If you use your computer daily, you might repeat many tasks frequently. These tasks could be as simple as launching your favorite browser or opening the apps you use for work. Repeating these steps manually every time can be time-consuming. Instead, you can use some automation tools available on Windows. These tools can be programmed with commands and triggers to perform individual tasks or a series of tasks efficiently.
You just need to select a specific task and set a trigger for it so that it executes automatically. While these examples are simple, these tools can automate many everyday tasks, saving you a lot of time each day.
You can use this saved time for other important activities or building good habits. Let’s take a look at some apps and their various uses that can help make your life easier.
1: Windows Task Scheduler — A Built-in Tool
Most users might not know, but Windows 11 comes with several built-in features and tools that eliminate the need for third-party apps. For example, Clipchamp is an excellent video editor that is included in Windows and offers many additional features. Another useful tool is the Task Scheduler App. As the name suggests, it schedules tasks to run at a specific time or based on a set trigger.
For example, you can set File Explorer to open every day at 9 AM or configure your browser to close automatically at 6 PM when your work is done. You can also customize the repetition of these tasks, such as scheduling them for specific days of the week or a particular date.
If this seems too basic, it’s just an introductory example of what the app can do. The Task Scheduler App also allows you to create advanced tasks. With this option, you can give your automation a name, set it to trigger only when a specific user account is logged in, and select conditions as needed to customize it further.
2: Microsoft Power Automate — Another first-party app
Sometimes, Microsoft’s decisions can be quite surprising, such as why Windows Task Scheduler and Microsoft Power Automate are separate apps when they perform similar tasks. These two should ideally have been merged into a single app in Windows 11. However, if you find Task Scheduler’s functionality limited, you can use another Microsoft Power Automate that comes with Windows 11.
Unlike Task Scheduler, which is limited to launching programs or running simple command prompt scripts, Power Automate offers much more functionality. With this app, you can automate various tasks, such as:
- Automatically sending emails to specific individuals.
- Downloading email attachments automatically.
- Integrating online services with Excel to extract data efficiently.
3: AutoHotkey — Script Automation Made Easy
Let’s talk about a more advanced tool. AutoHotkey is an automation scripting engine that allows Windows users to perform actions that can completely change their computing experience.
Since it’s a third-party app, its possibilities are endless. The scope of this automation is not limited to just launching apps at a scheduled time or sending emails on a specific trigger, but it offers much more.
With AutoHotkey, you can use custom scripts to assign specific keyboard buttons or combinations to any function. In simple terms, you press certain keys or click the mouse, and AutoHotkey will automatically perform the task for you.
For example, you can set up text replacement shortcuts that are incredibly helpful when typing long articles or essays. For instance, you can set “OMW” to automatically expand to “On My Way.” Every time you type these three letters, AutoHotkey will automatically type the full sentence for you.
Similarly, you can create custom clicking loops that click at specific locations at regular intervals. Whether you need to build macros, enhance your workflow, or create shortcuts that simplify your tasks, AutoHotkey is your ultimate helper tool.
4: MouseKey Recorder — Record and automate tasks
No list of automation tools is complete without mentioning tools that let you record and replay macros. Mouse Recorder does exactly that. Macros are sequences of actions recorded during execution.
For example, you could launch some apps, open specific menus, and click a particular button. This entire process can be recorded as a macro using a Mouse Recorder. You can then set it to repeat on a schedule.
These features may not be for everyone, but power users know how much they simplify life. For instance, if an app crashes and stops working, relaunching it requires multiple clicks. With a mouse recorder, you can record the entire process in a macro. In the future, pressing just one button will automatically perform the entire sequence for you.
Improve your performance with automation.
Improving your work routine through automation can impact your productivity. Initially, I thought automating small and routine tasks wouldn’t make much difference since it only saves a few seconds each time. But when I looked at all the instances where I could automate my work, I realized how much time it actually saves overall.
Final Thoughts:
Automation tools help you to do your daily tasks. These tools save you time and reduce repetitive work. Task Scheduler and Power Automate streamline processes, while AutoHotkey and Mouse Recorder offer greater control. Start with small tasks and automate your routine activities.