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
  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-28T15:06:06+00:00

    Thank you for reporting that you are still seeing this issue. What is your build number?

    -Greg

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-04-27T18:41:04+00:00

    i can confirm the error still occurs on my laptop

    Was this answer helpful?

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-23T10:51:46+00:00

    I was in the slow insider ring and all was ok. As soon as I switched to the fast ring this flashing window started to appear every hour.

    There are two scheduled tasks un Task Scheduler Library/Microsoft/Office:

    OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerLogon that runs when a user logs on

    and

    OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration that runs every hour

    Both were set to run under the "Users" account group. Since I didn't notice any popup at logon, I set OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration to run under the "System" account and the hourly popups are now hidden. (Select the task, right click, Properties, click on 'Change User Or Group', type 'System', OK twice and voila.)

    This is not the best solution from a security point of view, but until MS fixes it, it works for me.

    Was this answer helpful?

    800+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments