Mute Your Speakers at Night with Windows Scheduled Tasks [How To]

You may want to set up a scheduled task to mute your speakers overnight. If you use instant messaging programs, have audible e-mail alerts etc. this can be very useful. In this guide you will learn how to automatically mute your speakers overnight.

Beign by Downloading a Copy of Mute

Get a copy of Mute here

Set Up a Scheduled Task to Automate the Muting Process

Windows XP

1. Click Start > Accessories > Schedules Tasks
2. Double Click “Add Scheduled Task”
3. Click “Next”
4. Browse to your utility; E.g. C:\Program Files\Mute\mute.exe
5. Select when you want it to run; E.g. Daily
6. Click “Next”
7. Select what time you want the task to run; E.g. 11:00pm
8. Enter in your username and password
9. Click “Next”
10. Tick the Open Advanced Properties tick box
11. Click “Finish”
12. In the Run box, make it “C:\Program Files\Mute\mute.exe on”

You will need to follow the steps above to make a second task to unmute your computer in the morning. You will need to change the name of it to unmute so that it does not conflict with the initial task.
This will need to have the off argument instead of on.
That’s it. Your computer should now mute and unmute itself at the times you specified.

Windows Vista

The Vista setup is similar to the XP setup, but you get a few more options. You can set it to only occur if the computer has been idle for longer than 10 minutes. This means that your computer game or movie won’t be interrupted.
1. Click the start icon, type “Task Scheduler”, and press Enter
2. Click “Create New Task” (not basic)
3. Give it a name “Mute”
4. Go to the “Triggers” tab
5. Click “New” (defaults to schedule)
6. Enter the frequency and time you want the mute to occur
7. Click “OK”
8. Go to the “Actions” tab
9. Click “New” (defaults to run program)
10. Browse for your program and put in the necessary arguments; E.g. On
11. Click “OK”
12. Go to the “Conditions” tab
13. Here, define how long you want the computer to be idle before activating the mute.
14. Click “OK”

You will need to follow the steps above to make a second task to unmute your computer in the morning. You will need to change the name of it to unmute so that it does not conflict with the initial task. This will need to have the off argument instead of on.
That’s it. Your computer should now mute and unmute itself at the times you specified.

Final Notes

You may find this very useful if you are forgetful… sure, it’s not too hard to turn your speakers off, but this helps you remember. If you have any questions, be sure to contact us.

Further Reading:

• Pranks You Can Play on Your Friends in Microsoft Windows
• Best Windows Freebies and Guides 03 [June 2008]
• Best Windows Freebies and Guides 02 [May 2008]
• Top 10 Vista Sidebar Gadgets
• Get Automatic Desktop Shortcuts to Removable Media [HowTo]