Abstract: Completion times for a set of subtasks, which are performed without interaction with a main task managing execution of the subtasks, are estimated. These estimated completion times, together with actual completion times for previously performed subtasks, are employed to determine a time interval at which a progress indicator is incrementally advanced. The progress indicator is then advanced at the calculated rate concurrently with performance of a current subtask. By adjusting for actual completion times of previously completed subtasks, compensation and correction for overestimation or underestimation of subtask completion times allows the progress indicator to adapt appropriately. The advance rate may also be dynamically adjusted to compensate for underestimation of the completion time for a current subtask.