Quick read:
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Command prompt - Provides a text-based user interface for giving instructions to your computer.
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To open the Windows command prompt, use any of the following methods:
- Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter or click OK.
- Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt/Terminal or Command Prompt (Admin)/ Terminal (Admin) as required.
- Search for Command Prompt in the Windows Search bar and click on it.
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Key benefits - Troubleshoot system issues, navigate files and folders, access system and network information, and run batch scripts.
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Commonly used commands - cd, mkdir, rmdir, copy, move, del, ping, ipconfig, and tasklist
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Security implications - Command prompt commands should be used with caution, as incorrect usage can lead to system issues.
Command prompt (cmd) lets you type instructions for your computer. This way, you can interact directly with the computer’s operating system using text-based commands instead of clicking on the mouse.
It is especially useful when troubleshooting issues, checking system or network details, or when your mouse and menus stop working.
It is simple, efficient and can save you a lot of time. Understanding what a command prompt means and learning a few basic Windows commands and their key functions can be extremely helpful. In this blog, we will explore them in detail.
What is a command prompt?
Command prompt is an application in the Windows operating system that provides a text-based user interface for giving instructions to your computer. It acts as a command-line interpreter that allows you to manage files, automate tasks, perform administrative functions, troubleshoot issues, and more.
To use it, you need to enter specific commands using the correct syntax. Once you enter this command line and press the ‘Enter’ key, the operating system executes it for you.
For example, if your mouse stops working and you want to move a file (Data) from one location (current folder) to another (D:\Reports), you can simply type - move Data.txt D:\Reports\Data.txt.
How to open the command prompt in Windows 10/ 11?
Method 1:
- Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- The Run dialog will appear. Type cmd and press Enter or click OK.
Method 2:
- Press Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.
- Select Command Prompt/Terminal or Command Prompt (Admin)/ Terminal (Admin) as required. We will take a closer look at what Admin or elevated privileges mean in the next section.
Method 3:
- In the Search bar next to your Windows icon on the screen, type cmd. You can also press the Windows key on your keyboard and type it directly.
- From the search results, click on Command Prompt.
By default, the command prompt opens with standard privileges. This means you can enter basic command prompt commands, but not modify files or system settings.
To run the command prompt with administrative or elevated privileges, in the search results for command prompt, select Run as administrator, visible on the right-hand side. This will open the administrator command prompt.
A black window will now open. This is the command prompt, set to run your commands.
It usually starts in a specific folder, such as C:\Users\Name. You can change this to the root directory, C:\ with the command - cd\. This lets you access all folders in your computer’s file system without being restricted to a specific folder.
Commonly used commands under the command prompt and their functions
| Command Name |
Syntax
(Press Enter after typing the command) |
Function and Example |
| switch drive |
drive letter: |
- Switches the current drive in the command prompt
- To move from the C drive to the D drive, type D:
|
| cd – change directory |
cd\folder path |
- Switches the directory/folder or path where you want to perform a specific task
- Example – If you want to move to the Reports folder in the Projects folder, you can type cd\Projects\Reports
- To return to the root directory, type cd\
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| dir – directory |
dir |
- Lists all the files and folders under the current directory.
- It also provides details like file size and last modified date, and time for each file or folder.
- Example – To view the folders, type dir
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| mkdir – make directory |
mkdir ‘new folder name’ |
- Creates a new folder in the folder you are currently in
- Example – To create a new folder named Test, type mkdir Test
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| rmdir – remove directory |
rmdir ‘folder name’ |
- Deletes a folder in the folder you are currently in
- Example – To delete a folder named Test, type rmdir Test
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| cls – clear screen |
cls |
- Clears the current Windows command prompt screen
- Example – To clear the screen, type cls
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| copy – copy file |
copy source destination |
- Creates a duplicate of a file in the destination folder
- Example – To create a copy of the file named Science in the Reports folder, type copy Science.txt D:\Reports\Science.txt
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| move – move file |
move source destination |
- Moves a file from the current location to the specified location
- Example – To move a file named Certificate to the Reports folder, type move Certificate.txt D:\Reports\Certificate.txt
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| del – delete file |
del ‘file name’ |
- Deletes a file from the current location
- Example – To delete a file named Certificate, type del Certificate.txt
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| systeminfo – system information |
systeminfo |
- Provides complete details about your system, such as OS name, manufacturer, configuration, build type, etc.
- Example – To get system information, type systeminfo
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| tasklist |
tasklist |
- Provides the list of processes currently running in your system.
- Example – To get the list of processes, type tasklist
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| help |
help ‘command name’ |
- Details the functionality of a command.
- Example – To get help regarding the functionality of the mkdir command, type help mkdir
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| ipconfig – internet protocol configuration |
ipconfig |
- Provides details of your computer’s network information, including IP address.
- Example – To get the network information, type ipconfig
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| ping – network connection |
ping IP address or website |
- Checks the network connection to another device or website. It displays statistics, such as the response time.
- Example – To check the network connection with Google, type ping google.com
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| Netsh WLAN show Wi-Fi password |
Netsh WLAN show profile name = “Wi-Fi name” key=clear |
- Gets the saved Wi-Fi password on your Windows laptop
- Example – To check the password for the Wi-Fi profile named home, type Netsh WLAN show profile name = “home” key=clear
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| shutdown timer |
shutdown –s –t |
- Used to shut down your laptop
- Example – To shut down your laptop after one hour, type shutdown –s –t 3600 (t in seconds)
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| restart |
shutdown –r –t |
- Used to restart your laptop
- Example – To restart your laptop after one hour, type shutdown –r –t 3600 (t in seconds)
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| echo |
echo |
- Displays information on the command prompt screen
- Turns on/off the echo functionality
- Example – To display Hello People on the command prompt, type echo Hello People
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| exit |
exit |
- Closes the command prompt window.
- To close the Windows command prompt, type exit
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Benefits of using the Windows command prompt
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Troubleshooting made easy
Windows command prompt lets you detect and fix network, software and file system issues faster than navigating through multiple menus.
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Direct access to information
It gives you direct access to complete details about your system, files, folders, and network connections.
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Quick and resource-efficient
Navigating files, folders and network operations is faster in the command prompt than using graphical interfaces. It also uses fewer system resources, such as memory and processing power, making it highly efficient.
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Automate repetitive tasks
Command prompt allows you to create batch scripts. Batch scripts are small programs that automatically execute sets of commands. This lets you automate repetitive tasks, saving both time and effort.
Additional Read: Why is my laptop so slow ?
Security implications of using the Windows command prompt
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Exposure of sensitive information
While troubleshooting with external assistance, exposing command prompt output can unintentionally reveal system details and network information to unauthorized users.
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Elevated privileges
Command prompt use as an administrator lets you make changes across the system. If misused, these privileges can compromise system stability and security.
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Risk of deletion
Using certain commands like del or rmdir without caution may result in the deletion of critical files or folders.
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Harmful batch scripts
Batch scripts run a sequence of commands automatically. If these come from untrusted sources and contain harmful commands, they can pose a serious threat to the system.
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Impact on environmental variables
Certain command prompt functions can modify environment variables, which can disrupt overall system behavior. These variables control how processes interact with the operating system and are dynamic in nature.
Useful tips for using the command prompt
- Use the administrative or advanced command prompt for performing specific actions on files, folders, or applications. However, exercise caution when doing this activity.
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Always double-check the functionality of a command before running it on the advanced or basic command prompt to ensure correct usage.
- Make use of the Help command to understand the purpose and function of a specific command.
- Use Ctrl + C to abort a command if you have unknowingly executed a command.
- Avoid sharing system or network information obtained from command prompt outputs with unauthorized users.
- Keep your Windows OS and security software updated to protect from vulnerabilities, such as batch scripts.
Power your commands with an ASUS laptop
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Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen and Snapdragon X series processors, ASUS laptops deliver faster execution of complex scripts and effortless multitasking without slowdown.
High-speed SSD storage provides instant file access, while long battery life keeps you working uninterrupted for hours.
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From Chromebook, Vivobook, and Zenbook to ProArt and many more options, ASUS has a laptop designed to make your experience with the command prompt smoother and smarter.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I use the command prompt?
You can start using the command prompt through any of the following methods:
- Press Windows key + R, type cmd and press Enter or click OK.
- Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt/Terminal or Command Prompt (Admin)/ Terminal (Admin) as required.
- Search for Command Prompt in the Windows Search bar and click on it.
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Can I download the Windows command prompt?
Command prompt download is not necessary. It comes pre-installed with every Windows laptop. However, if you want to download the latest Windows Terminal, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
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How can I access previously used commands in the Windows command prompt?
You can use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard to scroll through the commands that you have used.
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How to restart my laptop using the command prompt?
You can restart your laptop using the shutdown command. The syntax is shutdown -r -t 0.
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