How to edit or delete Scheduled Tasks in Plesk

Editing or deleting scheduled tasks (also known as cron jobs) in Plesk is a common task for website developers and server administrators. Scheduled tasks are used to automate various scripts and commands at predefined times. Here’s how you can manage these tasks in Plesk:

Accessing Scheduled Tasks in Plesk

1. Log into Plesk: Start by logging into your Plesk control panel using your credentials.
2. Find the Scheduled Tasks Tool:
   • If you’re using Plesk as an administrator, go to “Tools & Settings” and then find “Scheduled Tasks”.
   • If you’re accessing Plesk as a domain owner, navigate to “Websites & Domains” and then find “Scheduled Tasks”, “Cron Jobs”, or a similar option.

Editing a Scheduled Task

1. Locate the Task: In the Scheduled Tasks interface, you’ll see a list of all existing tasks. Find the task you want to edit.
2. Open the Task for Editing: Click on the task name or the edit icon (usually a pencil symbol) next to the task. This will open the task settings.
3. Modify the Task Settings:
   • Command: Change the command or script that the task runs.
   • Schedule: Adjust the frequency, day, time, etc., at which the task runs. Plesk provides options for common schedules or you can use a custom cron schedule expression.
   • Description: Optionally, update the description for clarity.
4. Save Changes: After making the necessary changes, click the “OK” or “Save” button to apply the changes.

Deleting a Scheduled Task

1. Locate the Task: In the list of scheduled tasks, find the task you wish to delete.
2. Select the Task: There might be a checkbox next to the task or simply an option to select it.
3. Delete the Task:
   • Click on the “Delete” button, usually represented by a trash can icon.
   • Confirm the deletion if prompted. Be cautious as this action is irreversible.

Additional Tips

• Backup Important Tasks: Before deleting a task, ensure you have a backup of the command or script, especially if it’s complex or critical.
• Test After Editing: If you edit a task, especially if it’s a script or command, test it to ensure it works as expected. You can manually run the task from the Scheduled Tasks interface to check its functionality.
• Review Task Output: If your tasks generate output, review it regularly to ensure they are running as expected. You can configure tasks to email their output to a specified address.
• Use Descriptive Names: When creating or editing tasks, use descriptive names or comments. This practice is helpful for future reference, especially if multiple people manage the tasks.
• Understand Cron Syntax: If you’re using custom cron syntax for scheduling, ensure you understand the cron format. Cron syntax consists of five fields representing minute, hour, day of the month, month, and day of the week, respectively.

Conclusion

Managing scheduled tasks in Plesk is an essential skill for website and server administration. Regularly reviewing and updating these tasks ensures that your server and websites run efficiently and effectively. Remember, automated tasks can significantly impact server performance and website functionality, so handle them with care.