How to delay program startup with Task Scheduler on Windows 10/8/7

Almost every Windows application you install adds itself to the startup list. However, the more programs there are on this list, the more Windows boot time will increase. If you want, you can delay the start of programs using the built-in tool called Task Scheduler. Today's article will show you how to delay program startup with Task Scheduler on Windows 10/8/7.

How to Use Task Scheduler to Delay Program Startup

There are many ways to delay startup programs in Windows 10. Most solutions force you to use third-party programs. However, you can use the built-in Task Scheduler application to delay the start of programs. It's so easy to do. 1. Open the Task Scheduler by searching for it in the Start menu or by using the Run taskschd.msc command. 2. In the Task Scheduler application, click the Create Task option that appears on the right sidebar.

Click the Create Task option

3. In the General tab, give the task a name. In the example case, the author wants to open the Snagit application. So the corresponding name for the task is selected.

Name the task

4. After naming the action, go to the Trigger tab and click the New button to create a new trigger.

Click the New button to create a new trigger

5. In the New Trigger window, select At Log On from the first drop-down menu. Next, select the Delay Task For check box and the 15 minutes option from the drop-down menu next to it. Click the OK button. This will ensure that the task is triggered 15 minutes after you log in. You can choose any time period you want from the drop-down menu.

Set the program start time to 15 minutes after the program begins

6. Now, you need to add the application you want to open. So go to the Actions tab and click the New button.

Add apps you want to open

7. Select Start a Program from the first drop-down menu. Next, click the Browse button in Settings.

Select Start a Program from the first drop-down menu

8. Find the application you want to start, select it, and click the Open button.

Find and open the app

9. You will see the file path added in the Program/Script field. Click the OK button to save the changes.

You will see the file path added in the Program/Script field

10. Finally, click the OK button in the main window to save the task.

Click the OK button in the main window to save the task

11. To make sure the task runs and opens the application, right-click on the task you just created and select the Run option. This will start the application immediately.

Launch the app for testing purposes

All operations are done! After this, the start of the program will be delayed by 15 minutes after you log in to the system. You can create as many tasks to delay the startup of programs as you like. Also see: Windows Task Scheduler Automation.

Source: https://thewindowsfan.com/how-to-delay-program-startup-with-task-scheduler-on-windows-10-8-7/