📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses finding a tool to execute a program automatically after a period of system inactivity on Windows. The original poster inquires about using the built-in Task Scheduler for this purpose and questions the difference between two idle-related settings, ultimately realizing that immediate execution isn't possible due to a minimum delay of one minute. The overall sentiment indicates that while Windows' built-in options are somewhat limited for real-time idle detection, they may suffice with minor delays.
P

pstein

Extraordinary Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
454
Thread Author #1
I am searching a tool which let me define

- a certain time of inactivity (e.g. 30 minutes) with no keypress or mouse movements
and
- another program (or batch script) (with parameters) which is automatically executed after this time of inactivity.

Can soemone give me a recommendation for such a utility?

Thank you
Peter
 

Sort by date Sort by votes
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Member details
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#2
The built-in task scheduler can do that
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
P

pstein

Extraordinary Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
454
Thread Author #3
When I go to the "conditions" tab of the built-in Task Scheduler then there are two drop down entries:

  • Start the task only if the computer is idle for: 15 minutes
  • Wait for idle for: 1 hour

What is the difference between the two?
They seems to be equal to me
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Member details
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#4
Wait for idle means wait X minutes/hours for idle to occur. "Start the task only if the computer is idle" means once idle has happened wait x minutes/hours to run.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
P

pstein

Extraordinary Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
454
Thread Author #5
Ok, thank you.
That in turn means that I cannot run assigned program immediately since in the drop down of "Start the task only if the computer is idle" there is no "0 minutes". The smallest value is 1 minute.

Correct?
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Member details
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#6
Correct it's as close to real time idle as you will get without writing a custom application.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.