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
    2017-05-29T18:34:06+00:00

    This post saves me! Thanks!

    An easier instruction:

    This PC-->Management-->Task Scheduler-->Find OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration task under Active Tasks-->Disable it-->Problem solved

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-28T18:21:18+00:00

    Thank you Sir and/or Madam,

    I can now play Overwatch without my window losing focus every hour.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-23T00:05:17+00:00

    if the window is popping up it's there, but to make it simple you can get autoruns here https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396 and run as admin, goto scheduled tasks tab, under options make sure that options, hide microsoft entries is "unchecked" and look for it there.  you can either uncheck the 2 entries causing the issue or you can delete them completely by highlighting them and hitting the "delete" key.

    Just be careful that you don't delete anything else as that can cause further issues.

    More run as admin, more dangerous.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-22T23:59:58+00:00

    if the window is popping up it's there, but to make it simple you can get autoruns here https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396 and run as admin, goto scheduled tasks tab, under options make sure that options, hide microsoft entries is "unchecked" and look for it there.  you can either uncheck the 2 entries causing the issue or you can delete them completely by highlighting them and hitting the "delete" key.

    Just be careful that you don't delete anything else as that can cause further issues.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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