With multiple ways to open Windows Task Scheduler, there are plenty of options to quickly access this handy utility. This makes it even easier to schedule tasks and automate processes in Windows.
Content
- 1. Find Task Scheduler Through Windows Search
- 2. Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar for Easy Access
- 3. Add Task Scheduler to the Desktop
- 4. Open Windows Task Scheduler From the Run Dialog
- 5. Create a Hotkey to Open Task Scheduler
- 6. Add Shortcut to Desktop Menu
- 7. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell to Open Task Scheduler
- 8. Open via Computer Management
- 9. Use Control Panel to Open Windows Task Scheduler
1. Find Task Scheduler Through Windows Search
The default method to open Windows Task Scheduler is a simple Windows search. It’s become the quickest option to open any app, tool, or setting if you don’t know where it is.
Open Start and search for “task scheduler.” Select the Task Scheduler result. If you need admin privileges, be sure to select Run as administrator under Task Scheduler in the pane on the right.
Of course, while you’re in the Start menu, take a more traditional approach. Select All apps under the search box, and scroll down to Windows Tools. Choose Task Scheduler from the window that appears.
2. Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar for Easy Access
If you use the Windows Task Scheduler often, one of the easiest ways to open the utility is to pin a shortcut to the Start menu or taskbar. Then all you have to do is click the icon, and the tool is ready to use. While there are multiple ways to do this, I’m taking the more straightforward approach.
Open Start and search for “task scheduler.” When the result appears, select either Pin to Start to pin a shortcut to the Start menu or Pin to taskbar to pin a shortcut to the taskbar. You can further customize the Start menu with these tips.
Once your icon is added, drag it to place it where you want it to appear in the app grid in Start or in your taskbar.
If you don’t have the above options in Windows 10, navigate to Task Scheduler’s file path instead. For a standard user, the path should be (replace C with your drive letter if needed): C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools.
Once you’ve found the correct path, right-click the Task Scheduler icon, and select Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. Use the same method in Windows 11, but click Show more options to view the Pin to Taskbar option.
3. Add Task Scheduler to the Desktop
If you’d rather have a desktop shortcut instead, it’s no problem. Add Windows Task Scheduler to your desktop, and double-click the icon whenever you want to open the tool.
Right-click any empty area of your desktop. Select New -> Shortcut. Type “taskschd.msc” in the item location box, and press Next.
Enter a name for the shortcut – you can stay with the default if you want – and click Finish.
There should now be a Task Scheduler shortcut on your desktop. If you want to rename it at any time, right-click the shortcut, select Show More Options (in Windows 11), and choose Rename.
A handy trick, though, is to use the desktop icon to create Start menu and taskbar shortcuts. If you create a desktop shortcut first and want to create the other shortcuts, follow these steps:
Right-click the Task Scheduler desktop shortcut. Select Pin to Start. If you’re using Windows 11, select Show more options to see the Pin to taskbar option.
You’re free to delete the desktop icon after creating the other shortcuts.
4. Open Windows Task Scheduler From the Run Dialog
Using the Run utility is a great shortcut for opening most anything on Windows, if you just know the name and/or path. Naturally, it’s a great way to open Windows Task Scheduler.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Alternately, right-click Start and select Run, or press Win + X + R.
Type “taskschd.msc,” and click OK to open Task Scheduler.
5. Create a Hotkey to Open Task Scheduler
Nothing could be easier than opening Task Scheduler with a simple key combination. You don’t need any third-party tools to do this. All you need is a desktop shortcut. If you don’t have one already, go back to section #3, create the shortcut, then jump back here.
Right-click the desktop icon, and select Properties. Open the Shortcut tab. Press Ctrl to automatically bring up Ctrl + Alt. Type your desired letter. You can’t use letters that are already assigned to other functions/apps. In this case, T works well for Task Scheduler. Click Apply to save your changes.
If you want to create advanced hotkeys for other functions, check out these great AutoHotKey scripts.
6. Add Shortcut to Desktop Menu
The desktop context menu doesn’t include Windows Task Scheduler by default. However, with some registry edits, Task Scheduler can be a right-click away at any time. If you’re not comfortable editing the registry, use any of the other options on this list.
It’s not a complex edit. To try it, press Win + R, and type “regedit.exe.” Press OK to open the Registry Editor. You can also search for “registry editor” from the Start menu, and launch it from there.
Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
Right-click shell and select New -> Key.
Enter a name for the new key. Since it’s for Task Scheduler, I’m naming it “Task Scheduler.” Right-click the newly created key, and select New -> Key. Name your new key “command.”
Select command. In the right pane, double-click (Default). Type “Control schedtasks” in the Value data box, then press OK to save the changes.
Exit the Registry Editor. Right-click any empty area of your desktop to try your new shortcut. Windows 11 users must select Show more options in the context menu first.
Alternately, use a context menu editor to add/remove options from not only your desktop context menu, but others as well.
7. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell to Open Task Scheduler
You can open most anything on your PC using either Command Prompt or PowerShell. You just have to know the right command. No matter which one you choose to use, the command is the same.
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt. Search for it via the Start menu or by pressing Win + X, selecting Windows Terminal and choosing PowerShell or Command Prompt.
Using Windows Terminal
Enter taskschd at the prompt, and press Enter. Task Scheduler is now ready to use.
8. Open via Computer Management
Computer Management is the aptly named location for accessing many useful Windows tools to better manage your PC. What you may not realize is that Task Scheduler is one of those tools.
Press Win + X to open the Power Users menu or the “secret” Start menu. Select Computer Management, then select Task Scheduler in the sidebar.
9. Use Control Panel to Open Windows Task Scheduler
The Control Panel method isn’t the quickest or easiest option for most users but is a valid way to access Task Scheduler.
Open Start, type “control panel,” select the result, then select Windows Tools.
Open Task Scheduler from the list of settings.
Now that you’ve mastered various ways to open the Windows Task Scheduler, try these tasks that you can automate. Also, try these methods for accessing Control Panel.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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