters → Right-click → Uninstall device → Check “Delete the driver software”
Action menu → Scan for hardware changes → Windows will reinstall basic drivers
Download latest drivers from manufacturer website and install
Driver Reinstallation Methods Comparison
| Method | Effectiveness | Risk | Time Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Reinstall | High | Low | 5-10 minutes | Minor driver corruption |
| Clean Reinstall (with tool) | Very High | Medium | 15-20 minutes | Persistent issues |
| Rollback Driver | Medium | Very Low | 2-3 minutes | Recent update issues |
| Generic Driver | Low | Low | 5 minutes | Compatibility testing |
💡 Pro Tip: Use Driver Removal Tools
Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): Can remove network drivers in Safe Mode for complete cleanup
Intel Driver & Support Assistant: Automatically detects and installs correct Intel network drivers
Snappy Driver Installer: Open-source tool with extensive driver database, works offline
Part 3: Windows Service Solutions
Restart Essential Services
Windows services required for network monitoring might be stopped or disabled.
Services to Check and Restart:
| Service Name | Description | Startup Type | Action if Stopped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Connections | Manages objects in Network Connections folder | Manual | Start service |
| Network List Service | Identifies networks, collects/store network data | Automatic | Start and set to Automatic |
| Network Location Awareness | Collects network configuration information | Automatic | Critical – Must be running |
| Performance Counter DLL Host | Hosts performance counter DLLs | Manual | Start if Task Manager shows errors |
| Performance Logs & Alerts | Collects performance data from local/remote computers | Manual | Start service |
How to Restart Services:
Press Win+R → Type: services.msc → Press Enter
For each service in table: Right-click → Properties → Startup type: Automatic → Click Start → Apply → OK
Reset Windows Performance Counters
Performance counters are essential for Task Manager’s network monitoring.
Complete Counter Reset Procedure:
⚠️ Advanced: Manual Counter Rebuilding
If automatic methods fail: Delete all files in C:\Windows\System32\wbem\Repository → Reboot → Windows will rebuild WMI repository automatically. This is a last resort method that requires administrative privileges.
Part 4: Advanced System Fixes
System File Checker (SFC) & DISM
Repair corrupted Windows system files that affect network monitoring.
Choose Your Corruption Level
Select based on your issue severity:
Step 1: Run System File Checker
Right-click Start → “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”
Step 2: Use DISM if SFC Fails
After DISM completes, restart computer and run sfc /scannow again
Registry Fix for Network Performance Counters
Manual registry edit to enable network performance monitoring.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING
Backup registry first: Press Win+R → Type: regedit → File → Export → Save full registry backup
Incorrect edits can break Windows: Follow exactly as shown below
Registry Key to Check/Modify:
Alternative: Rebuild Performance Registry Keys
Part 5: Troubleshooting Flowchart & Final Solutions
Systematic Troubleshooting Flowchart
Follow this decision tree to diagnose and fix your specific issue.
Diagnostic Wizard
Is your internet working? If NO → Fix network connection first
If YES → Does Task Manager show any performance tabs missing?
Based on diagnostic results, choose appropriate fix from previous sections
Solution Effectiveness by Issue Type
| Issue Type | Best Solution | Success Rate | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Corruption | Clean driver reinstall | 95% | 15 minutes |
| Service Stopped | Service restart & configuration | 90% | 5 minutes |
| Performance Counter Corruption | lodctr /R & winmgmt reset | 85% | 10 minutes |
| System File Corruption | SFC /scannow & DISM | 80% | 30-60 minutes |
| Registry Corruption | Manual registry repair | 75% | 20 minutes |
Final Resort: Network Reset & Windows Reinstall
When all else fails, these nuclear options will definitely work.
Option A: Windows Network Reset
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
This will remove and reinstall all network adapters, reset network configurations to default, and delete VPN connections
Click “Reset now” → Confirm → Computer will restart in 5 minutes
Option B: Windows In-Place Upgrade
Download Windows 10/11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft website
Mount ISO → Run setup.exe → Choose “Keep personal files and apps”
After upgrade completes, check if Task Manager network monitoring works
💡 Pro Tip: Third-Party Alternatives
Process Explorer: Microsoft’s advanced Task Manager replacement with detailed network stats (part of Sysinternals Suite)
GlassWire: Excellent network monitoring with firewall features and beautiful interface
NetBalancer: Monitor and control network usage per application with advanced features
Thanks for helping finally I fixed this