Fix ‘Disk Defragmenter was scheduled using another program’ Issue – Guide
When Windows is unable to start the drive defragment process because it is already scheduled/executed by another application on your computer, the error “disk defrag was scheduled using other software” appears. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows application that rearranges files to make them more accessible, rearranging them to occupy contiguous storage locations. Defragmentation reduces the time it takes for the head to access a specific area of the disk.
The error message “Task Scheduler cannot start because it modified the disk defrag scheduler” can persist even if the program that acquired control of the service is removed. There are quick fixes for this error that resolve the issue right away. Start by looking at the list of workarounds starting at the top.
How to fix it
Solution 1: Click on ‘Remove Settings’ on the pop-up windowup
Windows can’t seem to keep its settings in check, so you can try clicking the “Remove Settings” button in the pop-up to get it back under your control. If that doesn’t work, you can try resetting your computer’s settings by clicking the “reset” button in the pop-up.
A computer can be slowed down by defragmentation, so it is important to use an application that is specifically designed for this task.
Solution 2: Disable disk defrag apps (Norton, CCleaner, etc.)
Disk optimization is a common practice that many applications use to make your computer faster. Defragmentation is just one of the many optimizations that these applications perform. ..
When third-party software defrags your disk, it basically takes over the service and runs it at different time intervals according to its schedule. If you have any apps (like CCleaner, Disk Optimizer, etc.), make sure you disable them or remove them completely.
Norton Antivirus has a utility called “Idle Time Optimizer.” It allows the antivirus to defrag your boot volume. It automatically schedules optimization when it detects the installation of an application on your computer or when your computer is idle. We can try disabling it and see if that does the trick.
- Open Norton Antivirus and navigate to its settings.
- In the “General” tab, under “Scan Settings,” make sure that “Enable real-time scanning” is checked.
- Under “Scan Type,” make sure that “On demand” is selected.
- Under “Scan Frequency,” select a time interval that best suits your needs.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab and make sure that the following settings are enabled: -Real-time protection: Checked -On demand scanning: Checked
- Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes and close Norton Antivirus ..
Click on “Administrative Settings” to access more detailed settings for your account.
Disable the “Idle Time Optimizer” process.
Press “Apply to save changes” and “Exit.” If the issue is still unresolved, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 3: Enabling Disk Defragmenter using your application
Before trying to force the utility to run using the task scheduler, we can try to set its parameters and run it using its default application. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator before proceeding.
Disk Defragmenter is a tool that can help you optimize your hard drive for faster performance.
To enable the disk defragmenter’s schedule, click the “Enable schedule” button. ..
Now set the task scheduler to run as needed, by scheduling the task in the near future. This will ensure that the task is running as needed and not taking up valuable resources that could be used more effectively.
Press OK to save changes and exit. Restart your computer and see if the issue in question is resolved.
Solution 4: Schedule the utility using Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler lets you automatically run tasks on a computer. By monitoring triggers and running tasks when they are met, Task Scheduler makes your computer run more efficiently.
We are trying to change the task scheduler so that it will defrag the disk if you are unable to manually defrag the disk. If this does not resolve the issue, we may need to get you a new computer.
Open the Task Scheduler by pressing Windows + R, typing “taskschd.msc” in the dialog and pressing Enter. ..
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories The Start Menu is missing an “Accessories” category. Microsoft has released a new update to Windows 10 that includes a new “Accessories” category. This new category contains shortcuts to commonly used programs and tools. To navigate to the new “Accessories” category, follow these steps:
- Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Start button in the lower left corner of your screen.
- Click on the All Apps button in the lower right corner of your screen.
- Click on the Accessories icon in the Programs section of All Apps.
- The new “Accessories” category will appear at the bottom of your screen. ..
Double-click the task in the window in the middle of the screen to change its trigger settings.
New triggers for the application can be defined by clicking on the “Triggers” tab and clicking on the new button.
You can now schedule your fire to fire at a specific time each day, week, or month. After setting the trigger time, press OK to save changes and exit. ..
If the problem in question is not fixed, please restart your computer and see if there are any other possible solutions.
Final note
If you’re having trouble with your computer’s disk defragmenter program being scheduled using another program, this guide can help. ..