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Documentation · Windows appendix

Scheduled tasks

The scheduled tasks that Setup Foundry disables.

since 0.9.8.11

Purpose

This page lists every object of this kind that Setup Foundry changes, and what the change does. It is generated from the catalog and never edited by hand.

Notes

Consolidator

Consolidator is part of the voluntary Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). When participation is enabled, the task processes usage data and sends it to Microsoft. This data can include information about hardware and system configuration, performance and reliability, and the use of Windows features.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler but no longer runs automatically. If CEIP participation was enabled, Microsoft no longer receives the usage data handled by Consolidator through this route, leaving that part of CEIP participation inactive.

KernelCeipTask

KernelCeipTask is part of the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). Its Windows task description states that it collects additional system information and sends the data to Microsoft when the user has consented to participate in Windows CEIP. If the user has not consented, the task does nothing.

Effects of the change: The additional system-data collection assigned to KernelCeipTask no longer occurs because the task is not started by its configured triggers. Disabling the task does not necessarily terminate an instance that is already running.

UsbCeip

UsbCeip is part of the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). When the task is triggered and the computer is enrolled in CEIP, it collects USB usage statistics and information about the computer. Microsoft uses this data to improve the reliability, stability, and overall functionality of USB support in Windows.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer start it. This USB-specific CEIP component therefore stops supplying new usage statistics to Microsoft.

Sqm-Tasks

Sqm-Tasks is a Windows system task located under \Microsoft\Windows\PI in Task Scheduler. Microsoft describes it as gathering information about the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Secure Boot, and Measured Boot.

Effects of the change: The task is no longer launched automatically by its configured triggers. Consequently, the collection of TPM, Secure Boot, and Measured Boot information assigned to this task no longer takes place on its schedule or is no longer refreshed by this task.

DmClient

This task belongs to the Windows System Initiated User Feedback (SIUF) component. It runs dmclient.exe to refresh strings and dynamic configuration used by that component. Windows can use this material for feedback prompts presented according to the system’s feedback configuration.

Effects of the change: SIUF strings and the dynamic configuration retrieved by this task are no longer refreshed on its schedule. Previously cached material can remain in use. Depending on the Windows release and the configuration already stored on the device, system-initiated feedback prompts may therefore use outdated content or fail to operate as Microsoft intended.

DmClientOnScenarioDownload

This task is part of Windows System Initiated User Feedback (SIUF). That feature can display context-dependent notifications asking users to rate their experience or provide feedback about Windows.

Effects of the change: Once disabled, DmClientOnScenarioDownload no longer runs when its trigger occurs. Newly downloaded feedback scenarios therefore are not processed through this task. Context-dependent requests to rate Windows or provide feedback may consequently stop appearing or may no longer be updated from newly supplied scenarios.

Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser

Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser examines the device hardware and installed applications and drivers for compatibility with Windows feature updates. When a scheduled run occurs, the task starts the Windows compatibility appraiser and refreshes compatibility information stored in locations including the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags registry subtree.

Effects of the change: The task remains present in Task Scheduler, but its time- or event-based triggers no longer launch it. Installed applications, drivers, and ordinary Windows sessions are not directly disabled.

Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser Exp

This task launches Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser through CompatTelRunner.exe. The appraiser examines the device and its software for known compatibility concerns. Its assessment covers installed applications and drivers as well as device properties relevant to eligibility for a particular Windows release.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer launch it. Its scheduled compatibility assessments and the resulting refresh of compatibility information therefore stop.

AitAgent

AitAgent is a legacy Windows task in the Application Experience category. It starts the Application Impact Telemetry Agent, which aggregates and uploads application telemetry when the computer is enrolled in the Microsoft Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP).

Effects of the change: Task Scheduler no longer starts AitAgent at the times or events defined by the task's triggers. The task is not deleted.

  • Identifier: \Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\AitAgent
  • Setup Foundry: is disabled
  • Switch in the app: Windows › Tasks
  • In detail: AitAgent
  • Source: [Microsoft Learn: Manage Privacy—Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program and Resulting Internet Communication](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/jj618322(v=ws.11)

ProgramDataUpdater

ProgramDataUpdater is part of the Windows application-compatibility infrastructure. The task initiates an inventory of installed applications and other system components. The resulting information can help Windows and Microsoft identify compatibility problems and assess whether applications, drivers, and devices are ready for Windows updates.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its time-based or event-based triggers no longer launch it. Merely disabling the task does not necessarily terminate an instance that is already running.

Device

This Windows system task initiates a device inventory. Windows examines technical characteristics of the computer and its configuration, which contribute to diagnostic events in the “Census” group.

Effects of the change: The task remains visible in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer start it. Consequently, the device inventory initiated by this task is no longer refreshed on its normal schedule.

Device User

This task is part of the Windows diagnostic component that gathers device information. In its usual definition, a user sign-in triggers the task, which starts DeviceCensus.exe with the UserCxt argument. This initiates the user-context portion of the device and configuration inventory used for diagnostic, compatibility, and update-related purposes.

Effects of the change: Once disabled, Device User is no longer started by its sign-in trigger. The task remains registered in Task Scheduler. Merely disabling it does not necessarily terminate an instance of DeviceCensus.exe that is already running.

BootstrapUsageDataReporting

This task belongs to the Windows feature-configuration and controlled-feature-rollout subsystem. Its technical name indicates that it bootstraps usage-data reporting for feature configurations. Microsoft does not publish a task-specific description that identifies its exact triggers, processing sequence, or complete reporting payload.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer run it. Consequently, the initial setup or activation of usage-data reporting for Windows feature configurations might not occur through this task.

GovernedFeatureUsageProcessing

This task belongs to the internal Windows FeatureConfig subsystem. That subsystem maintains configuration state for Windows features that Microsoft introduces gradually or controls through policy. GovernedFeatureUsageProcessing processes usage information associated with such governed features.

Effects of the change: The task no longer runs automatically. Disabling it does not directly reverse existing feature states or remove installed Windows updates.

UsageDataFlushing

This task is part of Windows' internal feature-configuration and controlled-feature-rollout infrastructure. It initiates processing of buffered usage information made available to that infrastructure when Windows manages feature states.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer start it. Consequently, the feature-configuration usage buffer is not processed or flushed through this scheduled task.

UsageDataReceiver

This task belongs to the Windows Feature Configuration component. That component manages feature configurations used, among other things, for staged or controlled feature rollouts. Microsoft uses such rollouts to enable features on a limited set of devices first and monitor quality before expanding availability.

Effects of the change: The task is not deleted. Once disabled, its triggers no longer launch it, so the associated processing of feature-usage signals does not take place.

UsageDataReporting

UsageDataReporting belongs to Windows' internal feature-configuration system. The task processes reporting data for features that Windows enables, disables, or delivers in different variants through controlled rollouts or cloud-provided configurations.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer run it. No immediate user-interface change is expected during normal use. Merely disabling this reporting task does not remove features that are already enabled or erase locally stored feature configurations.

SustainabilityTelemetry

This Windows system task invokes the task action implemented by EcoScoreTask.dll. It belongs to the sustainability components included with newer Windows 11 releases and processes diagnostic information related to the device’s energy efficiency. Microsoft’s public documentation does not provide a task-specific description of its triggers or event schema.

Effects of the change: Task Scheduler no longer invokes EcoScoreTask.dll through this task’s registered triggers. The task definition and its system library are not deleted and can remain visible in Task Scheduler and the Windows component store.

UsageAndQualityInsights-MaintenanceTask

This task is part of the Microsoft Usage and Quality Insights component in Windows. The component derives summarized facts and insights from information about product usage and experience quality. Windows can use those results for automated on-device remediation and optional experiences such as personalized offers.

Effects of the change: Task Scheduler no longer starts the task in response to its configured time- or event-based triggers. Its definition is retained, but a disabled task cannot be run normally by Task Scheduler until it is enabled again. Merely disabling it does not necessarily terminate an instance that is already running.

GatherNetworkInfo

GatherNetworkInfo is a helper component of Windows network diagnostics. The task launches the Windows script gatherNetworkInfo.vbs, which collects local network and system configuration details for diagnostic output. This output can include information about network adapters, the Windows build and operating system, and wireless settings.

Effects of the change: Because the standard task has no trigger of its own, disabling it normally produces no visible change during everyday Windows use. Network connections, name resolution, file sharing, and the list of available networks continue to operate independently of this task.

LoginCheck

LoginCheck is part of the Microsoft Store’s Windows Push To Install feature. Its registered action starts the PushToInstall service with the login argument so that the service can process sign-in state relevant to remote installations. This infrastructure allows an installation initiated from Microsoft Store on another device or on the web to be associated with and delivered to this Windows device.

Effects of the change: The task is not deleted. Its registered triggers no longer start the PushToInstall service in login mode. User sign-in therefore no longer invokes this particular mechanism for initializing or checking the remote-installation feature.

Registration

This task is part of the Microsoft Store Push To Install feature. When its trigger fires, it starts the PushToInstall service in registration mode. This allows Windows to register the device, or refresh its registration, for installation requests initiated through Microsoft Store on the web or on another device.

Effects of the change: The task no longer runs automatically and therefore no longer starts the Windows PushToInstall Service for its scheduled registration or registration refresh.

BackgroundUploadTask

This task belongs to the Windows SettingSync infrastructure. On Windows versions that include it, the task invokes a delayed background upload for settings synchronization. It processes locally queued changes to eligible Windows settings and, on supported Windows versions, roaming data maintained by packaged apps, sending them to the associated Microsoft cloud service.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its triggers and system requests can no longer start it. Users normally do not see an immediate error message.

BackupTask

BackupTask belongs to the Windows settings synchronization and backup component (SettingSync). It starts a background backup pass that sends eligible user settings to the Microsoft cloud service associated with the applicable Microsoft or organizational account.

Effects of the change: The task is not deleted, but its registered triggers can no longer launch it. Local settings, installed applications, and personal files remain unchanged.

NetworkStateChangeTask

This hidden Windows task is part of settings synchronization. When the network state changes, it runs a COM handler from the Windows component SettingSyncCore.dll. This allows synchronization to respond when network connectivity becomes available or changes, for example by processing settings that have not yet been transferred.

Effects of the change: Changing networks or restoring connectivity no longer starts this task. If settings are waiting to be transferred at that time, this trigger will not process them immediately. Those settings may therefore appear on other devices later than usual, or may not become available to a backup or restore operation until another synchronization run occurs.

MaintenanceTask

MaintenanceTask belongs to the older Windows Live infrastructure for roaming Windows and app settings. The task invokes the maintenance handler provided by the Windows Live Roaming Sync Extension (wlroamextension.dll). This component shipped with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and maintains data used by the settings-sync system of that period.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer launch the maintenance handler. Other tasks and Windows components can continue to synchronize settings.

SynchronizeWithStorage

SynchronizeWithStorage belongs to the legacy Windows settings-roaming infrastructure used by Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. When invoked, the task checks whether synchronization is required and performs it if necessary.

Effects of the change: The task is no longer launched automatically by its configured triggers. On a system that still uses this legacy roaming infrastructure, the check and any subsequent synchronization normally performed by SynchronizeWithStorage therefore do not take place.

HiveUploadTask

HiveUploadTask is part of the Windows User Profile Service infrastructure. When the associated roaming-profile policy is enabled, it performs a scheduled background upload of the signed-in user's registry hive (NTUSER.DAT) to the configured network profile location. The schedule can use either a recurring interval or a specified time of day.

Effects of the change: There is no practical change for local profiles or for roaming profiles whose background upload policy is not configured.

Backup

This task is part of Windows app-list backup. During a scheduled backup, it starts the Windows component that records the list of installed apps for Windows Backup. On currently supported managed versions of Windows, Microsoft documents a recurring automatic backup that includes the list of installed Microsoft Store apps.

Effects of the change: Installed apps are not removed or modified. The Start menu, existing pins, app launching, app updates, and local app data continue to work. The task remains in Task Scheduler, but its configured triggers no longer start it.

BackupNonMaintenance

This task belongs to the Windows app-list backup component. The corresponding Windows Backup feature is controlled by the “Remember my apps” setting. It records the list of installed apps so that Windows can associate it with a backup profile and offer the apps for restoration when a new or reset PC is set up.

Effects of the change: The task remains present in Task Scheduler, but a disabled task cannot run. Installed apps, their shortcuts, and their local operation are not changed.

Backup

This task starts the periodic background backup used by Windows settings backup and restore. On supported and appropriately configured devices, the scheduled backup runs automatically about once every eight days.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered, but its time-based or event-based triggers no longer run it. Local settings, installed apps, and personal files are unchanged, so ordinary use of the PC is not immediately affected.

Restore

This task is part of the cloud-based backup and restoration of Windows settings. It starts a Windows component in CloudRestoreLauncher.dll when backed-up settings and information about installed applications are to be restored to a configured or newly provisioned device.

Effects of the change: There is normally no immediate visible change during everyday use of an already configured PC. The task supports restore scenarios; it is not a continuously running component required for routine Windows operation.

InitialConfiguration

This task belongs to the Windows Recall feature and performs its initial configuration. Recall is a Copilot+ PC feature that makes previously viewed screen content searchable by analyzing snapshots stored locally on the device.

Effects of the change: Once the task is disabled, Task Scheduler cannot start InitialConfiguration through its registered triggers. The task is not deleted, and its definition remains present.

PolicyConfiguration

This Windows system task is part of policy processing for Recall. Recall is a Copilot+ PC feature that, after each user explicitly opts in, periodically saves and analyzes snapshots of the screen locally.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its triggers no longer run it. If the Recall configuration does not change, or Recall is unavailable on the device, users will generally notice no immediate difference.

ModelCachingIdle

ModelCachingIdle is an internal Windows task in the Click to Do branch of Task Scheduler. Its path and registered name identify it as an idle-time maintenance path for the local model cache. Microsoft does not publicly document this individual task in detail, so its exact cache operations and complete trigger conditions are not reliably specified.

Effects of the change: The task is not deleted, but its idle-time maintenance no longer runs through this task path. Installed models and existing cache files are not automatically removed.

ModelCachingLimit

ModelCachingLimit is a Windows system task in the Click to Do task folder. Its registered action invokes the Windows model-caching task handler in Limit mode. It is therefore part of the maintenance for locally stored AI models used by Click to Do for analysis and AI-assisted actions.

Effects of the change: The task remains registered in Task Scheduler, but its triggers no longer launch the associated Limit maintenance run. This does not directly disable Click to Do, which can continue to analyze screen content and use available local models.

ModelCachingUpdate

This is an internal maintenance task associated with the Click to Do model cache on Copilot+ PCs. Its name indicates that it initiates an update of that cache, where Windows keeps local AI models or data prepared for their use by the feature.

Effects of the change: The task remains in Task Scheduler, but while disabled it cannot run in response to its configured triggers. Existing AI components and cached model data are not removed. This change also does not turn off Click to Do as a Windows feature; Windows provides a separate setting and policy for that purpose.

XblGameSaveTask

Microsoft describes XblGameSaveTask as the Xbox Live GameSave standby task. It belongs to the Windows Xbox Live components and supports background processing associated with Xbox game saves. Games that use the feature store save data locally and can synchronize it with Xbox cloud storage, allowing players to continue their progress on another device.

Effects of the change: As long as you do not select the task in Setup Foundry, it remains enabled and Windows behavior does not change.

See also