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.

Note: 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