Task Scheduler Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

5 reasons I use PowerShell to automate boring Windows tasks

PowerShell automates repetitive computing tasks, enhancing productivity by offering a faster command-line interface (CLI) compared to traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It simplifies app management, allowing users to reinstall or update applications more effectively than through the Microsoft Store. PowerShell also streamlines file management with the Move-Item cmdlet, which transfers files and deletes the original from the source. Users can automate scripts with Task Scheduler for routine tasks, and it supports system maintenance through cmdlets and custom scripts, benefiting both IT administrators and casual users. PowerShell's automation capabilities make it a valuable tool for optimizing computing experiences.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Office is too slow, so Microsoft is making it load at Windows startup

Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office suite, allowing applications like Word and Excel to launch automatically upon booting Windows. This feature will only be enabled on devices with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of available disk space. The rollout will begin in mid-May, starting with Microsoft Word, and users can disable the feature in Word’s settings or through the Task Scheduler.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

7 ways package managers make your life easier on Windows 11

Package managers like Winget and Chocolatey simplify software management on Windows by allowing users to install, update, and uninstall applications with single commands. Users can install applications with commands such as "choco install vlc.install" for individual apps or create scripts for batch installations like "choco install firefox vscode git 7zip -y" for multiple apps at once. Updating all applications can be done with "choco upgrade all," and selective updates can be performed using commands like "choco upgrade all --except='vlc, git'." Uninstalling applications is also streamlined with commands such as "choco uninstall vlc," which minimizes leftover files. Additionally, package managers optimize storage by managing shared dependencies efficiently, reducing redundant installations and conserving space. They enhance security by sourcing software from verified locations, mitigating the risk of malware.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Learn Windows PowerShell and automation scripting with this $20 bundle

Automation is increasingly important for businesses, and mastering Windows PowerShell can enhance productivity. A certification training bundle for PowerShell is available for .99, originally priced higher, led by IT professional Vijay Saini. The bundle includes six courses totaling 18 hours of content, providing lifelong access. Courses cover basic scripting, advanced scripting techniques, and GUI automation using Python, along with system management tools. Participants receive certificates upon completion, which can be added to LinkedIn profiles or resumes. The offer is time-sensitive and subject to price changes.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

100+ run commands that can help you work efficiently on Windows

Windows 11 and 10 provide run commands that streamline workflow by allowing quick access to various system tools, applications, settings, and diagnostic features. Administrative Tools: - compmgmt.msc: Opens Computer Management. - devmgmt.msc: Launches Device Manager. - diskmgmt.msc: Opens Disk Management. - services.msc: Manages background services. - eventvwr.msc: Opens Event Viewer. - secpol.msc: Opens Local Security Policy. - regedit: Opens Registry Editor. - taskschd.msc: Opens Task Scheduler. - gpedit.msc: Opens Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise). System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: - msinfo32: Opens System Information. - dxdiag: Launches DirectX Diagnostic Tool. - verifier: Opens Driver Verifier Manager. - resmon: Opens Resource Monitor. - perfmon: Opens Performance Monitor. - mdsched: Runs Windows Memory Diagnostic. - msdt: Opens Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. - sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs system files. - chkdsk: Runs Check Disk. - winver: Checks Windows version. - cleanmgr: Opens Disk Cleanup. File and Storage Management: - cleanmgr: Launches Disk Cleanup. - dfrgui: Opens Disk Defragmenter. - chkdsk: Checks and repairs disk errors. - diskpart: Opens Disk Partition utility. - onedrive: Opens OneDrive folder. - shell:AppsFolder: Opens all apps folder. - wab: Opens Windows contacts folder. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - recent: Opens recent files and folders. - documents: Opens Documents folder. - downloads: Opens Downloads folder. - favorites: Opens Favorites folder. - pictures: Opens Pictures folder. - videos: Opens Videos folder. - %AppData%: Opens App Data folder. - debug: Accesses Debug folder. - backup: Opens backup folder. - %systemdrive%: Opens system drive. Security and Maintenance: - firewall.cpl: Opens Windows Defender Firewall. - wf.msc: Launches Firewall with advanced security. - ms-settings:windowsdefender: Opens Windows Security. - sigverif: Verifies file signatures. - verifier: Checks driver integrity. - msconfig: Opens System Configuration. - sfc /scannow: Runs system file checker. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. Launching Apps: - notepad: Opens Notepad. - calc: Launches Calculator. - snippingtool: Opens Snipping Tool. - mspaint: Opens Microsoft Paint. - winword: Starts Microsoft Word. - excel: Opens Microsoft Excel. - chrome: Launches Google Chrome. - msedge: Opens Microsoft Edge. - control: Opens Control Panel. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - powerpnt: Opens Microsoft PowerPoint. - firefox: Opens Mozilla Firefox. - wmplayer: Opens Windows Media Player. - msra: Opens Windows Remote Assistance. - outlook: Opens Microsoft Outlook. Navigating Settings: - ms-settings: Opens main Settings app. - ms-settings:network: Opens network & internet settings. - ms-settings:display: Opens display settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens personalization settings. - ms-settings:windowsupdate: Opens Windows Update settings. - ms-settings:privacy: Opens Privacy settings. - ms-settings:bluetooth: Opens Bluetooth settings. - ms-settings:devices: Opens Devices settings. - ms-settings:system: Opens System settings. - ms-settings:accounts: Opens Accounts settings. - ms-settings:timeandlanguage: Opens Time & Language settings. - ms-settings:gaming: Opens Gaming settings. - ms-settings:region: Opens Region settings. - ms-settings:optionalfeatures: Opens Optional Features settings. - ms-settings:storage: Opens Storage settings. - ms-settings:notifications: Opens Notifications settings. - ms-settings:taskbar: Opens Taskbar settings. - ms-settings:start: Opens Start Menu settings. - ms-settings:lockscreen: Opens Lock Screen settings. Network and Connectivity: - ncpa.cpl: Opens Network Connections. - ipconfig: Displays IP configuration. - ping: Tests network connectivity. - control netconnections: Opens Network and Sharing Center. - ms-settings:network-wifi: Opens Wi-Fi settings. - ms-settings:datausage: View data usage. - ms-settings:network-vpn: Manage VPN. - ms-settings:network-proxy: Configures proxy settings. Display and Appearance: - desk.cpl: Opens Display Settings. - control color: Customizes window colors. - dpiscaling: Opens display scaling settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens Personalization settings. - ms-settings:themes: Changes desktop themes. - ms-settings:display-advanced: Adjusts advanced display settings. Accessibility: - magnify: Opens Magnifier. - narrator: Launches Narrator. - osk: Opens on-screen keyboard. - utilman: Opens Ease of Access Center. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-display: Opens display accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-cursor: Opens cursor accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mouse: Opens mouse accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-keyboard: Opens keyboard accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator: Opens narrator accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-magnifier: Opens magnifier accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-colorfilter: Opens color filter accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-highcontrast: Opens high contrast accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-closedcaptioning: Opens closed captioning accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio: Opens audio accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-eyecontrol: Opens eye control accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mousepointer: Opens mouse pointer accessibility settings. Power Management: - powercfg.cpl: Opens Power Options. - ms-settings:powersleep: Adjusts power and sleep settings. - powercfg /batteryreport: Generates a battery report. - powercfg /energy: Creates an energy efficiency report. - powercfg /hibernate: Enables or disables hibernation. - powercfg /deviceenablewake: Enables a device to wake the computer. - powercfg /devicedisablewake: Disables a device from waking the computer.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

4 reasons you should still use the Legacy Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 11

Windows includes various legacy utilities, with Disk Cleanup being a reliable tool for reclaiming storage space. Unlike the automated Storage Sense feature, Disk Cleanup allows manual operation to remove old Windows Update files. Users can access it via the Run dialog or Start menu, and it provides options to clear cache and the Recycle Bin. Disk Cleanup can also be scheduled to run automatically using Task Scheduler. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive view of removable items, making it more efficient than Storage Sense. There are concerns about the potential deprecation of Disk Cleanup, but it remains essential for managing storage on Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

February 6, 2025

Beware of Nova Stealer Malware Sold for $50 on Hacking Forums

Nova Stealer is a malware operating under the Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, available for a low cost for a 30-day license. It is a modified version of the SnakeLogger malware designed to extract sensitive information from compromised systems. Its distribution primarily occurs through aggressive phishing campaigns targeting sectors such as finance, retail, and IT, especially in regions like Russia. Nova Stealer infiltrates systems via phishing emails disguised as legitimate documents and employs techniques like steganography and process hollowing to evade detection. It can harvest data including saved credentials, keystrokes, clipboard contents, screenshots, cryptocurrency wallet information, and session cookies from platforms like Discord and Steam. The stolen data is transmitted through channels such as SMTP, FTP, or Telegram APIs. The malware's developers offer additional services, including cryptors to bypass antivirus detection, and a Telegram group for promotion and technical support. The MaaS model lowers entry barriers for cybercriminals, enabling those with minimal experience to conduct sophisticated attacks. Organizations are advised to implement strong email security measures, educate employees on phishing recognition, and utilize endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor unusual activities. Regular updates to antivirus software and operating systems are also recommended to mitigate vulnerabilities.