Task scheduler allows you to automate tasks, run scripts, or launch programs at a pre-defined time or even specific intervals. Although it empowers users to streamline their Windows experience, not many know about this feature, let alone the thought of using it.
In this guide, you will learn how to open Task Scheduler in Windows 10. Not just one but all the methods to access Task Scheduler, allowing you to schedule a task regardless of where you are in Windows 10.
Method 1. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 by Using Search
The Search menu is the most obvious approach to finding anything on Windows. So, let us first look at how to open the task scheduler on Windows 10 via the good old search menu. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1. Hover to the Search(🔎) bar or just press Win(⊞) Key to quickly reach the Search.
Step 2. Type in Task Scheduler and click the first application listed in the “Best match” results. Or, click Open in the right pane to do the same.
As simple as eating a pie. But there are also other simple methods to locate Windows task scheduler too. Keep scrolling to learn them.
Method 2. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 from the Start Menu
From system setting of the highest order to locating a file, the highly customizable Start menu incorporates everything accessible on Windows. Needless to say, it includes Task Scheduler too.
Follow these simple instructions to learn how to open the task scheduler on Windows 10:
Step 1. Press the Win(⊞) Key to open the Start menu on Windows 10.
Alternatively, you can navigate to the Win(⊞) logo (otherwise known as the Start menu).
Step 2. Scroll down to the Windows Administrative tool option within the “W” section.
Step 3. Click on the dropdown arrow (v) to view all the applications within it.
Step 4. Select Task Scheduler to open it.
There you go! Another straightforward to access the Task Scheduler.
Method 3. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 via the Run Command Window
The Run box is a single-line command window that can directly give you access to all files and most settings on Windows if you know the path. Even the internet pages.
Here’s the command and steps to locate Task Scheduler via the Run command window:
Step 1. Press Win(⊞)+R keys at once to open the Run box on Windows 10.
Step 2. Type in taskschd.msc and press Enter.
Once you press Enter or click OK, the task scheduler on Windows 10 will open.
Method 4. Open the Task Scheduler by Using the Command Prompt or PowerShell
Like the Run window, Command Prompt and PowerShell are also command-line interpreters, but with advanced functions and access. Nonetheless, the command to open the task scheduler remains the same regardless of whether it is Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Follow these simple steps to use Command Prompt or PowerShell and schedule a task in Windows 10:
Step 1. Hover to the Search(🔎) bar and type in Command Prompt, and open it. Similarly, type in PowerShell and open it if you want to utilize it instead.
Step 2. Within PowerShell or Command Prompt, type in taskschd.msc.
Press Enter to open the task scheduler.
As stated, irrespective of the command-line you are using, i.e., the Run, Command Prompt, or the PowerShell — the command or path to reach the task scheduler on Windows 10 remains the same.
Also, you can utilize the same method on the earlier version of Windows.
Method 5. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 from the Control Panel
Control Panel, or to the older settings, includes an applet named Administrative tools that contains numerous advanced tools, and task scheduler is one of them.
Follow these simple instructions to access the Task Scheduler from the Control Panel:
Step 1. Hover to the Search, and type in Control Panel.
Press Enter to open the Control Panel.
Step 2. Choose System & Security.
Step 3. Under the last option — Administrative Tools; select Schedule Task.
As soon as you select the option, Task Scheduler will open, and you can schedule a task in Windows 10 using it.
Alternatively, to make this process convenient, change the “View by: Category” to “View by: Small icons” or Large icons from the upper-right corner.
- Select the Administrative Tools option. Alphabetically arranged, so it will be the first option.
- A new window will pop up; select the Task Scheduler shortcut.
Also: To create a desktop shortcut, instead of opening the Task Scheduler
- Right-click on the Task Scheduler option.
- From the context menu, navigate to Send to.
- Select Desktop(create shortcut).
Method 6. Create A Shortcut for Task Scheduler in Windows 10
In the earlier method, you have already learned one manner to create a shortcut for Task Scheduler. But you can also take a different approach to create a desktop shortcut directly from the desktop itself.
Here’s how to create a Desktop Shortcut for Task Scheduler on Windows 10:
Step 1. Right-click on an empty section on your Desktop. Choose New. From the context menu, select shortcut.
Step 2. On the new window, type in taskschd.msc — in the location box.
Click Next.
Step 3. On the next window, type in Task Scheduler in the name box.
Click Finish.
You will now see the Task Scheduler icon on the desktop. You can click on it like any other application and schedule a task with ease.
Method 7. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 via the Task Manager
While people recognize Task Manager for its application-closing traits, you can also utilize it to open a new task.
Here’s how to open Task Scheduler on Windows 10 via the Task Manager:
Step 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys at once to open to the Task Manager on Windows 10.
Step 2. From the top menu, click File.
Select Run new task.
Step 2. Selecting the option will open a dialog box.
Type in taskschd.msc and press Enter.
There you go! The moment hit the Enter key — Task Manager will initiate the new task, i.e., Task Scheduler on Windows.
Method 8. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 via the Computer Management
Computer Management includes several management tools, and you guessed it — of course, the first in its set of tools is the Task Scheduler.
Here’s the way to access the Task Scheduler from within Computer Management:
Step 1. Search for Computer Management from the Search. Press Enter to open the Computer Management.
Step 2. On the left pane, expand System Tools.
From the list of options, choose Task Scheduler.
You do not even have to use the earlier-mentioned method if you already have a Computer Management shortcut on Windows 10; since you can use this whenever you have to schedule a task on Windows 10.
FAQs About Task Scheduler in Windows 10
1. What can I do with the Task Scheduler?
As stated earlier, you can use the Task Scheduler to automate tasks on Windows 10. It permits you to do anything from sending an automated email to play music at particular intervals daily.
Here’s an example of automating Shutdown using the Task Scheduler: Set-auto-shutdown-in-Windows 10
2. How to Schedule a Task on Windows 10?
Follow these simple instructions to Create Basic Task:
- Open Task Scheduler using any of the mentioned methods.
- Click on the Action menu, and select Creare Basic Task…, from the drop-down options.
- In the Name box, type in a preferred name. And also a Description (optional).
- Select Next to proceed.
- In the next window (the Trigger), you will have to define when do you need the scheduled task to start. After selecting, click Next.
- Based on your selection, you will have to specify a Time and Day —to start the program at that particular instance. Click Next.
- On the next page, choose the desired Basic Task: Start a Program, Send an email, Display a message.
- Depending on your selection, Windows will ask you to perform an action. For instance, if you select Start a Program — you will have to Browse the path. And click on Finish to schedule the task successfully.
- But if you have chosen other options like — Display a message or send an email, the options will differ.
Following the above instructions, you can schedule a Basic Task on Windows 10. Besides creating a Basic Task, you can also create Advanced Tasks using it.
3. How to run, edit, or delete an existing Task?
Follow these steps:
- Open the Task Scheduler.
- Select the previously created task from the Task Scheduler Library.
- Once located, right-click on it and choose Run to run the task. Choose Delete to delete it, and Choose Properties to edit it.
4. What are the alternatives to the Task Scheduler in Windows 10?
You can also use paid and free third-party applications to schedule a task more conveniently:
Some renowned ones are:
- Advanced Task Scheduler — Paid.
- Z-Cron — Free for personal use.
- RoboIntern — Free.
- Task Till Dawn — Free.
- System Scheduler — Paid.
Conclusion
As you have seen, Task Scheduler can trigger any task regardless it is on a Windows computer like displaying a message, play video, music, or even on the internet like Send an email, Scheduled post on Facebook and Twitter. Now that you know how to open the task scheduler on Windows 10, you will utilize it more often.
