How to Fix Windows Task Scheduler Not Running on Windows 10

Windows Task Scheduler Not Running?

Your system will quickly run into troubles if the Windows Task Scheduler isn’t operating and the scheduled tasks aren’t running. You can perform tasks manually, but a system has far too many to do so each time.

Basic checks

In order for scheduled tasks to run, a few basic prerequisites must be met. Check that the job that isn’t running is as follows:

• A time/schedule set up for it to run.
• At least one trigger has been added.
• At least one Action item has been added.
• The Action item must be executable e.g., if it’s a script, the path to it must be correct.
• The task has been enabled.
• The task’s schedule/parameters have been met i.e., the triggers have been run.
• If you’ve imported a task, try creating it manually instead and check if it runs.

If all of the above checks out but the task is still not running, try the remedies listed below.

1. Check conditions for task

The scheduled task’s conditions may be preventing it from executing, for example, if the task is set to execute only when your laptop is connected to a power source, that setting will override all other schedules and triggers.

1. Open Windows Task Scheduler.
2. Double-click the task that will not run.
3. Go to the Conditions tab.
4. Uncheck the ‘Start the task only if the computer is on AC power’ option.
5. Enable the ‘Wake the computer to run this task’ option.
6. Click Ok and check if it runs.

2. Give task admin access

Even if everything is set up correctly, some tasks require admin access to run. The task will not run without admin permission, which must be granted only once.

1. Open Task Scheduler.
2. Double-click the task that won’t run.
3. Go to the General tab.
4. At the bottom, enable the ‘Run with highest privileges’ option and grant it admin access.
5. Click OK and the task will run.

3. Manually verify action and triggers

It’s conceivable that the actions and triggers you’ve created aren’t functioning properly. Try running them all manually, for example, if a task is activated when you open Chrome, you should open Chrome. If the browser doesn’t open, it’s because the task’s trigger isn’t working.

Similarly, manually execute a task’s operation. For example, if you have a task set up to run a script every time Chrome is launched to clean the browser’s history, run the script manually. The issue isn’t with the task, but with the action that has been put up, if the script isn’t working.

The Task Scheduler does not check to see if a trigger or action is valid. It will accept whatever the user specifies. The only time this doesn’t happen is if a user types in an erroneous path or parameter.

4. Run Task Scheduler service

Because it runs a background service that performs the tasks, Task Scheduler can conduct tasks without the app itself launching. Scheduled tasks will not run if this service is not operating.

1. Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
2. In the run box, enter services.msc and tap Enter.
3. Look for Task Scheduler and double-click it.
4. Check the status of the service. If it isn’t running, enable/run it.

5. Update Windows 10

When something goes wrong with Windows 10, updates can often be used as a band-aid solution. It’s a good idea to install any Windows 10 updates that have been pending. This may help to resolve any issues with the system.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Update and Security.
3. Select the Windows Update tab.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. Download and install available updates.
6. Restart the system for good measure.

Related: How to Fix Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant Errors Easily

Conclusion

Task Scheduler rarely has issues with the operating system. Most jobs that fail to run have issues with one or both of the triggers or actions. Unless the user unchecks this option when the job is set up, the software also disables scheduled tasks after they have been run three times. If your jobs aren’t running, the basic checks should usually cure the problem.