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How to Back Up Scheduled Tasks in Windows 10 & 11

Have a bunch of scheduled tasks? Follow these simple steps to back up scheduled tasks in Windows 10 and 11 using the Task Scheduler.

Task Scheduler is one of the most useful tools in Windows. In fact, it is one of my favorites. Using the Task Scheduler, you can quickly and efficiently automate tasks. For example, you can schedule backups, launch programs on startup, and more.

Thanks to its ease of use, most Windows users use the Task Scheduler to create scheduled tasks. For example, I have over ten scheduled tasks for various functions like launching programs with a delay at startup, custom configuration tasks, etc.

With all the scheduled tasks, you must back up Task Scheduler. For instance, when I want to reinstall Windows or create the same tasks on another computer, like my desktop, I export scheduled tasks and import them as needed. This eliminates the need to create the task every time manually.

If you are ever in the same situation, follow the below steps to export or back up scheduled tasks using Task Scheduler in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

Related: How to show custom pop-up messages using Task Scheduler

Table of contents:

  1. How to back up scheduled tasks in Windows
  2. How to restore scheduled tasks in Windows

The steps below work the same in Windows 10 and 11.

How to back up scheduled tasks in Windows

To back up a scheduled task in Task Scheduler, you have to export it. It is pretty easy to do. Let me show you how.

  1. Open the Task Scheduler.
  2. Select the “Task Scheduler Library” folder on the sidebar.
  3. Find and select the scheduled task you want to back up.
  4. Click “Export” on the right sidebar.
  5. Type a name in the “File name” field.
  6. Press the “Ok” button.
  7. With that, you’ve backed up the scheduled task.
  8. Do the same for other tasks you want to back up.
  9. Close the Task Scheduler window.

Steps with more details:

First, open the Task Scheduler application. You can search for it in the Start menu.

open task scheduler

After opening the Task Scheduler, open the “Task Scheduler Library” folder on the left panel. This is where you will find all the scheduled tasks.

select task scheduler library folder

All the scheduled tasks appear in the middle panel. Find the task you want to back up, select it, and click the “Export” option under the “Selected Item” section on the right panel.

click export to back up scheduled task in task scheduler

When you click the option, you are asked to choose a location to save the backup file. So, browse to the folder where you want to save the file, type a name in the “File name” field, and click the “Save” button.

save export

That is it. The scheduled task is exported and backed up to the chosen folder with the selected name. If you go to the folder, you will find the backed-up scheduled task as an XML file.

scheduled task exported

If you are so inclined, you can open the file with a text or code editor and tweak the settings. Of course, only do this if you know what you are doing.

How to restore scheduled tasks in Windows

Just as you can back up a scheduled task, you can also import and restore it. Let me show you.

  1. Open the Task Scheduler.
  2. Select the “Task Scheduler Library” folder on the sidebar.
  3. Click “Import” on the right sidebar.
  4. Select the XML file.
  5. Press the “Open” button.
  6. Press “Ok” when prompted.
  7. With that, you’ve restored a scheduled task.
  8. Close the Task Scheduler.

Steps with more details:

First, open the Start menu, search for “Task Scheduler,” and open it.

open task scheduler

Next, select the “Task Scheduler Library” folder on the left sidebar. Then, click the “Import Task” option on the right panel.

click import to restore a scheduled task in task scheduler

The above action will open a new window. Here, find the backed-up scheduled task file, select it, and press the “Open” button.

select file to import

When you click the Open button, the Task Scheduler shows you the properties of the task you just selected. Verify the task and its settings and click the “Ok” button.

Related: How to rename scheduled tasks in Task Scheduler

verify settings and click ok

That is it. You’ve successfully imported or restored the scheduled task in the Task Scheduler.

To verify if the task can run, right-click on the imported task and select the “Run” option. If the task runs, everything should be fine.

scheduled task imported and restored

That is all. It is that simple to back up and restore a scheduled task in the Task Scheduler in Windows 10 and 11.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.

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