The three-key sequence is Ctrl + Alt + Del on a Windows computer.

What this shortcut does

  • Brings up a security options screen where you can:
    • Open Task Manager
    • Lock the computer
    • Log off / Sign out
    • Change password
    • Shut down or restart the computer

Quick extra tip

On modern Windows versions, you can also open Task Manager directly with Ctrl + Shift + Esc , but the specific three-key sequence that also lets you log off or restart is still Ctrl + Alt + Del.

So if your system is acting up and you need options fast, press **Ctrl + Alt

  • Del** to get to Task Manager or to log off/restart.

TL;DR: The answer to “what three-key sequence will bring up the task manager or allow a user to log off or restart the computer?” is Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.