The Windows Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with the operating system through text-based commands. Whether you're troubleshooting, navigating directories, or automating tasks, mastering the Command Prompt can significantly enhance your efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything from how to open Windows Command Prompt to advanced functionalities like Windows Command Prompt administrator mode, cheat sheets, and shortcuts.

 

How to Open Windows Command Prompt?

Opening the Command Prompt is simple, and there are multiple ways to do it:

Method 1: Using the Start Menu

  1. Click on the Start Menu.

  2. Type cmd or Command Prompt in the search bar.

  3. Click on the Command Prompt application.

Method 2: Using the Run Dialog

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type cmd and press Enter.

Method 3: Open as Administrator

To open the Windows Command Prompt as Administrator, follow these steps:

  1. Search for cmd in the Start Menu.

  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

This grants higher privileges, allowing you to execute administrative commands.

 

Windows command prompt cheat sheet

The Windows Command Prompt (CMD) provides a powerful set of commands for managing files, directories, network settings, and system diagnostics. This cheat sheet covers essential commands that can help both beginners and advanced users navigate and control Windows efficiently.

Basic Command Prompt Navigation

These commands help you move through folders and drives:

  • cd [folder] – Changes the directory to the specified folder.

  • cd .. – Moves up one directory level.

  • cd /d [drive]: – Switches to another drive (e.g., cd /d D:).

  • dir – Lists all files and folders in the current directory.

  • cls – Clears the Command Prompt screen.

  • exit – Closes the Command Prompt window.

File and Folder Management

Use these commands to create, modify, or delete files and directories:

  • mkdir [foldername] – Creates a new folder.

  • rmdir /s [foldername] – Deletes a folder and all its contents.

  • del [filename] – Deletes a specific file.

  • copy [source] [destination] – Copies a file from one location to another.

  • move [source] [destination] – Moves a file from one directory to another.

  • ren [oldname] [newname] – Renames a file.

System Information and Process Management

These commands help check system details and manage running processes:

  • systeminfo – Displays detailed system information, including OS version, uptime, and available memory.

  • tasklist – Lists all active processes running on the system.

  • taskkill /IM [processname] /F – Terminates a process by name.

  • shutdown /s /t 0 – Immediately shuts down the system.

  • shutdown /r /t 0 – Restarts the system.

  • wmic os get name – Retrieves Windows OS details.

Network and Connectivity Commands

For troubleshooting and configuring network settings:

  • ipconfig – Displays IP addresses and network adapter settings.

  • ipconfig /flushdns – Clears the DNS cache.

  • ping [website] – Tests connectivity to a website or IP address.

  • tracert [website] – Traces the route data takes to a specific server.

  • netstat – Displays active network connections.

  • nslookup [website] – Finds the IP address of a domain name.

Advanced Commands for System Repair and Configuration

  • sfc /scannow – Scans and repairs corrupted system files.

  • chkdsk /f /r – Checks for disk errors and repairs them.

  • diskpart – Opens the Disk Partition tool for managing drives.

  • bcdedit – Modifies boot settings.

  • powercfg /batteryreport – Generates a battery report (useful for laptops).

 

For a complete Windows Command Prompt list, refer to official Microsoft documentation or available Windows CMD commands PDFs online.

 

How to Repair Windows Command Prompt?

If your Windows Command Prompt download is not working, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Run System File Checker (SFC):

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

    • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

  2. Use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):

    • Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt.

  3. Check User Permissions:

    • If you get an "Access Denied" error, ensure you're running Command Prompt as an administrator.

 

Changing Directories in Windows Command Prompt Windows 10

To navigate between folders, use:

  • cd foldername → Moves into a folder.

  • cd .. → Moves up one directory level.

  • cd /d D:\folder → Switches to a different drive and folder.

 

Windows Command Prompt Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts in Command Prompt can greatly speed up navigation and command execution. These shortcuts allow users to quickly edit commands, move through history, and manage processes efficiently.

Basic Navigation Shortcuts

  • Up Arrow (↑) – Recalls the previous command.

  • Down Arrow (↓) – Moves forward through command history.

  • Left Arrow (←) – Moves the cursor left within the current command.

  • Right Arrow (→) – Moves the cursor right within the current command.

  • Ctrl + Left Arrow – Moves the cursor left by one word.

  • Ctrl + Right Arrow – Moves the cursor right by one word.

Editing and Execution Shortcuts

  • Esc – Clears the current input without executing the command.

  • Ctrl + C – Stops a currently running command.

  • Ctrl + V – Pastes copied text into the Command Prompt.

  • Tab – Auto-completes folder and file names when typing commands.

  • Ctrl + Backspace – Deletes the last word typed.

Command History Shortcuts

  • F7 – Opens a command history window for easy selection.

  • F8 – Cycles through previously entered commands.

  • F9 – Re-executes a specific command from history by entering its number.

Managing the Command Prompt Window

  • Alt + Enter – Switches between fullscreen and windowed mode.

  • Ctrl + M – Enables Mark Mode for selecting text with the mouse.

  • Ctrl + ↑ / ↓ – Scrolls up or down within the Command Prompt window.

  • Ctrl + Shift + Scroll Up/Down – Adjusts text size.

Opening Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges

  • Windows + X, then A – Opens Command Prompt as an administrator.

  • Windows + R, type cmd, then Ctrl + Shift + Enter – Runs Command Prompt in admin mode.

  • Shift + Right-click in a folder, then select “Open Command Window Here” – Opens CMD in that folder's location.

 

Windows Command Prompt Autocomplete

Autocomplete in Windows Command Prompt Windows 11 is a powerful feature that helps users complete file names, directory paths, and command options quickly by pressing certain keys. This reduces typing errors and speeds up workflow, especially when dealing with long file paths or complex commands.

How to Use Autocomplete in Command Prompt

Windows Command Prompt supports tab-based autocomplete, allowing users to quickly complete file or folder names within the command line.

Basic Autocomplete (Tab Key)

  • When typing a command followed by a file or folder name, press Tab to cycle through available matches.

  • Example: Typing cd C:\Us and pressing Tab will complete it to cd C:\Users.

  • If multiple matches exist, pressing Tab repeatedly will cycle through them.

Using Wildcards for Autocomplete

  • You can use * or ? to match file names dynamically.

  • Example: dir *.txt lists all .txt files in a directory.

Modifying Autocomplete Behavior
By default, CMD cycles through files and directories with Tab, but you can change this behavior:

  • Open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Command Processor

  • Modify the CompletionChar value to set a different key for autocomplete.

    • 9 for Tab (default).

    • 4 for Ctrl + D.

    • 6 for Ctrl + F.

 

Windows Command Prompt Administrator Mode

Running the Command Prompt Windows 10 commands list as an administrator provides elevated privileges. Some commands require administrator rights to function properly, especially those related to system settings and user accounts.

How to Open Command Prompt in Administrator Mode

Method 1: Using the Start Menu

  1. Click on the Start Menu.

  2. Type cmd in the search bar.

  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

  4. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

Method 2: Using Windows + X Shortcut

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu.

  2. Click Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin) (in newer versions).

  3. Confirm the action when prompted.

Method 3: Using the Run Dialog Box

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.

  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch it with admin rights.

Method 4: Open CMD as Administrator from File Explorer

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe in File Explorer.

  2. Right-click on cmd.exe and choose Run as administrator.

 

Alternatives to Windows Command Prompt

While Command Prompt is a powerful tool, it has limitations, especially in modern system administration, automation, and scripting. Several alternatives provide better functionality, customization, and integration with modern programming and system management tools.

1. Windows PowerShell

Best for: Advanced scripting, system administration, and automation.

  • PowerShell is an advanced shell and scripting environment that extends the functionality of CMD.

  • It uses cmdlets (built-in functions) like Get-Process, Get-Service, and Set-ExecutionPolicy.

  • Example: Get-ChildItem -Path C:\ -Recurse lists all files and folders in C:.

  • Supports object-oriented scripting and integrates with .NET Framework.

2. Windows Terminal

Best for: Combining multiple shell environments in one interface.

  • Windows Terminal is a modern, feature-rich command-line app that supports multiple shells, including:

    • Command Prompt (cmd.exe)

    • PowerShell

    • Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

    • Azure Cloud Shell

  • Offers tabbed interface, themes, and GPU acceleration for better visuals.

3. Git Bash

Best for: Developers who work with Git and Unix-based commands.

  • Git Bash provides a Unix-like terminal environment on Windows.

  • Supports popular Linux commands (ls, grep, cat, etc.), which CMD lacks.

  • Ideal for working with Git version control and shell scripting.

 

 

Conclusion

The Windows Command Prompt remains a vital tool for system management, troubleshooting, and automation. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, understanding Windows Command Prompt commands lists, shortcuts, and repair methods can improve your productivity.

For more insights on managing Windows systems, check out our guide on Restart Windows Server Command Line or explore Windows Dedicated Servers.