By Ellie / Last Updated July 12, 2023

Task Scheduler not working (Remote not found)

 

I restarted the computer after shutting it down, and none of my apps were executed by the Task Scheduler. When I try to open the Task Scheduler, I receive the following error message: The remote computer was not found.”

- Question from Reddit

The Remote Computer Was Not Found

The functionality of Windows heavily relies on the Task Scheduler service, which effectively manages and schedules tasks, background processes, and running programs within the operating system. When the Task Scheduler encounters issues, it hampers the proper execution of scheduled tasks and programs on your computer, disrupting their planned initiation.

How to fix Task Scheduler “The remote computer was not found” [4 fixes]

In order to assist you in resolving the error Task Scheduler "The remote computer was not found", we have compiled four helpful tips along with detailed guides. These suggestions aim to provide you with the necessary steps to address the issue effectively. Let's dive into them.

Fix 1. Ensure Task Scheduler service is running

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R, type "services.msc" into the Run box, and press Enter to open the Windows Services.

Services.msc

Step 2. In the Services panel, scroll down to the "Task Scheduler" option. Right-click Task Scheduler and then choose "Properties".

Step 3. In the Task Scheduler Properties window, set the Startup type to "Automatic."

Step 4. Click on "Start," then click "Apply" and "OK" to enable the Task Scheduler service.

Task Scheduler Properties

Fix 2. Fix registry files

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R, type "regedit," and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Run Box Regedit

Step 2. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Schedule

Schedule

Step 3. Right-click on any empty space in the left pane, select "New," and click on "DWORD (32-bit) Value."

Schedule New DWORD

Step 4. Name it "Start" and set the Value data to "2".

Value Data

Step 5. Restart your computer after closing the Registry Editor.

Fix 3. Delete the corrupted Tree cache

Step 1. Open the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree

Step 3. Rename the “Tree” as “Tree.old”.

Tree Old

Step 4. Now, run Task Scheduler and check if it is running correctly. If it runs smoothly, then any of the tasks listed under the “Tree” is the reason you were experiencing the error. Go to the Registry Editor again.

Step 5. Rename “Tree.old” back to “Tree” again.

Step 6. In the Registry Editor window, under “Tree“, rename each of the tasks one by one (by adding “.old” after the name of the task), and then launch Task Scheduler. Check if you are still experiencing the error message again. If the error message still appears, rename the key again to the previous name (remove “.old” from the name). Repeat this procedure till the error message in Task Scheduler disappears. (Example- We have renamed the “Adobe Acrobat Update Task” to “Adobe Acrobat Update Task.old”.)

Adobe Acrobat Old

Step 7. Once the error message disappears (after renaming it with “.old“), you can be sure that this task is the main cause of your problem.

Step 8. In the Registry Editor window, just right-click on the task and click on “Delete“. This will delete the task from your computer.

Reg Delete

Step 9. Reboot your computer.

Fix 4. Perform a clean boot

Step 1. You can try to perform a clean boot to fix Task Scheduler error “The remote computer was not found”. Press the Windows key + R, type "msconfig," and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.

Run Box MSconfig

Step2. Click on the "Services" tab, and tick the "Hide all Microsoft services" option at the bottom-left.

Step 3. Click on the "Disable all" button.

Tick Hide All Microsoft Services

Step 4. Switch to the "Startup" tab, and click "Open Task Manager." Disable any unnecessary programs from startup in the Task Manager.

Step 5. Close the Task Manager, click "OK," and restart your computer to initiate a clean boot.

AnyViewer: Free remote desktop software for remote tasks management and scheduling

Take charge of managing and scheduling tasks, background processes, and running programs remotely with the help of AnyViewer. As a free remote desktop software designed for Windows, AnyViewer gives you complete control over a remote computer, regardless of physical location. It provides a seamless experience that makes you feel like you were sitting right in front of a remote computer.

Imagine being able to remotely control your home computer from your office computer during work hours. AnyViewer makes this possible, enabling efficient and convenient management of tasks and programs from anywhere.

Experience the benefits of AnyViewer for yourself and enjoy the flexibility and control it offers for your remote task management and scheduling needs.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Download AnyViewer

✍Note: AnyViewer also has a mobile version, you are also able to remotely control your PC from your iPhone, iPad, or Android.

Step 2. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. Fill in the signup information.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 4. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Free Editions

Step 5. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access.

Connect to My Devices

✍Note: If you want to assign more devices to achieve unattended remote access, then you can upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. Also, you can connect to another computer in privacy mode, which means you can black the screen and block the mouse and keyboard of the remote computer.

Step 6. After you’ve got full control of the remote computer, you can then open any program and manage it as if you’re using it actually.

AnyViewer Computer Management

The bottom line

In conclusion, if you are facing difficulties with the Task Scheduler"The remote computer was not found"on Windows 7/8/10/11, you can try the four solutions. Besides, you’re also recommended to consider AnyViewer. This free remote desktop software for Windows enables efficient remote task management and scheduling, allowing you to take control of tasks, background processes, and running programs from anywhere. With AnyViewer, you can easily overcome the Task Scheduler's limitations and seamlessly manage your tasks on remote computers.