The Task Scheduler (Schedule) service enables you to configure and schedule automated tasks on the computer. The service monitors whatever criteria you choose, and it carries out the tasks when the criteria are met.

The Task Scheduler service supports a security isolation model that runs tasks in separate sessions according to their security content. As part of this isolation mode, tasks performed for different users are started in separate sessions, completely isolated from one another and from tasks that are running in the SYSTEM context. If passwords are required, they are encrypted and stored in Credential Manager, and they are retrieved as necessary.

If the Task Scheduler service stops, scheduled tasks do not run at their scheduled times or intervals.

This service is installed by default in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and its startup type is Automatic.

When the Task Scheduler service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local System account. It cannot be configured to log on using another account.

The Task Scheduler service is dependent upon the following system components:

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• DCOM Server Process Launcher
• RPC Endpoint Mapper
• Windows Event Log