Skip to content
My Docs site

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:

Section titled “SCHTASKS Syntax:”
Terminal window
schtasks /parameter [option] [parameter]

Options:

Section titled “Options:”
OptionDescription
/CreateCreates a new scheduled task.
/DeleteDeletes a scheduled task.
/QueryDisplays all scheduled tasks.
/RunRuns a scheduled task immediately.
/EndStops a running task.

Parameters:

Section titled “Parameters:”
ParameterDescription
/TN tasknameSpecifies the name of the task.
/U usernameSpecifies the user context under which the task runs.
/P passwordSpecifies the password for the user specified with the /U parameter.
/S systemSpecifies the remote system to connect to.
/FEnables to forcefully terminate the task.

Create a Scheduled Task to Open Notepad

Section titled “Create a Scheduled Task to Open Notepad”
Terminal window
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

Section titled “Delete a Scheduled Task”
Terminal window
schtasks /delete /tn "OpenNotepad" /f

Deletes the scheduled task named “OpenNotepad” without confirmation.

Display Details of All Scheduled Tasks

Section titled “Display Details of All Scheduled Tasks”
Terminal window
schtasks /query /fo list

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

Run a Scheduled Task Immediately

Section titled “Run a Scheduled Task Immediately”
Terminal window
schtasks /run /tn "OpenNotepad"

Runs the scheduled task named “OpenNotepad” immediately.

How do I use schtasks in Windows?

Section titled “How do I use schtasks in Windows?”

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

Terminal window
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?

Section titled “How do I schedule a task to run daily using schtasks?”

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

Terminal window
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?

Section titled “How can I list all scheduled tasks in Windows with schtasks?”

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

Terminal window
schtasks /query

How do I delete a scheduled task using schtasks?

Section titled “How do I delete a scheduled task using schtasks?”

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

Terminal window
schtasks /delete /tn "TaskName"

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

Section titled “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:

Terminal window
schtasks /run /tn "TaskName"

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

Section titled “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:

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

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

Section titled “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:

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

Applications of the SCHTASKS Command

Section titled “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