Automating PowerShell Scripts with Windows Task SchedulerAutomating PowerShell Scripts with Windows Task Scheduler
1. Using Task Scheduler (Graphical Interface)
Open Task Scheduler:
– Click on Start and type “Task Scheduler” to open it.
– Alternatively, find it in the Start Menu under Windows Administrative Tools (or Windows Tools in Windows 11).
Create a New Basic Task:
– Click on Create Basic Tasks in the action bar on the right side.
– Give your task a descriptive name (consider organizing tasks into folders first).
Schedule the Task:
– Choose a trigger (e.g., Weekly).
– Configure the exact execution time for the task.
Set the Action:
– For the action, select Start a Program.
– Specify the program as PowerShell (you don’t need the exact path).
– In the arguments field, add:
-File “C:\scripts\YourScript.ps1” -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass
Replace `YourScript.ps1` with the actual path to your PowerShell script.
– Set the Start in location to the same path as your script.
Save and Test:
– Save the task and test it by running it manually.
2. Creating a Scheduled Task in PowerShell
To create a simple task that runs every Friday at 3 AM and executes a PowerShell script:
$taskTrigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Weekly -DaysOfWeek Friday -At 3am
$taskAction = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute “PowerShell” -Argument “-File C:\scripts\YourScript.ps1 -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass”
Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName “MyScheduledTask” -Trigger $taskTrigger -Action $taskAction
Replace `YourScript.ps1` with your actual script path. This PowerShell snippet defines the trigger and action for your scheduled task.
Remember, scheduled tasks allow you to automate processes, run reports, and keep your systems updated without manual intervention. 🚀
