50 Most Used Commands On Command Prompt (With Examples)

Most of us depend on the Graphical User Interface (GUI) because it’s more handy than memorizing the standard command strains. But one factor is definite—you possibly can’t carry out each process within the Windows GUI, and that’s when Command Prompt could be at your service.

This built-in command line interface can produce instant outputs using easy instructions with fewer laptop assets. This manner, you don’t have to navigate by means of completely different windows simply to get a single process accomplished. With this program, you possibly can carry out superior administrative features or troubleshoot completely different Windows points by yourself!

In this text, I’ll talk about 50 instructions you could know to grasp Command Prompt. But for those who’re comparatively new to this utility, I counsel checking our newbie’s information first.

Basic Commands

Before deep diving into the foremost instructions, I’ll begin with the fundamental ones. Whether you’re planning to make use of Command Prompt extensively or simply for normal functions, these are going to be helpful.

CLS

This command merely clears the Command Prompt display screen. If you’re feeling to clear up the working area after executing too many instructions, it may be extraordinarily useful. All you need to do is sort cls and hit Enter.

Syntax: cls

Exit

If you’re planning to shut the Command Prompt software, you don’t require shifting the cursor to press the Close button. Simply run the exit command and this system quits.

You may use the /b parameter to exit from the loaded batch script. This manner, the principle window stays open and solely the batch file is exited. However, for those who use the parameter exterior the script, it can shut the CMD app.

Syntax: exit /b [error code]
the place error code specifies a sure quantity

Help

This command is useful for those who come throughout any command and want to know its perform. It supplies you with the syntax together with the completely different parameters (switches).

If you merely execute assist, it shows an inventory of the frequent instructions utilized in Command Prompt.

Syntax: assist

However, not all instructions help this utility. In that case, you could use the /? parameter and this could work for each command.

Syntax: /?

CD or CHDIR

It merely means ‘Change Directory’ and because the identify suggests, it switches you from the present listing primarily based on the desired path.

If you merely execute cd, it can simply show the identify of your present listing. Therefore, it’s vital to be taught the completely different parameters together with their features and syntax:

Note: chdir and cd instructions carry out the identical actions. So, you could change listing using any most well-liked possibility.

Clip

This command copies the output executed from a sure command into the Windows clipboard. In this manner, you possibly can straight copy the info into some other program.

It’s extraordinarily helpful to straight copy the textual content or script recordsdata with out opening them. Here are the parameters related to it:

Ver

Command Prompt gives the quickest option to view the model variety of Windows using a easy command. This manner, you possibly can decide whether or not the newest Windows model is put in in your laptop.

Syntax: ver

System Commands

Whether you’re making an attempt to study your laptop or carry out some system-related duties, the next instructions can come in useful:

Powercfg

This Command Prompt utility means that you can management the general energy settings of your laptop. Note that for those who use it with out the suitable parameters, you’ll encounter an “Invalid parameters” error. 

While there are many parameters accessible, I’m solely going to debate the most typical ones under. If you need to be taught more, merely execute powercfg /?. 

To be taught the above instructions intimately, I like to recommend executing the powercfg /? <parameter> command.

For instance, for those who want to know more concerning the /record parameter, you possibly can execute powercfg /record.

Shutdown

Interestingly, you possibly can flip off your laptop using a single command on Command Prompt. Also, it’s potential to schedule the shutdown course of as you need.

Here are some frequent parameters that could be helpful:

Note: Executing shutdown and not using a parameter will run assist or /? for the shutdown command.

Driverquery

Moving on, device drivers are integral parts of a pc. If you search info on them, we have already got the Device Manager utility on Windows GUI.

However, for those who want to show detailed driver info whereas engaged on the command-line interface, you could merely sort driverquery and hit Enter.

Along with that, you possibly can make the most of the next parameters every having particular person features:

Hostname

This command prints the device identify. If you’re uncertain about yours otherwise you’re making an attempt to establish it on one other laptop, merely typing hostname and urgent Enter within the Command Prompt will show the end result.

Syntax: hostname

Systeminfo

Unlike the hostname command, this may print detailed details about your laptop. Basically, it’s like launching the System Information software to verify your PC specs.

Moreover, you should use the identical parameters utilized in devicequery (/s, /u, /p, /fo, /nh, /si, and /v) to print the output in your required format.

Syntax: systeminfo [parameter]

Windows Troubleshooting Commands

If you’re dealing with a Windows-related problem, there could possibly be a number of causes for it—corrupted drive, system recordsdata, images, or more. Usually, working helpful troubleshooters and instructions can repair the issue, and that’s precisely what I’ll cowl on this part.

CHKDSK

This command checks for the native disks on the pc and informs customers about logical and bodily errors. Note that fixing errors is barely potential for those who use the next parameters correctly.

Here, I’ve solely mentioned the frequent ones. But if you wish to be taught more, right here’s a whole information on how to run CHKDSK to restore and repair a tough drive.

SFC

The Windows System File Checker (SFC) helps you restore corrupted Windows recordsdata. It works by changing the corrupted recordsdata with a cached copy, which may even optimize the pc’s efficiency.

Here are a few of the most used SFC instructions:

DISM

This command begins the Deployment Image Servicing and Management software to configure the options and packages of Windows images. There are loads of DISM instructions to make use of when troubleshooting Windows, together with FFU, WIM, Imaging, and more. But I’ll solely be discussing the frequent parameters.

For your consolation, we now have already offered an in depth information on working completely different DISM instructions.

Additional Tip: To be taught more about a person command, you possibly can execute the /? parameter on the finish. For instance, for those who want to discover out more on /image, merely execute dism.exe /image /?. 

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is now not accessible with the opposite troubleshooters in Windows Settings. However, the utility can discover and repair associated issues with all {hardware} parts.

In Windows 11, you possibly can launch it using the msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic command on Command Prompt.

File and Directory Management Commands

Managing recordsdata and directories on Command Prompt could be a little difficult. Nevertheless, listed below are a few of the fundamental instructions that may make your duties so much simpler.

DIR

This command shows all of the recordsdata and directories/subdirectories from the desired drive/listing. 

Most customers make the most of this command to record the recordsdata and directories. This is feasible by merely executing the dir command. Along with the listings, it additionally shows the amount’s label, serial quantity, and the full variety of recordsdata and directories.

Apart from that, you too can make the most of the next parameters:

Copy

As the identify suggests, this command copies the recordsdata from one location to a different. Note that it’s going to simply create a reproduction as a substitute of shifting it.

Syntax: copy [filename] [path]

For instance, to repeat the instance.txt file from the D drive to the Example folder in the identical drive, right here’s the command I’ll use:

copy instance.txt Example

Move

This command features the identical manner as copy. However, the distinction is that it truly strikes the file from one location to the opposite. It’s principally the cut-and-paste approach we use in Windows GUI.

Syntax: transfer [filename] [path]

For instance, to maneuver the instance.txt file from the D drive to the Example folder in the identical drive, right here’s the command I’ll use:

transfer instance.txt Example 

Del or Erase

Both the Del and Erase instructions can be utilized to completely delete a file. This means that you could’t retrieve the file back from the Recycle Bin.

Syntax: del [filename]

For instance, to delete the instance.txt file completely, right here’s the command I’ll execute:

del instance.txt

Note: Although we haven’t specified the parameters and attributes for copy, transfer, and del, you possibly can take a look at it for your self using the assistance or /? parameter.

MKDIR or MD

Both the MKDIR and MD instructions are used to create a brand new listing (folder). You can do that within the current listing and even on one other listing straight, which means you don’t require shifting to that particular drive/listing to create one.

Syntax: mkdir [path][directory_name]

For instance, if I’m in D drive and want to create a brand new listing, right here’s the command I’ll use:

mkdir MyDirectory

But if want to create a brand new listing in a selected path, right here’s what I’d execute:

mkdir C:UsersbishuDesktopMyDirectory

Rename or Ren

Ren or Rename command merely reconfigures the file or listing identify. While doing so, be sure you don’t duplicate the identify with some other file/listing.

Syntax: ren [path]/[filename] [new_filename]

Taking the identical instance as above, right here’s how I’m going to rename the 2 recordsdata I had created earlier:

ren MyDirectory MyDir

ren C:UsersbishuDesktopMyDirectory MyDir

RMDIR or RD

It stands for ‘Remove Directory’ and that’s precisely what the command does. You might also use a shorter command that performs the identical motion–RD.

Here are all of the parameters for the RMDIR command:

As an instance, I’m going to point out you ways to delete the MyDirectory file that I created earlier:

rmdir MyDir

rmdir C:UsersbishuDesktopMyDir

Type

This command is used to show a textual content file’s content material on Command Prompt. This manner, you don’t have to navigate to a sure location, open the file, and once more shut it if not needed.

Syntax: sort [path] [filename]
You might skip [path] for those who’re in the identical listing because the textual content file.

Assoc

This command is used to show or handle completely different file identify extension associations. Note that you simply require administrative privilege to change the associations.

If you merely execute the assoc command, the command-line utility lists all of the extensions together with their related file varieties.

Syntax: assoc

Also, you possibly can verify which file extensions are related to particular person file varieties. For instance, yow will discover out all of the extensions which can be related to ‘sysfile’ as proven within the under instance.

Syntax: assoc | discover “[filetype]”

Example:assoc | discover “sysfile”

It’s potential to change the associations too. You can affiliate any file extension to whichever file sort you need.

Syntax: assoc =

Example: assoc .abc=sysfile

Lastly, you possibly can even delete an affiliation. However, you’ll must restart your laptop to use the modifications.

Syntax: assoc [extension]=

Example: assoc .abc=

FC

FC stands for “File Compare” and because it sounds, it’s used for evaluating two recordsdata to be able to study their variations. As proven within the demonstration above, I’ve in contrast two textual content recordsdata to know the merchandise distinction inside them.

Syntax: fc [file1] [file2]

Here are a few of the helpful parameters for the FC command:

Attrib

This command manages the attributes for recordsdata and folders. You can set no matter attribute you want—Hidden, Read-Only, System, and more. To set an attribute, use ‘+’ and to take away, use ‘-’.

Syntax: attrib [+/-][attribute_value] [file/folder name]

Note: I haven’t talked about the parameters for attrib (/s, /d, and /l). You can use the /? swap to be taught more about them.

Tree

If you’re wishing to view the subdirectories within a listing or a drive, the tree command will make it look graphically pleasing. It buildings the doc in an easy-to-view format. All you need to do is run the tree command and specify the trail if required. 

Syntax: tree [path]

Below are the 2 parameters you possibly can undertake with the tree command:

Disk/Drive Management Commands

Along with file and listing administration, it’s additionally potential to configure disks and drives in Command Prompt.

Here are the 7 most used instructions for this function:

Vol

This is a command to rapidly verify the amount identify or serial quantity. All you need to do is execute vol with the drive letter.

Syntax: vol [dirve_letter]:

Format

While there already exists easy-to-use GUI purposes for formatting your disk drives, it’s by no means a foul concept to be taught this on Command Prompt.

If you need to format a tough drive having only one partition, the format command ought to work out for you. However, the higher possibility could be using diskpart, which I shall talk about under.

Here, I’ll solely point out the frequent parameters. Nonetheless, you possibly can undergo the opposite information that ought to enable you format a tough drive from CMD intimately.

Diskpart

This is a command-line interpreter that provides disk administration options on Command Prompt. With this utility, you possibly can assign drive letters, handle the drive attributes, configure partitions, show disk info, format a drive, and rather more.

Type diskpart and this could launch the interpreter. However, you require administrative privilege to make use of it. 

In the desk under, I’ve talked about probably the most used instructions in Diskpart. If you want to be taught more about disk partitions using the diskpart command, you possibly can take a look at our devoted guides for each HDD and SSD.

Defrag

Defragmentation merely means reorganizing the info inside an HDD to attain higher efficiency (not really helpful on SSD).

Like some other motion, Windows already gives a devoted utility.

However, for those who want to know this intimately, Command Prompt gives tons of parameters that ought to enable you out. Note that this command requires administrative privilege.

Diskusage

This won’t be probably the most used command however is certainly price it. You can get the summarized particulars on the chosen disk’s utilization very quickly.

Simply executing the diskusage command ought to do the job (notice that you’ll want to open CMD as an administrator). Along with that, you possibly can check out the next parameters that could be useful:

Networking Commands

Unlike others, networking instructions are extensively used primarily for troubleshooting functions. In truth, fetching IP addresses or configuring network settings is way simpler on Command Prompt than using GUI parts.

If you’re a networking fanatic, listed below are the instructions that you’ll want to give attention to: 

Net

You can use this command to handle completely different networking companies. It comes with a number of choices every performing a specialised process.

Here, I’ve solely talked about the most typical ones. You can execute the internet command and not using a parameter to get more.

Ipconfig

This command is for network configuration and administration. You can view the detailed Windows TCP/IP info, launch/renew IP addresses, flush the DNS cache, and rather more.

Executing ipconfig with out parameters shows the IPv4, IPv6, subnet masks, and default gateway for each adapter. For different functions, you possibly can undertake the next parameters:

Netsh

This is one other important networking command used for managing network configurations. You can execute netsh to launch the devoted shell. After that, you possibly can carry out desired networking operations using a few of the well-known parameters from the under desk:

Additional Tip: You can additional study every of the above command’s arguments using ? within the netsh shell or use the /? parameter with the netsh command.

Netstat

This command lists the lively connections in your laptop. It shows the protocol, native in addition to international deal with, and the present state. Just executing the netstat command will record the lively TCP connections.

To show different protocols, listed below are some parameters you should use:

Ping

This command is extensively used for testing host-server reachability and web connectivity. Executing ping shows the IP deal with statistics and the approximate spherical journeys in milliseconds.

Here are just a few parameters that I like to recommend making an attempt out: 

Tracert

This command traces the path to a sure IP or domain by sending ICMP or ICMPv6 messages with growing TTL values. It’s extraordinarily helpful throughout network troubleshooting because it informs customers concerning the routing points and validates the network paths.

Implementing the tracert command and not using a parameter traces the route of the desired domain/IP over a most of 30 hops.

Nevertheless, you might make use of the next parameters to realize extra networking info:

Pathping

This command is a mixture of Tracert and Ping. When executed and not using a parameter, it traces the path to the goal over a most of 30 hops and computes statistics for 125 seconds (by default).

Here are a few of the most used pathping parameters:

Getmac

If you want to get the MAC deal with of your laptop, you possibly can execute the getmac command and this may show the end result very quickly. The end result contains each the bodily deal with and the transport identify.

Along with that, I extremely advocate making an attempt out the next parameters:

NSLookUp

This is yet one more command-line utility that features quite a few instructions to get hold of domain identify or IP deal with info. To begin the immediate, merely sort nslookup within the Command Prompt and hit Enter.

While there are numerous parameters for nslookup, I’m solely going to give attention to just a few frequent ones within the desk under:

Miscellaneous

If you could have carried out every of the instructions I’ve mentioned, you need to now be proficient sufficient to make use of Command Prompt. However, the aforementioned instructions aren’t sufficient to grasp this Windows command-line interface. 

There are hundreds more, and it’s unimaginable for me to incorporate all of them on this single put up.

For now, I’d advocate making an attempt out the next instructions that would come in useful when you’re on the best way to mastering Command Prompt:

Tasklist

You can use this command to show the at the moment working processes in your laptop. Executing tasklist lists down the identify of the method, its PID, session identify, session quantity, and reminiscence utilization. Also, you possibly can check out the next parameters:

Taskkill

While the tasklist command shows the processes, taskkill kills/ends them. You can use both course of ID or image identify to do that process. Therefore, you’ll want to make the most of any of the next frequent parameters:

Powershell

If you favor Windows PowerShell over CMD, you possibly can truly run the Command Prompt as a Powershell window. Just sort powershell and hit Enter. You’ll possible get the PS prefix indicating that you could now run all of the Powershell cmdlets right here.

Syntax: powershell

Set

This command is used for configuring the Windows atmosphere variables. To show all of the accessible ones, you should use the set command with none parameters. In order to set a brand new atmosphere variable, you should use a variable identify and supply the mandatory worth.

Syntax: set [variable_name] = [value]

Likewise, it’s potential to delete any atmosphere variable too. Below is the syntax that ought to clear your doubt.

Syntax: set [variable_name] =

The set command on Command Prompt has the next two parameters with particular person performance:

Start

You can use this command to launch a brand new Command Prompt window. Without the usage of any parameter, it can merely launch the brand new immediate. However, using the next parameters may also help you carry out simply greater than that:

BCDBoot

Most customers make the most of this command to restore the boot atmosphere from the Windows Recovery Environment. It works by copying the Windows set up recordsdata to a system partition. You must execute bcdboot with the next parameters:

Date

This is one other helpful command to rapidly verify the present date. You can show or set a brand new date as per your requirement. If you execute simply the date command, the immediate shows the date and asks you to set a brand new one. But for those who rapidly need to verify the date, use the /t parameter.

Syntax: date /t

Prompt

This command gives customization of the textual content that seems in entrance of the cursor (by default, it’s the present listing path). 

You can change this to any character string of your selection or predefined characters (like present date, drive, path, occasions, windows model, and so forth.) using particular codes. You can verify using the /? Parameter. To swap back to the conventional format, execute the immediate with none parameters.

Syntax: immediate [text/special_code]

Color

Certainly, you could have considered customizing the Command Prompt. To your shock, it’s potential to tweak the default black (background) and white (foreground/textual content) mixture. For this, you require specifying two hex digits—the primary representing the background and the second similar to the textual content.

Syntax: shade [hexcode]

As per the above desk, let’s say you desire a pink background with mild blue textual content. So, you’ll must execute the next command:
shade 49

While you’re at it, notice that you simply can not set the identical background and foreground colours. Even for those who do it, the command won’t execute and also you’ll be left with the prevailing mixture.

To swap back to default, run the colour command with none parameter.