What Task Scheduler is actually for
Anything that needs to happen on a repeating schedule β a nightly backup script, a program that should launch automatically at login, a cleanup task that runs weekly β is a good candidate for Task Scheduler. Once configured, Windows runs the task in the background at the specified time without any manual action, even if no one is actively using the computer.
Going beyond a basic task
The basic task wizard covers most everyday needs, but Task Scheduler also supports more advanced triggers, like running a task only when the computer has been idle for a set time, or chaining multiple actions together for one trigger. For anything mission-critical, it's worth checking the task's history in the app afterward to confirm it actually ran successfully rather than assuming it did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the computer need to be turned on for a scheduled task to run?
Yes, in most default configurations the computer needs to be on (or wake from sleep, if that option is enabled) at the scheduled time for the task to run.
Can I schedule a task to run only once instead of repeating?
Yes. When setting the trigger, choose the "One time" option and specify the exact date and time instead of a recurring schedule.