10 Best Task Schedulers for Windows

In addition to the classic “Task Scheduler” built into Windows, there are many third-party programs with similar, and even superior functionality. Let’s look at the ten best alternatives.

Windows Task Scheduler

A built-in utility in Windows that allows you to automate various tasks on your computer. It is used to run programs, scripts, or commands at a specified time or in response to certain events (for example, when the system starts, after the user logs in, on a schedule, etc.). 

Using Task Scheduler you can:

Redwood RunMyJobs

A cloud platform for automating and managing business processes, tasks, and data flows. It allows users to centrally plan and track work tasks, eliminating manual processes and integrating various applications and systems. 

RunMyJobs helps simplify complex tasks such as data processing, IT process management, financial accounting tasks, and more. The platform is especially useful for organizations that need robust automation with real-time monitoring and notification features.

JAMS Scheduler 

An enterprise workflow automation and task management solution developed by Fortra. It is designed to organize and control task execution and helps enterprises centrally manage various workflows. It can be used to create complex task schedules based on conditions, events, and dependencies, which is important for critical business processes.

Zapier

A web service for automating tasks between online applications. A cloud-based platform for automating workflows that allows users to integrate and connect different applications and services without the need for programming. 

With Zapier, you can automate data exchange between popular web applications such as Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, Trello, Salesforce, and thousands of others. The basic principle of Zapier is based on the creation of automated chains of actions, or so-called “Zaps,” that are launched under certain conditions.

Task Till Dawn 

A free task automation program for Windows and macOS, similar to the built-in Windows Task Scheduler, but with a more flexible and user-friendly interface. The program allows users to set up and run tasks on a schedule or based on certain conditions, such as application launch or system boot. Supports various actions, including launching applications, scripts, and commands, and can repeat tasks at specified intervals or on specific days.

ActiveBatch

• Developer: IMU Andreas Baumann
• Official website

A powerful task and workflow management system that helps organizations automate and coordinate tasks across applications. Supports the creation and planning of complex scenarios that can involve tasks in multiple environments.

There is integration with many applications and databases: ActiveBatch supports APIs, web services, databases and many business applications. Allows real-time monitoring and management: provides detailed analytics. There is a notification and alert system, and customizable notifications help quickly respond to changes or errors in task execution.

Z-Cron

• Developer: IMU Andreas Baumann
• Official website

A program for automating and scheduling tasks in the Windows operating system. It allows users to set up various commands and applications to run on a schedule. The program is especially useful for performing regular and routine tasks that can be run automatically without user intervention. The main functions of Z-Cron include:

The official website of the Z-Cron developer is available at  z-dbackup.de . On the website, you can download the program, get acquainted with its functions and learn how to set up automation of tasks in Windows, for example, for scheduling backups, automatic launch of programs or managing network connections.

Advanced Task Scheduler 

• Developer: Southsoftware
• Official website

A universal program for task automation developed by Southsoftware. It is designed to schedule various actions, such as launching applications, shutting down the computer, establishing network connections and other automated tasks. The program provides advanced scheduling features, allowing you to configure tasks based on various triggers, such as time, system downtime, network connections, user login and logout events.

The program is available in several versions: Basic, Professional and Network. The Professional version adds encryption functions, allows you to assign multiple schedules for one task and supports execution on holidays. The Network version is built on the client/server architecture, which allows you to manage tasks on remote servers and use them in corporate networks.

System Scheduler

• Developer: Splinterware.
• Official website

Provides the ability to automatically launch applications and display notifications on a specified schedule. The program is considered an alternative to the built-in Windows Task Scheduler. There is a free version that offers basic functions without advertising. For professional use, there is a paid version of the software.

System Scheduler allows you to create events with application launches, reminders, and error window closings. For example, with the Window Watcher function, you can automatically close frozen windows or, conversely, launch applications when a certain window appears. The program also allows you to send simulated keystrokes, which is useful for automating various tasks, such as launching an email client and sending a message.

RoboTask

• Developer: Neowise Software
• Official website

A program for automating various tasks on a computer. It allows users to create and customize scripts to perform routine tasks without the need for programming.

RoboTask supports automation of such actions as file operations, management of running programs, interaction with e-mail, work with databases, management of network operations and many other processes.

It can be used to create automated scripts that perform repetitive or complex tasks for the user. The software is also suitable for creating complex automated scripts using a GUI.