The genuine schtasks.exe file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft Corporation. The genuine "schtasks.exe" file is Microsoft's Task Scheduler Configuration Tool for the Windows Operating System. On 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems the native version resides in "C:\Windows\System32". 64-bit systems also have the 32-bit version in "C:\Windows\SysWoW64". This tool allows an account with administrator rights to perform the same functions as the Control Panel's "Schedule Tasks" applet from the command prompt or in a batch file, on the local computer or a remote one. Scheduled tasks are set up as XML files under "C:\Windows\Tasks" on the computer where they are to be run by the Scheduling Service ("schedsvc.dll"). Running "schtasks.exe" without parameters or with "/query" lists all scheduled tasks, showing only subfolder names, with "C:\Windows\Tasks" as "\". The taskname parameter, ("/TN"), expects similar input. Be careful to use the correct version (x86/x64) of "cmd.exe" to get the correct "schdtasks.exe" for what the task will execute and on what system.
SchTasks stands for Windows Scheduled Tasks Configuration Tool
The .exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. Executable files may, in some cases, harm your computer. Therefore, please read below to decide for yourself whether the schtasks.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you should remove, or whether it is a file belonging to the Windows operating system or to a trusted application.
Description: The original schtasks.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. The schtasks.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 179,712 bytes (30% of all occurrences), 182,784 bytes and 6 more variants.
The schtasks.exe file is a Windows core system file. The program has no visible window. The schtasks.exe file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft.
Therefore the technical security rating is 2% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
Is schtasks.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true schtasks.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Task Scheduler Configuration Tool".
However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are such as VirTool:Win32/CeeInject.gen!HW or Trojan:Win32/Ropest.G (detected by Microsoft), and Trojan.Shylock.B!gen3 or WS.Reputation.1 (detected by Symantec).
To ensure that no rogue schtasks.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Virus Scan.
How to recognize suspicious variants? If schtasks.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 84% dangerous. The file size is 101,888 bytes.
The file is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible. It is a file with no information about its developer. The program is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: Run, User Shell Folders, RunOnce).
Schtasks.exe is able to monitor applications.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as schtasks.exe, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the schtasks.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
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User Comments
Hallo, Mein PC meldet jedesmal beim Hochfahren schtasks.exe konnte nicht gefunden werden. Windows XP B.Lehr
This stupid crap just "magically" appeared on my LTSC configuration. Peter Goezinya
Summary: Average user rating of schtasks.exe:
based on 1 vote with 2 user comments.
One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous.
One user is not sure about it.
Best practices for resolving schtasks issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with schtasks. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.
To help you analyze the schtasks.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Score
User Comments
B.Lehr
Peter Goezinya
Summary: Average user rating of schtasks.exe: based on 1 vote with 2 user comments. One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous. One user is not sure about it.