Applications use the Command Prompt to install or update components silently. If everything works fine, the Command Prompt sometimes appears like a flash and is gone. Other times, it appears and disappears. But if it appears multiple times, then it becomes a problem. This post will guide you on what to do when the Command Prompt appears and disappears on Windows 11/10.
Command Prompt appears and disappears
You must get hold of the program name when the Command Prompt appears. If it appears multiple times, then you should have a chance to notice it. If you can note the program name, check if it has been installed correctly and all its processes have been completed. If not, you may re-install the program and see.
If you cannot do that, it will take longer to figure it out. You need to do the following:
- Check Task Scheduler
- Update .NET Framework
- Check for Malware
You will need admin permission to try the solution and fix the problem.
Note: If this occurs during a program installation, it is usual to see Windows Terminal or Command Prompt acting like this. However, it’s time to investigate if you notice it now and then.
1] Check Task Scheduler
Most background processes, including updates, are scheduled through Task Scheduler. If they are running scripts through Command Prompt or PowerShell, it may appear briefly. Usually, these scripts run once unless they fail to complete the process. In that case, they are set to rerun the script. So, if you see them appear and disappear multiple times, this is why.
To figure it out, you must open the Task Scheduler and go through the tasks. Each task has a Last Run Result column. If it’s anything other than 0x0, then it is an error. If the prompt keeps appearing at a particular time of the day, it will make it easy to identify.
Note: To open Task Scheduler, type the same in the Start menu and click on it when it appears.
2] Update .NET Framework
Installutil.Exe Command Prompt Flashes. What Does This Mean?
Installuitl.exe is a command-line utility that is related to .NET Framework applications. It may be trying to update or install a component, and the command line keeps appearing. If you can cite it when the Command Prompt appears, you must update the most current version of the .Net Framework package. Once done, the flashing Command Prompt will not appear anymore.
Check Office Subscription
Like the .NET framework, Office Subscription is also known to cause a similar problem. Task Scheduler holds an Office Subscription Maintenance task, which runs daily to ensure that the Microsoft Office Subscription licensing is current. If it is not able to validate, then it will rerun.
Open the Task Scheduler and navigate to Microsoft > Office. Locate the subscription maintenance task and disable it.
3] Run Windows Defender
If nothing else works, you may want to run Windows Defender or your Antivirus to scan for malware. Make sure to ruin it in safe mode so it can easily be removed. You can also use the online scanners.
While the problem is tricky, I hope the post helps you.
Why do Command Prompt appear and disappear during Installation?
This is because of background scripts. The installer might be using a script to automate the installation process or part of it. This script briefly opens the command prompt window to execute commands and then closes it when done.
Why do Command Prompt appear and disappear during Windows installation?
Like any other application installer, Windows uses scripts to automate various tasks. These scripts often run through the command prompt for tasks like copying files, configuring settings, or managing drivers.
