One of the important functions in the Windows operating system is the Task Scheduler. It can automatically run various tasks at a certain time where you’ll have to add a task that needs to be executed and then choose the time it has to run at. So when that time comes, the Task Scheduler will run the task automatically. However, some users reported getting an Error 0x80070057 where the Task Scheduler fails to start.
This kind of error may be due to a disabled service that prevents the service from running. It is also possible that the antivirus program interfered with the task – it could be that the Task Scheduler is somewhat in the block list since the antivirus adds it to the list automatically when it’s installed. On the other hand, it could be that you lack administrator-level privilege which is why the Task Scheduler was not able to carry out the task. To fix this issue, here are some suggestions you can try.
Option 1 – Try to restart the Task Scheduler service
As mentioned, it is possible that the Task Scheduler service could be disabled. You could have disabled it when trying to enhance your computer’s performance and whatnot. Thus, you need to verify if it’s running or not and then restart it.
- First, you need to tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Next, type “services.msc” in the field and click OK or tap Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
- You will see a list of Services and from there, look for the Task Scheduler service and double click on it.
- After that, go to the General tab and click on the Startup Type options and then select “Automatically” from the given list.
- Click on the “RUN” option and select the “Restart the Service” option.
- And click on the “After Second Failure” option and then select the “Restart-Service” option again.
- Now click on the “After Subsequent Failures” tab and select the “Restart the Service” option.
- Finally, click on the Apply and OK buttons and then run the Task Scheduler and see if the issue is now fixed.
Option 2 – Try to temporarily disable the anti-virus program
As mentioned, the error could be due to the antivirus program or the Windows Defender Firewall installed in your computer. Thus, disabling them or any security software installed on your computer is always a good idea you can try when you’re not able to access the shared drive on your computer. There are times when you encounter problems like the Task Scheduler Error 0x80070057 due to interference of antivirus or security programs. Thus, you have to disable both your antivirus program for the meantime and check if it fixes the error or not.
Option 3 – Run the Task Scheduler with an administrator account
Like pointed out, the Task Scheduler Error 0x80070057 may be due to the lack of admin privileges. Thus, you have to log in to an administrator account and try running the Task Scheduler again. It is also recommended that the administrator account you’re going to use as a password when logging in.
Option 4 – Repair the Task Scheduler by deleting corrupted tasks
Note that a single corrupted file can cause big problems so this option is quite important. And for you to delete a corrupted task or any task from the Task Scheduler, you have to use the Registry Editor if you are not able to use the Task Scheduler interface. To do so, follow these steps:
- Tap the Win + R keys to open the dialog box for Run.
- Next, type in Regedit and click on OK or tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Then navigate to this path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheTree
Note: In this path, you can see all the tasks that are currently set in the Task Scheduler. And since it would be hard to tell which one of them is corrupted, you have to delete the latest one in Task Scheduler last. But before you do so, make sure that you take note of the ID of the tasks. And for you to get the ID, you have to select the task you wish to delete and double click on the ID string located on your right-hand side, and then copy it in the Notepad.
- Right-click on the task name and then delete it.
- After that, delete the very same GUID which you have copied earlier from these folders:
- ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheBoot
- ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheLogon
- ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheMaintenance
- ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCachePlain
- ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionScheduleTaskCacheTasks
Note: You might not see the same GUID from these folders but if you see it, delete it right away.
- Next, navigate to this location: C:/Windows/System32/Tasks
- Delete the very same tasks you just deleted from the Registry Editor.
- Restart your PC and check if the Task Scheduler is back to its normal state or not.