9 ways to start the Task Scheduler in Windows (all versions)

The Task Scheduler is one handy tool from Windows, that lets you schedule and run automated tasks. For example, with the help of Task Scheduler, you can make Windows run a program at a certain time, only once, periodically or only if a certain event is taking place. To be able to do all that, you first need to know how to open the Task Scheduler. If you want a complete roundup of all the ways in which you can launch Task Scheduler, read on:

Contents

1. 1. Open the Task Scheduler by using search (all Windows versions)
2. 2. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Start Menu (Windows 10 and Windows 7)
3. 3. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Run window (all Windows versions)
4. 4. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Control Panel (all Windows versions)
5. 5. Open the Task Scheduler by creating a shortcut for it, anywhere you want (all Windows versions)
6. 6. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Command Prompt or PowerShell (all Windows versions)
7. 7. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Task Manager (all Windows versions)
8. 8. Open the Task Scheduler by using the shortcut from our collection (all Windows versions)
9. 9. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Computer Management console (all Windows versions)
10. Do you schedule tasks on your Windows computer?

NOTE: This guide covers Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. Some methods work in all three versions of Windows, others just in one or two. For each method, we will tell you the Windows version in which it works. If you do not know the version of Windows that you have, read this tutorial: What version of Windows do I have installed?

1. Open the Task Scheduler by using search (all Windows versions)

In Windows 10, probably the fastest way to launch Task Scheduler is to use search. Type the word "schedule" in the search box on your taskbar, and then click or tap on Task Scheduler.

Task Scheduler, Windows

If you are using Windows 7, type the word "schedule" in the Start Menu search box and click the Task Scheduler search result.

Task Scheduler, Windows

In Windows 8.1, switch to the Start Screen and start writing "scheduler". Then, click or tap the "Schedule tasks" search result.

Task Scheduler, Windows

2. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Start Menu (Windows 10 and Windows 7)

Windows 10 also includes a shortcut for the Task Scheduler in the Start Menu. Open the Start Menu and scroll downwards until you find the Windows Administrative Tools folder. Inside it, you can find the shortcut for the Task Scheduler. Click on it.

Task Scheduler, Windows

In Windows 7, you can find a shortcut for the Task Scheduler in the "Accessories -> System Tools" folder from the Start Menu.

Task Scheduler, Windows

Unfortunately, Windows 8.1 does not have a shortcut for the Task Scheduler on its Start Screen.

3. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Run window (all Windows versions)

Regardless of the Windows version or edition you have, you can also use the Run window to launch the Task Scheduler. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open Run, and then type taskschd.msc in the Open field. Finally, click or tap on OK, or press Enter on your keyboard.

Task Scheduler, Windows

4. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Control Panel (all Windows versions)

Regardless of the Windows version you are using, launch the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security -> Administrative Tools" and click or tap the "Schedule tasks" link.

Task Scheduler, Windows

You can also open the Administrative Tools window and then double-click or double-tap on the Task Scheduler shortcut.

Task Scheduler, Windows

5. Open the Task Scheduler by creating a shortcut for it, anywhere you want (all Windows versions)

If you prefer having shortcuts to all the important things on your Windows PC, you might want to have the same thing for the Task Scheduler. When creating the shortcut, you only have to remember that the target should be taskschd.msc. Then, you can double-click or double-tap on the shortcut, and the Task Scheduler will open.

Task Scheduler, Windows

If you do not know how to create shortcuts in Windows, this guide explains the entire process: How to create shortcuts for apps, files, folders and web pages in Windows.

6. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Command Prompt or PowerShell (all Windows versions)

Some people prefer the command line instead of graphical interfaces. If you are one of them, you should know that you can also launch the Task Scheduler from the Command Prompt or PowerShell. In any of these apps, type the command taskschd.msc and press Enter on your keyboard. The Task Scheduler should open immediately.

Task Scheduler, Windows

7. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Task Manager (all Windows versions)

You can open the Task Scheduler using the Task Manager too. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to launch the Task Manager. If you use a Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 PC, the Task Manager might open compact mode. If it does, click or tap on "More details." Then, open the File menu, click or tap on "Run new task," and type the command taskschd.msc in the "Create new task" window. Then press Enter on your keyboard, or click or tap OK.

Task Scheduler, Windows

8. Open the Task Scheduler by using the shortcut from our collection (all Windows versions)

We have one of the largest collections of shortcuts for Windows. If you download it, you can find a shortcut for the Task Scheduler in the Programs subfolder corresponding to your Windows version.

Task Scheduler, Windows

9. Open the Task Scheduler by using the Computer Management console (all Windows versions)

The Task Scheduler can also be accessed through the Computer Management console. Open the Computer Management console and, on the left side of the window, in the section called Services and Applications, click or tap on Task Scheduler.

Task Scheduler, Windows

Do you schedule tasks on your Windows computer?

Now you know how to open the Task Scheduler in Windows, regardless of the version of the operating system. Do you use the Task Scheduler to automate tasks on your devices? Or did you want to open it just because of your curiosity to see what it does? We would love to hear from you, in the comments section below.