You may get a Task Scheduler error prompt stating One or more of the specified arguments are not valid if you have created an automated scheduled task that should be triggered or you have set some other conditions but it fails to do so when you log onto your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer. This post provides applicable solutions to the issue.
An error has occurred for task [taskname]. Error message: One or more of the specified arguments are not valid.
When this error occurs on your system, it means that Task Scheduler is missing the required arguments that are needed to execute the task. This may be due to a certain group policy in effect, or that the task hasn’t been configured properly.
One or more of the specified arguments are not valid – Task Scheduler Error
If you get the One or more of the specified arguments are not valid error when a scheduled task fails to run on your Windows 11/10 device, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular and see if that helps you resolve the issue on your system.
- Check if the Task arguments are correct
- Check Task Scheduler service
- Assign proper permissions to the Task
- Create new User Account
- Perform System Restore
Let’s have a quick look at the description of the listed solutions.
1] Check if the Task arguments are correct
- Open Task Scheduler
- Click on Action
- Selecet Create a Basic Task
- Under Action > Start a program, ensure that the arguments specified are valid.
Read: How to delay a Scheduled Task in Task Scheduler
2] Check Task Scheduler service
The Task Scheduler service enables you to perform automated tasks on a computer. With this service, you can schedule any program to run at any time or when a specific event occurs. The Task Scheduler monitors the time or event criteria you choose and then executes the task when those criteria are met. So, basically if this service is not started and running, probably got disabled on your device for one reason or the other as the service is by default set to automatic startup – then you are likely be experiencing the issue in view.
To check and make sure Task Scheduler service is started and running, do the following:
- Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator on your Windows 11/10 PC.
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter to open Services.
- In the Services window, scroll and locate the Task Scheduler service.
- Double-click on the entry to edit its properties.
- In the properties window, click the drop-down on the Startup type and select Automatic.
- Next, make sure the service is started by clicking the Start button if not greyed out.
- Click Apply > OK to save changes.
- Restart PC.
If the issue persists, try the next solution.
3] Assign proper permissions to the Task
As already pointed out, this error could as well be permissions-related. In Task Scheduler, there is a security option to use a specific group to run the task. So, if the Task doesn’t have the correct permission, you will get this error.
To assign proper permissions to the Task, you need to change the group to SYSTEM to elevate the permissions for the task. To do this, follow the instructions below:
- Press Windows key + R keys to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type taskschd.msc and hit Enter to open Task Scheduler.
- In the left pane of Task Scheduler, expand the Task Scheduler Library.
- Now, select the folder that contains the task triggering the error.
- In the middle pane of the opened folder, right-click the task and select Properties.
- On the task Properties window, click General tab.
- Under Security options, click on Change User or Group.
- In the Select User or Group dialog, click Advanced.
- In the Advanced window, click Find now and from the usernames listed select SYSTEM.
- Click OK.
- Click OK again to successfully add the username to the specified task.
- Now, check the Run whether user is logged on or not option.
- Click OK to save changes.
- Reboot your PC.
The task should now be able to run without issue. If that’s not the case, try the next solution.
Read: How to schedule a Batch File to run automatically
4] Create new User Account
Before you try this to rule out the possibility of a corrupted profile/account which will potentially prevent the logged-on user from performing certain tasks, you can delete the scheduled task and then recreate the task and see if the task can now run as scheduled. Otherwise, simply create a new local user or administrator account, log into the new account, create the task again. if the task successfully runs under this new account, you can transfer your files/data from the old account to the new account.
If this isn’t the case, but the issue at hand is still not resolved, you can try the next solution.
5] Perform System Restore
As a last resort, assuming the task was running earlier without issues, it’s likely some changes have been made to your system, like a system update. driver or software update, which may have broken the Task Scheduler functionality, consequently preventing tasks from running as scheduled. In this case, an applicable solution is to perform System Restore to revert your system to the certain period in which you are sure the task was running normally.
That’s it!
NOTE: This post shows how to fix Task Scheduler error, An error has occurred for the task. It is accompanied by the following sub-errors:
- The specified account name is not valid
- The selected task {0} no longer exists
- A task or folder with this name already exists
Related post: Task Scheduler not running or starting programs
What is 0x1 error in Task Scheduler?
Task scheduler last run result 0x1 error mostly occurs due to privilege issue. For example, the user do not have sufficient privilege to execute the task at the specified location or the process unable to locate the file for some reason.
How do I change my username in Task Scheduler?
Highlight the name of the scheduled task you want to change, click File menu > Properties, and select the Task tab. In the Run as box, type the account name to use. Click Set password and then type the user account password in the “Password” and “Confirm password” fields. Click OK.
What is Run with highest privileges in Task Scheduler?
In Task Scheduler, the Run with highest privileges option essentially gives the task administrator privileges the same way the User Account Control (UAC) prompt would do it. If you plan to use this for administrative purposes, you will probably want to enable this option.
Read: Create Elevated Shortcut to run Program: Bypass UAC Prompt
Is Schtasks.exe a virus?
No. The true schtasks.exe file is a safe Windows system process called Task Scheduler Configuration Tool. This tool enables you to schedule any program, task or a script to run at a specified time. You can also schedule a task to be executed daily, weekly, monthly, etc. This tool enables you to add and modify tasks from a central point.
