OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration flashes a window every hour

Anonymous

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?

Insider Fast on Win10.

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Anonymous

( 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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165 additional answers

Anonymous

2017-06-09T21:06:22+00:00

This was so annoying! I had to record my screen with PowerPoint to figure out what window kept popping up! First google search brought me here. 2nd response showed me to look in the task scheduler, but my fix was different. I edited the trigger to run at logon of any user, with 15 minute delay. I was tempted to delete the entry but figured it might be useful, and 1 hour duration was the maximum for the repeated duration.

The worst part was when I thought it could be from a virus or some newly installed software, or homeland security spying on me :p . It flashed so fast I couldn't read what it was!

Thanks to all of you who contributed to this issue.
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Anonymous

2017-06-09T16:35:08+00:00

Keep clicking "update now" a few times a day. 16.0.8210.2075 arrived here (The Netherlands) on June 8th around 14:00 UTC and it solved the problem for us. It appears to be not just a fix for this bug but a scheduled update that includes new functionality.

IMHO Microsoft should not distribute urgent bug-fixes like this as part of a scheduled package, but ASAP or make a downloadable patch available.
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Anonymous

2017-06-09T15:34:48+00:00

I'm still having the same issue that reseiler reported in April, but mine started last week when I updated my computer. I've just confirmed that my computer is up to date, and yet, I'm having problems with the officebackgroundtaskhandler.exe flashing on my screen. Today it seems to be happening more, and freezing my computer every time it does happen. And it's more than flashing today, this last time the command prompt stayed open for 2 minutes before closing; this was how I even knew what was causing it. This issue is happening with my director's computer after he did the same update I did.
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Anonymous

2017-06-09T09:19:59+00:00

Just wanted to inform Microsoft I am experiencing the same issue on my system

Windows 10 Pro (64Bit)

Version 1703

OS Build 15063.296

Office 365 ProPlus (Office 2016 Local Install)

Version 1704 (Build 8067.2115 Click-to-run)

The Command-prompt pops up occasionally, but more often than once an hour.

When you are working on documents or in the explorer (changing filenames) and the popup occurs you are forced outside the application you're working in, and in case of changing a filename, that is cancelled the moment the popup occurs. You will have to do the filenamechange again.

It's annoying and should not work this way. It is disruptive in any way, and should be solved with the next update of windows or office.

(= Copy of my reply on: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-performance/officebackgroundtaskhandlerexe-occasionally-opens/e6f8cb92-1ab5-4c65-9d7d-418679c59ac4)

I did the Taskscheduler edit with attribute /b to both OfficeTaskSchedule-lines. Now waiting for what happens.

<Update> CMD-Popup still occurs even with the attribute /b set in the taskscheduler </update>
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