6 Ways to Fix Task Scheduler Not Working on Windows

Quick Tips

• Be sure to give your new task a unique name and description. This will help you identify and troubleshoot the task later if necessary.
• Ensure the correct trigger and action are specified when configuring a Task Scheduler task.
• Customize advanced settings, such as run level and security context, to your preferences.

Fix 1. Restart the Task Scheduler Service

One simple and effective troubleshooting step to fix this issue is to restart the Task Scheduler Service. Adhere to the procedures listed below to do so:

Step 1: Open Run prompt (Win + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate and right-click on Task Scheduler service and select Restart.

Note: If your Restart button is grayed out, your Task Scheduler is already running, or you’re not logged in as an administrator.

Step 3: You can also set Automatic from the drop-down list and click Start in the properties window.

Try running your scheduled tasks again to see if they work correctly.

Fix 2. Delete Corrupted Task Scheduler Tasks 

If you’re having trouble with the Task Scheduler’s functioning, it might be because the scheduled tasks’ associated files are damaged. Deleting those files will restore the program’s ability to operate normally.

Step 1: Press Windows + R > type regedit > hit Enter.

Step 2: Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft in the left pane.

Step 3: Head to Windows NT > CurrentVersion. Open Schedule > TaskCache > select the Tree.

Step 4: Right-click on the Tree and rename it to Tree.old or something similar.

Now, check if the problem is fixed by running the Task Scheduler. If the Task Scheduler starts acting normally, one of the entries in the Tree is messed up. To find the bad entry, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Rename Tree.old back to Tree.

Step 2: One by one, add .old to the end of each entry in the Tree registry.

Step 3: Test the Task Scheduler each time you rename an entry.

If the issue goes away after renaming a specific entry, that’s the troublemaker. Delete it, then restart your PC to save the changes.

Fix 3. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2: Type the below-mentioned command and press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute the command.

sfc /scannow

Your computer will now be checked for corrupted system files; if any are discovered, they will be replaced with the appropriate ones.

Fix 4. Run a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Scan

DISM is a built-in command-line tool to repair Windows images by fixing corrupt or missing system files.

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2: Enter the following command and hit Enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Examining the PC for broken Windows files will take a while, and fixing them takes some time. Once it is complete, make sure to restart your PC.

Fix 5. Disable Third-Party Security Software

The Task Scheduler can sometimes become unresponsive due to interference from third-party security programs like antivirus or firewall software. Temporarily deactivating these programs can avoid potential conflicts and pinpoint the problem’s core cause.

After troubleshooting, it’s crucial to re-activate your security software to keep your machine secure. If Task Scheduler functions appropriately with these programs deactivated, configure them to allow Task Scheduler or seek updates from the software developer to guarantee compatibility with your Windows version.

Fix 6. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

Clean boot temporarily disables all non-essential startup programs and services, ensuring no third-party software interferes with the Task Scheduler’s functionality. This method helps isolate and identify the root cause of the problem, which could be related to conflicting software, drivers, or services.

Step 1: Search the System Configurations in the Start menu and click to open it.

Step 2: Navigate to the Services tab and check the box for Hide all Microsoft services.

Step 3: Click Disable all and press OK to close the window.

Step 4: Press CTRL + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, select the apps you want to disable, and press the Disable button.

FAQs

How Do I Run a Task Immediately in Task Scheduler?

To run a scheduled task immediately, head to the Task Scheduler window, right-click on the task you want to start, and choose Run from the menu.

What Are the Different Types of Triggers I Can Use for a Task?

You can use different triggers for a task, such as time, event, and state triggers. Each has its use case, and you can use them in combination.