How to use the Windows Task Scheduler


First of all, you may find it difficult even to locate the Scheduler! This application does not have a direct reference in the Windows Control Panel. You need first to go to Administrative Tools in order to open the Task Scheduler. Of course you can also type the first letters of Task Scheduler at the Windows Start Screen/Menu in order to locate and run it immediately.

Two key concepts are involved in scheduling a task: triggers and actions. A trigger causes a task to run. A task may contain a lot of actions. For example, you can run a program immediately or after x minutes from Windows start, send an e-mail when a certain event is logged, etc. Occurrences that can trigger a task to run include: a computer starting up, a computer entering an idle state, or a user unlocking a workstation. In addition, you can schedule a task to run at a specified time.

To create a task, go to the Scheduler’s File menu > Create Task. On the General tab of the Create Task dialog box, enter a name for the task. On the Triggers tab click the New button to create a trigger for the task (to run it on Windows Startup or at a specific time, etc). On the Actions tab click the New button to create an action for the task. You may not need to change anything at all in the Conditions or Settings tab, but have a look there anyway.

Click the OK button on the Create Task dialog box. That’s it!