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

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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
    2017-06-09T09:19:59+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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  2. OssieMac 48,006 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-06-09T05:04:19+00:00

    So is this update available yet?  Also will it automatically update when I run my windows update?  If it does not auto-update how would I accomplish acquiring and installing the update. 

    Thank you,

    Yes. It is available.

    To manually update open an Office program Select File -> Accounts

    You will see the Update icon with a dropdowm to select "Update now".

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-06-09T03:54:32+00:00

    So is this update available yet?  Also will it automatically update when I run my windows update?  If it does not auto-update how would I accomplish acquiring and installing the update. 

    Thank you,

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-06-08T00:51:20+00:00

    OssieMac, our posts must have just crossed, but you're right.  An additional try did work.  Thanks!

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