How to write batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows

If you use Windows and almost always perform the same tasks or run the same programs over and over again, this article will be very useful. We'll explain how to write batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows and thus increase your productivity. Although it's a very basic and simple procedure, it's still just as effective for automate repetitive tasks and save time.

Writing batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows

Let's say you turn on your computer and, like every time, open your favorite browser to search for something on the web. Next, you open the Spotify app to listen to your favorite music, and you do the same with WhatsApp to continue the conversation you left pending on your phone. And you follow this same routine almost every day, sometimes without even realizing it. Well, Can you imagine running all those tasks with a single double click?

That and much more is precisely what you get when you write batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows. With this process, you can not only start multiple programs when Windows starts up, but you can also schedule backups or clean up temporary files automatically. In fact, It is a simple and effective solution to automate an infinite number of processes and tasks. on various operating systems.

What is a batch script?

Let's start from the beginning and briefly define what a batch script is. It's nothing more than a modest and simple Text file with a .bat extension that contains a series of commands that Windows executes in sequence.. In other words, it's like a list of instructions that you give your computer to execute using the Windows command interpreter (cmd.exe). Even though there are more modern scripting languages ​​with more advanced features, such as PowerShell, batch scripts are still very useful for automating tasks quickly and easily.

The ability to write batch scripts to automate tasks has always been present in Windows, but it often goes unnoticed by most users. The advantage is that It is very easy to do and does not require advanced programming knowledge. to start using them. In fact, these files can become very useful tools that allow you to back up, copy or rename files, perform backups, and much more, all with a single double-click.

How to write batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows

Writing a batch script is as simple as opening Notepad in Windows, writing down the commands and save the file with the .bat extension. Then, just go to where you saved the file and double-click it to have the shell execute it. Let's run a simple test by following these steps:

1. Open the Notes Blog or any other text editor that you have installed
2. Write the following line: echo Hello TecnobitsWelcome to the world of batch scripts.
3. Now click on Archive and choose Save as.
4. In the File name text field, type the name you want, followed by the .bat extension
5. Find the .bat file you just created and double-click it.
6. You will see that the command interpreter opens with the message Hi ! TecnobitsWelcome to the world of batch scripts., and then it closes automatically.
7. If you want the interpreter to remain open until you press any key, write the command pause on the next line.

Some fundamental batch commands you should know

When writing batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows you need to use some commands, it decir, words and symbols that allow the interpreter to understand the task you want to performIn the previous example we have already used two commands: threw out y break. Below you'll see a list of basic batch commands, followed by the functions they perform.

• threw out: Displays text in the command window. Echo off hides commands in execution, and @ Echo off does the same thing, but also hides the command itself @ Echo off.
• pause: Pauses script execution until the user presses a key.
• dir: Used to view a list of files in the directory you specified.
• CD: Change the current directory.
• copy: Copy files from one location to another.
• move: Move files from one location to another.
• the: Delete files.
• start: Open applications and files.
• rem: Allows you to add comments to the script. That is, the lines that begin with rem They are ignored by the interpreter, and are used to add explanations.
• Ren: Rename a file.
• call: Runs a batch script from another batch script.
• exit: Exits the shell or ends the execution of the current script.

These basic commands, combined with more advanced ones, allow run almost any task within the Windows operating systemLet's now look at how to use them to automate tasks, such as backing up files, deleting temporary files, or opening one or more applications automatically.

Writing batch scripts to automate tasks: Backup

In this example of how to write batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows, we are going to write one that allows us to backup filesSpecifically, copy the files from the Documents folder to an external drive. To do this, open Notepad and type the following commands, one on each line:

• @ Echo off

• xcopy "C:\Users\%usernames%\Documents\*" "D:\Backup\" /E /I /Y

• echo Backup completed

• pause 
  
  

In this example, the xcopy command copies files and folders; /E copies all subdirectories, including empty ones; /I assumes the destination is a directory, and /Y prevents overwrite confirmations. Once you have the file ready, you must Save it with the .bat extension and every time you run it, it will automatically make a backup. from the Documents folder on the external drive.

Batch script to delete temporary files

Another useful batch script is this one that is used to delete temporary files and thus free up memory on your computer. Again, open the notepad and type the following commands (the /s /q command deletes all files inside the folder without asking for confirmation):

• @ Echo off

• del /s /q "C: \Windows\Temp\*.*"

• echo Temporary files deleted

• pause

Open multiple applications using a batch script

And if you use multiple apps daily, you can Open them all with a single click using the following batch script (this opens the Google Chrome, File Explorer, and Notepad apps):

• @ Echo off

• start chrome.exe

• start notepad.exe

• start explorer.exe

• echo Open Applications

• pause

Then, simply double-click the resulting .bat file to open all the applications at the same time. As you can see, writing batch scripts to automate tasks in Windows is very easy, but it can save you a lot of time. With practice, you'll be able to create your own custom batch scripts and boost your productivity..