How to run a batch file or another file minimized

Updated: 06/22/2018 by Computer Hope
Batch file

Microsoft Windows users can run batch files or other files in a minimized window using the command prompt start command. Running a batch file minimized is useful for when you don't want the user to interrupt its operation. Below is an example of how the start command can 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 on our start command page.

Note

If the batch file does not end with the exit command, it keeps 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