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
    2017-05-15T00:33:25+00:00

    can you tell me more clear. this hard for me to understand. thanks.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T04:52:52+00:00

    To prevent this from happening:

    1. Open Task Scheduler
    2. Expand the Task Scheduler Library
    3. Expand Microsoft
    4. Select Office
    5. Right click on OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration
    6. Select Disable

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-21T00:55:39+00:00

    start is the actual program you're running with the argument /b to background the task with the final argument being the executable it was running before.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-03T20:30:16+00:00

    Hi everyone!

    I use the Slow Version, supplied by my university, and still this window opens up about every hour and pulls me out of full screen.

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