How to use the Windows Task Scheduler - An Introduction

1. Run the Task Scheduler

In Windows 10, click the Start button and start typing task scheduler. By the time you get to the letter "k", you should see the Task Scheduler choice — click it.

There are different ways to run the Task Scheduler. For example, in Windows 7:
Start
All Programs
Accessories
System Tools
Task Scheduler

2. Create a new folder for your own tasks

Make sure Task Scheduler Library is selected/highlighted in the left pane (it should already be).

Click New Folder... in the Actions pane on the right, then give the new folder a name.

3. Create a new task in your new folder

Expand the Task Scheduler Library and select/highlight your new folder.

Click Create Task... in the Actions pane on the right.

4. Give the new task a name

The General tab will be selected. Enter a name for the new task in the Name field.

5. Enter a new trigger for your new task

Click the Triggers tab.

Click the New... button.


Set whenever you want to run the task, then click OK. The video does it "On a schedule" that runs "Daily" at "6:00:00 AM".

6. Enter a new action for your new task

Click the Actions tab.

Click the New... button.

Enter in the Program/script field the program to run (the video enters c:\music\song1.mp3, taking advantage of Windows launching the appropriate program for MP3 files). You may click the Browse... button to navigate to the program, add optional arguments, and/or specify what folder to start in. Click OK when done.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 to create additional tasks

You now have a new task in your own folder in Task Scheduler. You may repeat Steps 3-6 to create as many tasks as you want. For example, the EE member mentioned above would create a daily task for 12:01 PM to play song2.mp3; another daily task for 6:00 PM to play song3.mp3; and a fourth daily task for 10:00 PM to play song4.mp3.

That's it! Enjoy using the Windows Task Scheduler. If you find this video to be helpful, please click the thumbs-up icon below. Thank you for watching!