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?

Insider Fast on Win10.

Microsoft 365 Insider | Install, activate, and update | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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!

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

165 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T13:07:22+00:00

    some time flashs window.

    it's a interrupt my focus.

    so i'm find in task scheduler.

    my think is delete or not.

    that's descriptions is "This task initiates Office Background Task Handler, which updates relevant Office data."

    i think if not run, no effect others.

    actually i don't know. but change permission or delete it.

    it works for me!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. 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

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments