How to run a python script in the background?

Question

I have a script that checks something on my PC every 5 minutes and I don't want Python to show on my task tray. I use Windows as my operating system.

Is there any way to make Python run in the background and force it to not show in my task tray?

score 58 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:15

58

If you run a console script using pythonw.exe, it will neither display a window nor appear in the task bar. For example, I use the following command to launch ntlmaps on startup:

C:\BenBlank\Python2.6\pythonw.exe scripts/ntlmaps

Be aware, however, that there is no way to interact with the script, nor to terminate it save via the Task Manager.

answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:15

Ben Blank

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This is the best way I've found to run Python applications that use GUI (e.g. with Tkinter). – Nux Feb 22 '11 at 17:02
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Wow, after a decade, this is still the best! Thanks – Anurag A S Apr 02 '19 at 05:37
in Windows 10 task manager on the Users task a task called 'python' should be there which you can select and then click the 'End task' button – jacanterbury Nov 14 '19 at 12:30

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:17

5

Just another option you have:

You can create a shortcut to your Python script, then right-click the shortcut --> Properties --> Shortcut tab

There is a drop-down box under the Run option which lets you run the command minimized.

answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:17

Jason Coon

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The program will still be visible in the taskbar and I think OP didn't want that – technical_difficulty Mar 08 '18 at 19:39

dugres · Answer 3 · 2009-05-01T11:34:02.847

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You could run it as a service. See here

edited May 01 '09 at 11:34

answered May 01 '09 at 08:07

dugres

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score 2 · Answer 4 · edited Apr 23 '09 at 21:15

2

cron it on linux; schedule it on windows [control panel > scheduled tasks > Add scheduled task]

edited Apr 23 '09 at 21:15

S.Lott

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answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:10

MahdeTo

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Windows scheduler runs it in the foreground; question asks for background. Also, in some versions of windows (e.g. Windows 7) it's under control panel -> administrative tools. – fantabolous Jan 17 '17 at 23:39

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Jun 29 '20 at 05:05

To Run python file from any where :

Step 1:

Create Shortcut of Python File.

Step 2:

Place Shortcut in this location  C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Step 3:

Now Right Click --> Go to Properties --> Shortcut --> Press any key on keyboard it will take one shortcut key

Step 4:

Now , Type the Shortcut key which you entered in previous step.

Step 5:

Check out Output!   :)

score -6 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:11

-6

Look for Schedule Tasks in the control panel.

answered Apr 23 '09 at 21:11

David Berger

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at will pop up my script every X time (or it does'nt ?) I thought about at, but im looking for another way thanks – Apr 23 '09 at 21:12
Task scheduler doesn't allow one to run tasks less than every minute (in case that's of concern) – zelusp Sep 30 '16 at 06:58
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Question asks for background, but Task Scheduler runs in foreground by default. – fantabolous Jan 17 '17 at 23:43

How to run a python script in the background?

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