How to Start or Stop Windows Automatic Maintenance

This guide explains how to manually start or stop Windows Automatic Maintenance (WAM) on your Windows 11 computer.

Windows Automatic Maintenance (WAM) is a tool that runs important background tasks on a schedule. By default, it usually runs at 2 AM.

Why use this? WAM keeps your apps and Windows updated, checks your security, and scans for viruses automatically. What happens when done? Your computer stays healthy and secure without you needing to do the work yourself.

You can change WAM schedules if the 2 AM time does not work for you, and you can lists all available device tasks. You can also start or stop these tasks whenever you want.

Start or stop Windows Automatic Maintenance

You do not have to wait for the scheduled time to run these tasks.

Follow these steps:

1. First, open the Control Panel app.
2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Security and Maintenance > Automatic Maintenance.
3. If the task is not running, click the Start maintenance link.

If the task is already running, you will see a Stop maintenance link. Click that to end the process.

Close the Control Panel window when you are finished.

Manually start or stop WAM using Windows Terminal

You can also use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to control these tasks.

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

1. Open the Windows Terminal app.
2. To start the maintenance, type the following command and press Enter:
3. MSchedExe.exe Start
4. To stop the maintenance, type the following command and press Enter:
5. MSchedExe.exe Stop

Summary

Windows Automatic Maintenance (WAM) handles background updates and security scans automatically.

Why use this? It ensures your computer stays updated and secure without manual effort.

What happens when done? Your system maintenance tasks are either completed or stopped immediately based on your choice.

You can manage this through the Control Panel interface or by using command-line tools in the Windows Terminal with admin privileges.

[Admin privileges required]