How to Run a Scheduled Batch Script Silently Without CMD Window Popup


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When scheduling batch files in Windows Task Scheduler, many administrators encounter the annoying behavior of command windows popping up during execution. This is particularly problematic for:

  • Servers running unattended operations
  • Frequent tasks running on user workstations
  • Operations where console output isn't needed

While using cmd /c start /min mybat.bat minimizes the window, it still creates visual artifacts in the taskbar and leaves processes running. The better approach is complete window suppression.

Here are three effective methods to run batch files silently:

REM Method 1: Using Windows Script Host
wscript.exe "C:\path\to\script.vbs" "C:\path\to\your.bat"

REM Method 2: Direct Task Scheduler configuration
schtasks /create /tn "SilentBatch" /tr "cmd /c \"C:\path\to\batch.bat\"" /sc hourly /ru SYSTEM

Create a VBS script to execute your batch file without any window:

' silentrunner.vbs
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell") 
WshShell.Run "cmd /c C:\path\to\your.bat", 0, False
Set WshShell = Nothing

For more control, use PowerShell with these parameters:

$job = Start-Job -ScriptBlock { & "C:\path\to\script.bat" }
Receive-Job -Job $job -Wait

Key settings for silent operation:

  • Set "Run whether user is logged on or not"
  • Choose "Run with highest privileges" if needed
  • Set the user account to SYSTEM for background operations

To confirm your batch runs silently:

tasklist /v | find "cmd.exe"

Many Windows administrators and developers face this common issue: when running batch scripts through Task Scheduler, a command prompt window pops up during execution. This becomes particularly annoying for frequently-run tasks like our example of hourly robocopy operations.

While cmd /c start /min mybat.bat does minimize the window, it still creates a new CMD instance each time. The /c switch terminates the command interpreter after execution, but the start command spawns a new process.

REM This creates a new minimized window each time
cmd /c start /min mybat.bat

Windows provides several ways to run batch files silently:

1. Using the Windows Script Host (wscript)

Create a VBS script to execute your batch file:

Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.Run "cmd /c mybat.bat", 0, True
Set WshShell = Nothing

Save this as run_hidden.vbs and schedule this instead of your batch file.

2. Direct Task Scheduler Configuration

In Task Scheduler, set these properties:

  • General tab: Select "Run whether user is logged on or not"
  • Conditions tab: Uncheck "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power" if needed

For more control, use PowerShell with Start-Process:

$psi = New-Object System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo
$psi.FileName = "cmd.exe"
$psi.Arguments = "/c mybat.bat"
$psi.WindowStyle = [System.Diagnostics.ProcessWindowStyle]::Hidden
[System.Diagnostics.Process]::Start($psi)

For permanent solutions, consider converting your batch file to an executable:

  • Use tools like Bat To Exe Converter
  • Compile with AutoIt or similar scripting tools
  • Set the subsystem to Windows (rather than Console)

When running scripts silently:

  • Ensure proper logging is implemented (redirect output to files)
  • Test thoroughly as you won't see error messages
  • Consider security implications of running hidden processes