What could be more unfortunate when you have an interview lined up the next day and the alarm just goes rogue? Windows Task Scheduler is one’s personal timekeeper for automating various tasks on the PC such as running maintenance scripts, scheduling backups, or launching apps at specific times. However, like no other program, this too isn’t immune to errors. We will be discussing the meaning of one such issue faced by users in Windows Task Scheduler, error 0x41303, and guide you on how to fix it.
What is Windows Task Scheduler Error 0x41303? What are its Causes?
Error 0x41303 in Windows Task Scheduler is an indication that – The task has not yet run. Although it can occur due to several reasons, the most common one is a scheduled date in the past. Other possible causes include:
- Faulty settings
- Corrupt registry
- Permission issues
Now that we know what Error 0x41303 represents, let’s go through the methods to resolve it.
Tip: Sometimes, accidentally, users schedule a task in the past date and time. Any task programmed on the PC cannot run in the past. So, make sure that when you schedule any new task, the Start date is in the future. You can read our guide on Schedule Computer Shutdown using Task Scheduler as a reference.
Quick Answer
Enable the scheduled task and set to run it with the highest privileges following the steps below:
1. Open Task Scheduler, right-click on the problematic task and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Move to the General tab, and in the Security options section, select Run whether user is logged on or not.
3. Tick the checkbox next to Run with highest privileges.
Method 1: Update Windows
An outdated OS can often trigger such errors with its programs and applications. So, the first and foremost thing you can do is to update the PC and check if that fixes the error already. Follow our guide on How to Download and Install Windows 11 Updates.
Method 2: Enable Scheduled Task and Test with a Different Trigger
You need to check if the task scheduled is enabled or not. In case it isn’t, you can do that manually to avoid the error. Also, there are chances that the error might be caused by some conflicting Trigger. You can try out a new one and see if that helps. Follow the steps:
1. Open Task Scheduler and click on the respective task on the left sidebar.
2. Select Properties from the right pane.
3. Move to the Triggers tab and check if the task is Enabled already. If not, click on Edit at the bottom.
4. Under Settings, select a different frequency and change the Start date and time.
5. Tick the checkbox next to Enabled and click on OK.
Method 3: Adjust Network Conditions
Issues with detecting the appropriate network connection can cause troubles with scheduled tasks. You can however resolve it by configuring the condition manually. Follow the steps:
1. Open Task Scheduler, right-click on the problematic task and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Move to the Conditions tab.
3. Under Network, enable Start only if the following network connection is available.
4. Choose Any connection from the dropdown menu.
5. Click on OK to save the changes.
Also Read: Fix Task Scheduler Not Running In Windows 10
Method 4: Adjust Task Privilege and Configuration Settings
Tasks that require administrative privileges can encounter the error 0x41303 in Scheduler if it isn’t allowed or hasn’t been configured properly. Follow the steps below:
1. In Task Scheduler, right-click on a task and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Now in the General tab, select Run whether user is logged on or not in the Security options section.
3. Tick the checkbox next to Run with highest privileges and choose the right Windows version from the Configure for drop-down menu.
4. Click on OK to save the changes.
Method 5: Set Task Scheduler Startup Type to Automatic
Setting the startup of the Task Scheduler to Automatic can potentially fix the issue. It ensures that the program initiates with Windows, as soon as the PC boots up. Follow the steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc in the text field and press Enter.
3. Right-click on Task Scheduler and select Properties.
4. Ensure that the Startup type is set to Automatic and Service status is Running.
5. Click on OK to save.
Also Read: How to Schedule a Tweet on iPhone
Method 6: Change Service Configuration
Changing the service configuration for Task Scheduler can fix the issue as well. Follow the undermentioned steps:
1. Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. Type the command in the terminal: and press Enter.
4. Exit the command prompt and Restart the PC.
Method 7: Start Task Scheduler using Command Prompt
There is one more way following which you can fix issues with Windows Task Scheduler directly from the command prompt. Follow the steps below:
1. Run the Command Prompt in administrative mode.
2. Execute the following command: net start task scheduler.
3. Restart the PC.
Also Read: How to Use Trello for Daily Tasks
Method 8: Repair Registry Files
Corrup[t registry files can lead to the error 0x41303 in Windows Task Scheduler. You can fortunately repair the files to get this resolved. Follow the steps below:
1. Press the Windows key + R together to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit in the text field and hit Enter.
3. Copy and paste the path in the address bar and hit Enter:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Schedule
4. Right-click on the blank space on the left pane, hover the cursor on New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value from the menu.
5. Rename it to Start and set the Value data to 2. Click on OK to save.
If there is already a file with the name Start, check that its Value data is set to 2.
6. Restart the PC.
Method 9: Configure Action Settings
Occasionally the Task Scheduler does not accurately determine the working directory for a task, especially when the program relies on files or resources within a particular folder, thereby leading to the error. You can define the Start in to resolve this.
1. In Task Scheduler, right-click on the problematic task, and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Move to the Actions tab, and click on Edit at the bottom.
3. From the drop-down menu next to Action, select Start a program.
4. Now under Program/script, specify the directory path in the Start in (Optional) section.
For example, if the Program/Script field contains C:\Program Files\BlueStacks_nxt\BlueStacksHelper.exe, enter C:\Program Files\BlueStacks_nxt in the Start in (Optional) field.
Note: Sometimes, you may find quotation marks around the Program/Script and Start in (Optional) fields. Make sure to remove these quotation marks.
6. Click on OK to save.
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We hope our guide helped you fix error 0x41303 in Windows Task Scheduler. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below. Stay tuned to TechCult for solutions to more such tech-related issues.
