How to Automate Windows 7 with Task Scheduler
 

Windows 7 improved its Task Scheduler to be more user friendly and customizable. With Task Scheduler, you can automate nearly every software and process in your computer. Save electricity and set your computer to automatically shut down at a certain time. Optimize your computer’s performance by automatically running CCleaner and disk cleanup when the computer is idle. Task Scheduler can even be used to schedule a sync/backup of your files.


Schedule an Automatic Shutdown

1. Start Task Scheduler
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Go to Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System tools -> Task Scheduler


2. Create a basic task
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3. Name the task and include a description
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4. Specify a “Trigger”. A trigger can be a timed schedule, or an event that happens on your computer (when the computer starts, when a user logs in, or when a program or event has happened in Windows)
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5. A timed “trigger” needs a schedule and frequency – if the task is to be done at repeating schedules
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6. Now set an “Action”. Literally, an action is what your computer will perform when the Trigger event is encountered. In this case, to automate a computer shutdown, we need to run the windows shutdown command. Choose “Start a program” as the Action.
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7. The program “shutdown.exe” is responsible for shutting down and turning off your computer.
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In “Program/Script”, input:
C:Windows\System32\shutdown.exe
In “Add arguments”, input:
/s



8. Click Finish
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9. During the scheduled time of shutdown, Windows will notify one minute before it shuts down.
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**For more information on the “shutdown /s” command, refer to the screenshot below:
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Schedule CCleaner with Task Manager

1. Start Task Scheduler, and Create a basic task
2. Specify a Trigger – you might want to schedule CCleaner to running weekly.


3. Set the Action
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Program/Script: C:\Program Files\CCleaner
Add arguments: /AUTO



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Schedule Disk Cleanup with Task Manager

1. Start Task Scheduler, and Create a basic task
2. Specify a Trigger – you might want to run a Disk Cleanup weekly/monthly.


3. Set the Action
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Program/Script: C:\Windows\System32\cleanmgr.exe
Add arguments: /d c

Refer to How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP for more Disk Cleanup commands