How to create an automated task using Task Scheduler on Windows 10

Task Scheduler can automate tasks on Windows 10, and in this guide, I’ll show you how.

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OnWindows 10, the Task Scheduler lets you create and run tasks automatically, and in this guide, I’ll outline the steps to complete the process. Typically, the operating system and certain apps use the scheduler to automate maintenance tasks (such as disk defragmentation, disk cleanup, and updates). However, you can use it to automate your own tasks. For example, you can launch programs, run commands, and execute scripts at a specific time or trigger tasks when a specific event occurs.

Task Scheduler monitors the system’s time and events to execute the task as soon as the condition is met.

When trying to use the scheduler app to run a task at a specific time or when an event occurs, you can create a task in at least two ways using the basic and advanced settings.

In thishow-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to get started with the Task Scheduler experience to automate tasks on your computer.

How to create a basic task on Task Scheduler

How to create a basic task on Task Scheduler

To create a task with basic settings on Windows 10, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, Task Scheduler will save the task and run automatically on the specified schedule and event triggers.

How to create an advanced task on Task Scheduler

How to create an advanced task on Task Scheduler

To create a task using advanced settings on Windows 10, use these steps:

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After you complete the steps, authenticate with your account credentials, and then the task will run automatically, according to the configurations.

How to run, edit, and delete a task on Task Scheduler

Once you’ve created the task, you can use these steps to view, edit, delete, or run:

You can also view the task information on the page, such as the triggers, when the task runs last, and when it’ll run the next time.

Alternatively, you can always select the task and use the"Actions"pane on the right to perform actions, such as run, end quickly, disable, and edit the job.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.