Set up Task Scheduler to run winword.exe in the background at startup

George, there really is no reason to go through all the complications to get Task Scheduler to run anything at Windows startup. There is a folder specifically provided by Windows to run programs at startup. Here's the three-step process to get the desired result:

1. In Windows Explorer, go to the folder that contains the winword.exe file (this varies with the version of Office, but typically it's C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16). Right-click the file's icon and click Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
2. Right-click the shortcut on the desktop and choose Properties. Add a space and the /q switch to the end of the address in the Target box. Then cut the shortcut to the clipboard.
3. In Windows Explorer's address box, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and then press Enter. When that folder appears, paste the shortcut from the clipboard.

Hi George

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I realize that you've encountered a problem with " Task Scheduler ", and I understand how you feel. Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you.

Using Task Scheduler to run winword.exe (Microsoft Word) in the background at startup is an effective way to automate opening Word files or having Word run at startup without manually launching it. The two trigger options you mentioned—"At startup" and "At log on"—may seem similar but have some differences:

1. "At Startup" Trigger

• Function: The task starts when the computer starts, regardless of whether a user logs in.
• Applicable Scenario: If you want to automatically start Word after the computer starts without relying on user login, choose this trigger. For example, to start Word in the background for some automated tasks or to have it running continuously after the computer starts.

2. "At Log on" Trigger

• Function: This trigger runs the task when a user logs into the system.
• Applicable Scenario: If you want Word to start after a user logs in (i.e., the task requires user login to trigger), this option is more appropriate. For example, to automatically open a document at login or have Word start and be ready for use.

Which Trigger to Choose?

• If your goal is to have Word automatically run when the computer starts, regardless of user login, choose "At startup".
• If you want Word to start only after a user logs in, choose "At log on".

Using Both Triggers?

• It is not recommended to use both triggers simultaneously since they trigger the task at different times. Choose one trigger, unless you have a special need to run it once at computer startup and again at login, which is uncommon. For background starting Word, using "At startup" is recommended.

/q Command Switch

• The /q parameter is used to start Word in "quiet" mode, meaning no splash screen will be displayed. Word will start in the background without showing any startup interface or welcome screen.

Example Command:

winword.exe /q

• /q is the correct command switch for scenarios where you don't want the startup interface to be displayed. Use this command if you want Word to start and run immediately without showing any part of the application's interface.

Creating a Task in Task Scheduler:

Follow these steps to set up the task in Task Scheduler:

1. Open Task Scheduler:
   • Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
2. Create a New Task:
   • In the right pane of Task Scheduler, click Create Task.
3. Set Triggers:
   • In the Triggers tab, choose either "At startup" or "At log on" (based on your requirement).
   • If you choose "At startup", you can select "Run whether user is logged on or not".
4. Set Actions:
   • In the Actions tab, select "Start a program".
   • Browse and select winword.exe and enter /q in the Add arguments field.
5. Set Conditions and Settings:
   • Set additional conditions as needed, such as running the task only when the computer is idle.
6. Finish and Save:
   • Click OK to finish creating the task.

This setup will allow you to use Task Scheduler to automatically run Word in the background at startup and avoid displaying the startup screen.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful to you!

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions or need any further help.

Best regards

Adrian.C-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

I guess you don't need this since you've already set up the task, but for anyone else looking at the thread:

The shortcut has a setting in the Properties dialog labeled "Run" that defaults to "Normal" -- that is, neither maximized nor minimized. If you set that dropdown to "Minimized", the program starts minimized to the Windows taskbar instead of making it visible.