Where Are Windows Automatic Maintenance Tasks in Windows 11?
Windows 11 automatic maintenance tasks live inside the Windows Task Scheduler.
These are hidden computer chores that run in the background to keep your PC working well. They handle things like security updates and cleaning up your hard drive, all without bothering you.
You can find these tasks in the Task Scheduler under specific folders: “Task Scheduler Library” then “Microsoft,” “Windows,” and finally “Maintenance.” For example, the “WinSAT” task checks your computer’s performance regularly to ensure it stays fast.
Windows Automatic Maintenance tasks are found in Task Scheduler under Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Maintenance. You can view them by opening PowerShell as Administrator and running Get-ScheduledTask | ? {$_.Settings.MaintenanceSettings} | Out-GridView. Adjust settings in Control Panel > System and Security > Security and Maintenance > Automatic Maintenance.
Why use Windows Automatic Maintenance?
Why use Windows Automatic Maintenance? Your computer needs regular “housekeeping” to stay fast and secure.
When these tasks complete, your PC benefits from malware protection, an organized hard drive, and up-to-date software, all running smoothly without manual intervention.
How to see your maintenance tasks
Windows runs these tasks every day to keep things working well. If you want to see what is on your list, follow these steps.
Step 1Open PowerShell as Administrator
Step 2Run the command to see your tasks
Copy and paste the command below into the window, then press Enter.
Get-ScheduledTask | ? {$_.Settings.MaintenanceSettings} | Out-GridView
A new window appears, showing all your maintenance tasks.
Step 3Save the list to a file (Optional)
You can save the list of Windows automatic maintenance tasks to a text file on your desktop. With this text file, you can easily review scheduled maintenance actions, like disk defragmentation or software updates, later without opening Task Scheduler.
Get-ScheduledTask | ? {$_.Settings.MaintenanceSettings} | Format-Table -AutoSize | Out-file -FilePath "$Env:userprofile\Desktop\WAM.txt"
Troubleshooting and Configuration
You can find and adjust Windows Automatic Maintenance tasks in Control Panel, under System and Security, then Security and Maintenance.
Can I disable Windows Automatic Maintenance?
You can technically turn off Windows Automatic Maintenance, but it’s not a good idea because it stops important security scans and updates.
Does Automatic Maintenance affect PC performance?
Windows is designed to run these tasks only when your computer is idle. If you start using your PC while maintenance is running, Windows will automatically pause the tasks to ensure your work is not interrupted. This design minimizes the impact on your daily performance and system responsiveness.
Why does my computer wake up at night for maintenance?
Windows Automatic Maintenance tasks can wake your computer from sleep mode by default to ensure your system stays updated overnight.
Summary
Windows Automatic Maintenance tasks keep your PC healthy by running background processes, such as security scans and disk cleanup. These maintenance tasks run at 2 AM by default, but you can manage these maintenance settings to suit your schedule. Keeping the Windows Automatic Maintenance feature enabled is vital for optimal system performance and security.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] Scheduled tasks are automated tasks that run at specified times or when certain events occur in Windows. These tasks can include launching programs, running scripts, backing up files, or performing system maintenance. […]