The task scheduler works via cronjob.
It is a small task to configure and once it runs, you can use the task scheduler at
app/console/kernel.php
If in a windows environment, You can use Windows Task Scheduler or AT command
Schtasks or bat files will also suffice
Eitherway, I think cron is the easiest way to go.
The thing cron does for you is running the php artisan schedule:run command every minute, so if you can get that running, you can get rid of the cronjob
however, cronjob is superior and no work at all