Scheduling a batch file to run in Windows 11 using Task Scheduler is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Open Task Scheduler: You can open Task Scheduler by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing Windows + R, typing taskschd.msc, and hitting Enter.
- Create a New Task: In Task Scheduler, click on “Create Basic Task” in the Actions pane on the right. This will open the Create Basic Task Wizard.
- Name and Description: Enter a name and description for your task to help you identify it later, then click “Next”.
- Trigger: Choose the trigger for your task. You can schedule it to run daily, weekly, monthly, at log on, at startup, etc. Select the appropriate trigger and click “Next”.
- Action: Choose the action to perform. Select “Start a program” and click “Next”.
- Program/Script: Click on “Browse” and navigate to your batch file (.bat) that you want to schedule. Select the batch file and click “Open”.
- Add Arguments (Optional): If your batch file requires any command-line arguments, you can enter them in the “Add arguments (optional)” field. Otherwise, leave it blank.
- Start In (Optional): If your batch file relies on relative paths, you can specify the folder where the batch file is located by entering it in the “Start in (optional)” field. Otherwise, leave it blank.
- Finish: Review your settings on the summary screen. If everything looks correct, click “Finish” to create the task.
- Enter User Credentials: If the batch file needs to run with elevated privileges or under a specific user account, you’ll be prompted to enter the username and password for the account. Enter the required information and click “OK”.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your batch file will be scheduled to run according to the trigger you specified. You can find and manage the task in the Task Scheduler Library. If you need to modify the task later, you can do so by selecting it in Task Scheduler and clicking on “Properties” in the Actions pane.