Windows SCHTASKS command

The Windows SCHTASKS command allows users to manage scheduled tasks efficiently through the command line interface. It enables users to create, modify, run, end, or delete tasks on a local or remote computer. With SCHTASKS, users can schedule tasks to run at specific times or events, ensuring that critical operations are performed automatically without manual intervention. This command provides a flexible and powerful way to automate processes and improve productivity by executing tasks according to a predefined schedule. Users can also use SCHTASKS to export/import task configurations, view existing tasks, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise with scheduled tasks.

SCHTASKS Syntax:

schtasks /parameter [option] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
/Create	Creates a new scheduled task.
/Delete	Deletes a scheduled task.
/Query	Displays all scheduled tasks.
/Run	Runs a scheduled task immediately.
/End	Stops a running task.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
/TN taskname	Specifies the name of the task.
/U username	Specifies the user context under which the task runs.
/P password	Specifies the password for the user specified with the /U parameter.
/S system	Specifies the remote system to connect to.
/F	Enables to forcefully terminate the task.

Caution

Exercise caution while using the schtasks command, especially when creating, deleting, or modifying scheduled tasks as it can affect system operations.

Create a Scheduled Task to Open Notepad

schtasks /create /tn "OpenNotepad" /tr "notepad.exe" /sc daily /st 08:00

Creates a scheduled task named “OpenNotepad” that opens Notepad daily at 8:00 AM.

Delete a Scheduled Task

schtasks /delete /tn "OpenNotepad" /f

Deletes the scheduled task named “OpenNotepad” without confirmation.

Display Details of All Scheduled Tasks

schtasks /query /fo list

Lists details of all scheduled tasks in the system in a list format.

Run a Scheduled Task Immediately

schtasks /run /tn "OpenNotepad"

Runs the scheduled task named “OpenNotepad” immediately.

Tip

When using the schtasks command in Windows, make sure to carefully review the options and values to ensure that the scheduled task is created or modified correctly.

How do I use schtasks in Windows?

To use the schtasks command in Windows, execute the following command:

schtasks /create /tn "MyTask" /tr "C:\path\to\program.exe" /sc daily /st 08:00

How do I schedule a task to run daily using schtasks?

To schedule a task to run daily with schtasks, use the following command:

schtasks /create /tn "DailyTask" /tr "C:\path\to\script.bat" /sc daily /st 10:00

How can I list all scheduled tasks in Windows with schtasks?

To list all scheduled tasks in Windows using schtasks, run the following command:

schtasks /query

How do I delete a scheduled task using schtasks?

To delete a scheduled task with schtasks, use the following command:

schtasks /delete /tn "TaskName"

How can I run a scheduled task immediately in Windows using schtasks?

To run a scheduled task immediately in Windows with schtasks, execute the following command:

schtasks /run /tn "TaskName"

How can I export a scheduled task to an XML file using schtasks?

To export a scheduled task to an XML file in Windows with schtasks, run the following command:

schtasks /query /tn "TaskName" /xml > "C:\path\to\output.xml"

How do I enable or disable a scheduled task using schtasks?

To enable or disable a scheduled task using schtasks in Windows, use the following commands:

schtasks /change /tn "TaskName" /disable
schtasks /change /tn "TaskName" /enable

Applications of the SCHTASKS Command

• Create tasks
• Delete tasks
• Query tasks
• Run tasks
• End tasks
• Change task properties
• Enable/disable tasks
• Import/export tasks
• Start/stop tasks
• Show task history