As computer users, we often find ourselves multitasking and running multiple programs at once. However, there may be times when we need to pause or resume a specific external process in Windows. This could be due to various reasons such as conserving system resources, troubleshooting issues, or simply for personal preferences. In this article, we will explore different methods for pausing or resuming external processes in Windows.
Before we dive into the methods, it is important to understand what external processes are. In simple terms, external processes are programs or applications that are not a part of the Windows operating system. They are launched separately and run independently from the core system processes. Examples of external processes include web browsers, media players, or any other third-party software installed on your computer.
Method 1: Using Task Manager
The most common and straightforward method for pausing or resuming external processes is through the Task Manager. To access the Task Manager, simply right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the menu. Alternatively, you can press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" on your keyboard.
Once the Task Manager opens, click on the "Processes" tab. This will display a list of all the processes currently running on your system. Look for the process you want to pause or resume, right-click on it, and select "Suspend" or "Resume" from the menu. This will temporarily pause or resume the process, respectively.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Another way to pause or resume external processes is through the Command Prompt. This method is useful when you want to pause or resume a process that is not listed in the Task Manager. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press "Windows + R" on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type "tasklist" without the quotation marks and press Enter. This will display a list of all the running processes on your system.
4. Look for the process you want to pause or resume and make note of its "PID" (Process ID) number.
5. To pause the process, type "taskkill /pid [PID number] /suspend" without the brackets and press Enter. This will temporarily suspend the process.
6. To resume the process, type "taskkill /pid [PID number] /resume" without the brackets and press Enter.
Method 3: Using Resource Monitor
Windows also has a built-in tool called Resource Monitor, which can be used to pause or resume external processes. To access Resource Monitor, follow these steps:
1. Press "Windows + R" on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "resmon" and press Enter.
3. In the Resource Monitor window, click on the "CPU" tab.
4. Look for the process you want to pause or resume and right-click on it.
5. Select "Suspend Process" or "Resume Process" from the menu.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party Software
If you often need to pause or resume external processes, you may consider using a third-party software that offers this functionality. There are several free and paid tools available online that can help you manage and control external processes easily.
In conclusion, pausing or resuming external processes in Windows is a simple task that can be done using various methods. Whether you prefer using the built-in tools or third-party software, knowing how to pause or resume processes can come in handy in various situations. So the next time you need to temporarily stop or start a specific external process, you know exactly what to do.
