Which type of file in a Windows system may instruct the CPU to execute a program or script at a specific time?

The batch file type is specifically designed to execute a series of commands or scripts in a sequential manner. In a Windows environment, a batch file typically has a .bat or .cmd file extension. These files can include commands that the Windows command interpreter (cmd.exe) can understand and are particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks.

When considering instruction execution at a specific time, batch files can be scheduled to run using the Windows Task Scheduler. This allows users to set certain times or specific events when the batch file should execute, effectively instructing the CPU to perform tasks automatically, such as maintenance scripts, data backups, or invoking other executables. Thus, the batch file is a key tool for task automation within the OS, aligning directly with the nature of this question.

Other file types, while they can execute commands, do not inherently possess the scheduling capabilities in the same context. Executable files run programs directly but do not have a scheduling mechanism without additional tools. Script files, often referring to interpreted languages (such as PowerShell scripts), may execute tasks but do not have the traditional batch file syntax or scheduling capabilities. Setup files are focused on installing applications rather than executing tasks at specified times.