How to run a batch file or other files minimized
Microsoft Windows users can run batch files or other files in a minimized window by using the command prompt start command. Running a batch file minimized is useful for when you need to run a batch file but don't want the user to interrupt its operation. Below is an example of how the start command can be used to start the batch file myfile.bat as a minimized window.
start /min myfile.bat
Additional information about this command and other options it's able to perform is found on our start command page.
If the batch file does not end with the exit command, it will keep an MS-DOS command prompt window open after the batch file is closed. Alternatively, you can use the following command to start a batch file and also exit the window.
start /min myfile.bat ^& exit
To start the same line from a scheduled task, enter the command below into Windows Task Scheduler.
cmd.exe /c start /min myfile.bat ^& exit
Additional information
- See our batch file definition for further information and related links.
- Batch file help.