Windows Task Scheduler stopping task once computer is not idle

mikeforcl · 07 Jul 2022

I've created a task in Windows Task scheduler to run an executable when my PC is idle. The task starts fine but is ending the task once the computer is no longer idle. I have "Stop if the computer ceases to be idle" unchecked and the task is still being stopped. Is this a bug with Windows 10? I'm using the latest build.

Windows Task Scheduler stopping task once computer is not idle-idleconditions.png

Windows Task Scheduler stopping task once computer is not idle-idlestopped.png

Below is the XML for my task

Code:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16"?>
<Task version="1.4" xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/windows/2004/02/mit/task">
  <RegistrationInfo>
    <Date>2022-07-06T16:29:28.6410323</Date>
    <Author>PC\user</Author>
    <URI>\Idle Task Start</URI>
  </RegistrationInfo>
  <Triggers>
    <IdleTrigger>
      <Enabled>true</Enabled>
    </IdleTrigger>
  </Triggers>
  <Principals>
    <Principal id="Author">
      <UserId>USERID</UserId>
      <LogonType>InteractiveToken</LogonType>
      <RunLevel>HighestAvailable</RunLevel>
    </Principal>
  </Principals>
  <Settings>
    <MultipleInstancesPolicy>IgnoreNew</MultipleInstancesPolicy>
    <DisallowStartIfOnBatteries>true</DisallowStartIfOnBatteries>
    <StopIfGoingOnBatteries>false</StopIfGoingOnBatteries>
    <AllowHardTerminate>false</AllowHardTerminate>
    <StartWhenAvailable>false</StartWhenAvailable>
    <RunOnlyIfNetworkAvailable>false</RunOnlyIfNetworkAvailable>
    <IdleSettings>
      <Duration>PT1M</Duration>
      <WaitTimeout>PT0S</WaitTimeout>
      <StopOnIdleEnd>false</StopOnIdleEnd>
      <RestartOnIdle>false</RestartOnIdle>
    </IdleSettings>
    <AllowStartOnDemand>true</AllowStartOnDemand>
    <Enabled>true</Enabled>
    <Hidden>false</Hidden>
    <RunOnlyIfIdle>true</RunOnlyIfIdle>
    <DisallowStartOnRemoteAppSession>false</DisallowStartOnRemoteAppSession>
    <UseUnifiedSchedulingEngine>true</UseUnifiedSchedulingEngine>
    <WakeToRun>false</WakeToRun>
    <ExecutionTimeLimit>PT0S</ExecutionTimeLimit>
    <Priority>7</Priority>
  </Settings>
  <Actions Context="Author">
    <Exec>
      <Command>C:exe.exe</Command>
      <Arguments></Arguments>
    </Exec>
  </Actions>
</Task>

Ghot · 07 Jul 2022

@mikeforcl

Could it be that top check box in the idle section is causing the problem?
Might want to try UN-checking that box and see what happens.

The only other thing I can think of... is that something might be jiggling the mouse. Especially if you have a very sensitive mouse.
Something like a big window A/C unit coming on?

Also, what do you have set in the Triggers section?

Or maybe you have to check mark the "Stop if the computer ceases to be idle" box, then check mark the box right below that, then UN-check the "Stop if the computer ceases to be idle" box?

Try3 · 07 Jul 2022

Mike,

I've seen Task scheduler ignore another setting [Run asap after start time missed].
Perhaps your case is just another example of TS misbehaviour.

Best of luck,
Denis