How to Create a Scheduled Task to Delete Files

Learn how to create a scheduled task to delete files on your computer. Automate the process and save time with this simple guide.

Creating a scheduled task to delete files on a Windows system involves several steps. Here’s a guide in tabular form to outline the process:

Note:

• Replace PATH in the ‘Add Arguments’ step with the actual path of the folder from which you want to delete the files.
• The /f /s /q arguments in the command are for force deletion, subdirectories, and quiet mode, respectively.
• Be cautious with the del command, as it will permanently delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
• You can modify the trigger settings as per your requirement (e.g., a specific time of the day, day of the week, etc.).

This task, once created, will run according to the schedule you’ve set and will delete the specified files automatically.

Creating a Scheduled Task

Step 1: Accessing Task Scheduler

To begin, we need to access the Task Scheduler on your computer. You can do this by typing “Task Scheduler” into the search bar and clicking on the corresponding result. Once the Task Scheduler window opens, you are ready to proceed.

Step 2: Creating a Basic Task

In the Task Scheduler window, locate and click on the “Create Basic Task” option. This will launch the Create Basic Task Wizard, which will guide you through the process of setting up your scheduled task.

Step 3: Configuring Task Details

In the first step of the wizard, you will be prompted to give your task a name and an optional description. Choose a name that accurately reflects the purpose of the task, such as “Delete Temporary Files.” You can also provide additional details in the description if needed.

Step 4: Setting a Trigger

Next, you need to set a trigger for your task. A trigger determines when the task will run. Click on the “Daily” option if you want the task to run every day, or choose a different option based on your specific needs. Select the desired frequency, start time, and any other settings related to the trigger.

Step 5: Selecting an Action

After setting the trigger, you need to specify the action that the task will perform. In our case, we want to delete files, so select the “Start a program” option and click “Next”.

Step 6: Configuring the Program and Arguments

In the next step, you will be asked to provide the program or script you want to run. We will be using a command-line program called “del” to delete files. In the “Program/script” field, enter “cmd.exe” to open the Command Prompt.
For the arguments, type “/c del /q C:\path\to\files*.txt”. Make sure to replace “C:\path\to\files” with the actual path to the folder containing the files you want to delete. The “*.txt” part specifies that you want to delete all files with the “.txt” extension. Modify this as needed to match your requirements.

Step 7: Reviewing and Finishing

At this point, you will be presented with a summary of your scheduled task. Make sure to review all the details and settings to ensure they are correct. If everything looks good, click “Finish” to create the task.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can easily create a scheduled task to delete files on your computer. This automation can save you time and effort, especially if you regularly deal with files that need to be removed. Whether it’s temporary files, log files, or any other type of files, the Task Scheduler in Windows provides a convenient way to automate this task. Start decluttering your computer and gaining back valuable storage space today