Do you often have to delete old files, clean up data you don’t need, start programmes, etc. by hand? If so, let me help you automate so you can get more done in less time. Even though these how to Automate tasks in Windows, it’s worth trying to save any amount of time you can.
Task Scheduler is a tool in Windows 10 that lets you set up tasks that run on their own. The scheduler is usually used by the system and some apps to automate maintenance tasks like disc defragmentation, disc cleanup, and updates. However, anyone can use it.
Using this feature, you can start programmes, run commands, and run scripts at a certain day and time, or you can set up tasks to start when a certain event happens. Task Scheduler watches the time and events on the system to run the task as soon as the condition is met. ‘ll start by telling you about a few Windows tools that help us automate certain tasks, and then I’ll show you how I do it on my Windows 10 computer.
How to automate tasks in Windows
- Open the Task Scheduler app: The easiest way is to search for it via the search bar next to the Start menu. But it’ll also be in any lists of installed apps. Once open, it’ll look like the screenshot above.
- Create a new folder: Right-click ‘Task Scheduler Library’ in the left pane, then choose ‘New Folder…’. Give it a meaningful name and hit enter.
- Create new ‘Basic Task’: Double-click the ‘Task Scheduler Library’ folder to expand it, then double-click your newly created folder to select it. Right-click anywhere in the blank table and choose ‘Create Basic Task…’.
- Give the task a meaningful name: In the ‘Name’ field, type something of your choosing – in this example, it’s ‘File Explorer launcher’. Then, click ‘Next’.
- Choose task frequency: From the next screen, choose how often you want the task to run. There are seven options, although ‘when a specific event is logged’ requires extra technical knowledge. Once selected, click ‘Next’ again.
- Choose a start time and how often it recurs: Select a specific time and date using the calendar. Then type how often you want it to repeat. In this example, you’d type a ‘1’ here for every day. Once complete, click Next once more.
- Make sure ‘Start a program’ is selected: There are three options here, but sending an email and displaying a message are no longer supported by Microsoft. They may still work, but opening a program is much simpler and does still work.
- Select the app you want to open: Click the ‘Browse…’ button next to ‘Program/script’ box and locate the .exe file for the specific app you want to open. The ‘System32’ app will launch by default, but the file you’re looking for might be within ‘Windows’ instead. There’s no need to add optional fields, so just click ‘Next’.
FAQ
How do I create an automated task in Windows?
- Type a name for the folder – for example, MyTasks. …
- Click the OK button.
- Expand the “Task Scheduler Library” branch, and select the MyTasks folder.
- Click the Action menu.
- Select the “Create Basic Task” option.
How can I automate my tasks?
Tools like Hive or ClickUp allow you to create individual tasks, assign them to team members, and track their progress. You can also use automated rules to automatically move tasks between different stages or boards based on specific criteria.
Does Windows have built in automation?
Windows 11 allow users to create automations through the preinstalled Power Automate app. Power Automate is a low-code platform that enables home and business users to optimize their workflows and automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Any Windows user can build flows with little-to-no coding experience.
How do I run a script daily in Windows?
- Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks.
- Double-click Add Scheduled Task. …
- Click Next, then click Browse. …
- Navigate to the script that you created, click it, then Open.