How can I run a batch file or other file minimized?

Question:
How can I run a batch file or other file minimized?
Answer:
Microsoft Windows users can run batch files or other files in a minimized window by using the command prompt start command. This is useful for when a user needs to run a batch file but doesn't want the user to interrupt its operation. Below is an example of how the start command can be used to start the batch file myfile.bat as a minimized window.
start /min myfile.bat
Additional information about this command and other options it's able to perform can be found on our start command page.
Note: If the batch file does not end with the exit command it will keep an MS-DOS command prompt window open after the batch file is closed. If you wish for the user to not have to hassle with manually closing the window make sure to add this at the end of your batch file.