OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration flashes a window every hour

Anonymous
2017-04-15T05:19:15+00:00

Is there a really, really good reason that the "OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration" task (see it in Task Scheduler, Microsoft, Office) must run every hour?  This is what it says that it does: "This task initiates Office Background Task Handler, which updates relevant Office data."

I ask, because it runs officebackgroundtaskhandler.exe in such a way that it flashes a window (itself) on the screen. Only instantaneously to be sure, but it's noticeable, especially once you catch onto what's happening. You can run the task manually if you want to see it without waiting.

Why doesn't the task use one of the many tricks to hide a window from displaying?

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Anonymous
2017-05-30T14:37:13+00:00

( Update 6/7/17 - PaulSey... )

The fix is now available in mainstream builds 16.8210.2075 released on 6/6/17

This issue is fixed starting with build 16.0.8201.2025 which is now available as the latest update for those participating in the Office Insiders Slow program. It will be included in a future update for those not participating in Insiders.

For more information on joining Office Insiders see the Office Insider page.

Thank you everyone for reporting this issue!

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T07:11:01+00:00

    Caaigus86 - Thank you for your solution, which I implemented about 10 days ago, and since then no more officebackgroundtaskhandler.exe popups.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T05:34:00+00:00

    Only it doesn't prevent it from happening because it comes back a day or two later when Office updates itself.

    In fact, everything I've tried in this thread doesn't stop it from coming back, short of uninstalling Office outright.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T04:33:44+00:00

    OMG this problem is by far answered why is that dude from MS office team marked as a answer that is not a answer we want a resolution now i can't do a darn thing without that dumb box popping up, it even took my webcam software down the other day when i opened it right as i was setting up a manycam   stream, it popped up and all the sudden i was back at the dumb desktop. I'm sick and tired of that dumb box that they need a resolution ASAP.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T00:30:13+00:00

    I've deleted the entries completely (along with some telemetry data) using "autoruns" Waiting to see how long it stays off my pc before it shows up again....  This is super annoying for gamers.  I don't like getting kicked out of my games.

    Disclaimer, be careful using tools like autoruns, as you could cause your computer to no longer boot.

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