Windows CMD Commands List

Windows CMD commands offer powerful tools for managing and controlling your computer. These text-based instructions let users perform tasks quickly and efficiently. CMD.exe, the Windows Command Prompt, provides access to over 280 built-in commands for file management, network troubleshooting, and system configuration.

The Command Prompt gives users direct control over their Windows operating system. It’s a versatile tool for both basic and advanced operations. Users can automate tasks with batch files and scripts, making repetitive processes easier.

CMD commands work on Windows 10, 11, and earlier versions. They range from simple directory navigation to complex system maintenance. Learning these commands can boost productivity and deepen understanding of Windows systems.

CMD Commands List

ASSOC	Displays or modifies file extension associations.
ATTRIB	Displays or changes file attributes.
BREAK	Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.
BCDEDIT	Sets properties in boot database to control boot loading.
CACLS	Displays or modifies access control lists (ACLs) of files.
CALL	Calls one batch program from another.
CD	Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHCP	Displays or sets the active code page number.
CHDIR	Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHKDSK	Checks a disk and displays a status report.
CHKNTFS	Displays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time.
CLS	Clears the screen.
CMD	Starts a new instance of the Windows command interpreter.
COLOR	Sets the default console foreground and background colors.
COMP	Compares the contents of two files or sets of files.
COMPACT	Displays or alters the compression of files on NTFS partitions.
CONVERT	Converts FAT volumes to NTFS.  You cannot convert the current drive.
COPY	Copies one or more files to another location.
DATE	Displays or sets the date.
DEL	Deletes one or more files.
DIR	Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
DISKPART	Displays or configures Disk Partition properties.
DOSKEY	Edits command lines, recalls Windows commands, and creates macros.
DRIVERQUERY	Displays current device driver status and properties.
ECHO	Displays messages, or turns command echoing on or off.
ENDLOCAL	Ends localization of environment changes in a batch file.
ERASE	Deletes one or more files.
EXIT	Quits the CMD.EXE program (command interpreter).
FC	Compares two files or sets of files, and displays the differences between them.
FIND	Searches for a text string in a file or files.
FINDSTR	Searches for strings in files.
FOR	Runs a specified command for each file in a set of files.
FORMAT	Formats a disk for use with Windows.
FSUTIL	Displays or configures the file system properties.
FTYPE	Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO	Directs the Windows command interpreter to a labeled line in a batch program.
GPRESULT	Displays Group Policy information for machine or user.
GRAFTABL	Enables Windows to display an extended character set in graphics mode.
HELP	Provides Help information for Windows commands.
ICACLS	Display, modify, backup, or restore ACLs for files and directories.
IF	Performs conditional processing in batch programs.
LABEL	Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.
MD	Creates a directory.
MKDIR	Creates a directory.
MKLINK	Creates Symbolic Links and Hard Links
MODE	Configures a system device.
MORE	Displays output one screen at a time.
MOVE	Moves one or more files from one directory to another directory.
OPENFILES	Displays files opened by remote users for a file share.
PATH	Displays or sets a search path for executable files.
PAUSE	Suspends processing of a batch file and displays a message.
POPD	Restores the previous value of the current directory saved by PUSHD.
PRINT	Prints a text file.
PROMPT	Changes the Windows command prompt.
PUSHD	Saves the current directory then changes it.
RD	Removes a directory.
RECOVER	Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
REM	Records comments (remarks) in batch files or CONFIG.SYS.
REN	Renames a file or files.
RENAME	Renames a file or files.
REPLACE	Replaces files.
RMDIR	Removes a directory.
ROBOCOPY	Advanced utility to copy files and directory trees
SET	Displays, sets, or removes Windows environment variables.
SETLOCAL	Begins localization of environment changes in a batch file.
SC	Displays or configures services (background processes).
SCHTASKS	Schedules commands and programs to run on a computer.
SHIFT	Shifts the position of replaceable parameters in batch files.
SHUTDOWN	Allows proper local or remote shutdown of machine.
SORT	Sorts input.
START	Starts a separate window to run a specified program or command.
SUBST	Associates a path with a drive letter.
SYSTEMINFO	Displays machine specific properties and configuration.
TASKLIST	Displays all currently running tasks including services.
TASKKILL	Kill or stop a running process or application.
TIME	Displays or sets the system time.
TITLE	Sets the window title for a CMD.EXE session.
TREE	Graphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.
TYPE	Displays the contents of a text file.
VER	Displays the Windows version.
VERIFY	Tells Windows whether to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk.
VOL	Displays a disk volume label and serial number.
XCOPY	Copies files and directory trees.
WMIC	Displays WMI information inside interactive command shell.

Essential Windows CMD Commands

The Windows Command Prompt (CMD) is a powerful tool. It lets you interact with your computer using text-based commands. Here’s a list of essential CMD commands that every Windows user should know:

Basic Navigation and File Management

• dir: Lists files and folders in the current directory.
• cd: Changes the current directory. For example, “cd Documents” moves you to the Documents folder.
• mkdir: Creates a new directory. “mkdir NewFolder” creates a folder named “NewFolder.”
• rmdir: Removes an empty directory.
• del: Deletes files. Use with caution!
• copy: Copies files from one location to another.
• move: Moves files from one location to another.
• ren: Renames a file or folder.

System Information and Control

• systeminfo: Displays detailed information about your computer’s hardware and software.
• tasklist: Shows a list of running processes.
• taskkill: Ends a running process. You’ll usually need to specify the process ID (PID).
• shutdown: Shuts down or restarts your computer. You can add arguments like “/r” for restart or “/s” for shutdown.
• gpupdate: Refreshes Group Policy settings.

Networking

• ipconfig: Displays your computer’s network configuration details, including IP address.
• ping: Tests the connection to another device on the network. For example, “ping google.com” checks if you can reach Google’s servers.
• tracert: Traces the route that packets take to reach a specific destination.
• netstat: Displays active network connections.

Disk Management

• chkdsk: Checks a disk for errors and attempts to fix them.
• diskpart: A powerful tool for managing disks, partitions, and volumes.
• format: Formats a drive (erases all data!).

Other Useful Commands

• help: Provides information about a specific command. For example, “help copy” shows details about the copy command.
• cls: Clears the Command Prompt screen.
• date: Displays or sets the current date.
• time: Displays or sets the current time.

Tips for Using CMD

• Most commands have options (arguments) that modify their behavior. Use the “/?” switch after a command to see its available options. For example, “dir /?”
• You can use the Tab key to autocomplete commands and file/folder names.
• Use the arrow keys to scroll through your command history.

Command	Description
dir	Lists files and folders
cd	Changes the directory
mkdir	Creates a new directory
systeminfo	Shows system information
ipconfig	Displays network configuration
ping	Tests network connectivity
chkdsk	Checks disk for errors

Key Takeaways

• CMD commands offer powerful control over Windows systems
• Users can automate tasks with batch files and scripts
• The Command Prompt works on multiple Windows versions

Core Command Line Operations

Windows Command Prompt offers powerful tools for system management and file operations. These commands let users control their computer through text-based inputs.

Navigating the File System

The “cd” command changes directories. Type “cd foldername” to move into a folder. Use “cd ..” to go up one level. “dir” lists files and folders in the current directory. It shows names, sizes, and dates. “tree” displays the folder structure as a tree diagram. This helps visualize file organization. “path” shows or sets the system path. The path tells Windows where to look for programs.

File Management

“copy” duplicates files. “move” relocates files. “del” erases files. Use these with caution. “ren” renames files or folders. “mkdir” or “md” creates new folders. “rmdir” removes empty folders. “type” displays the contents of text files. “fc” compares two files and shows differences. “attrib” changes file attributes like hidden or read-only. These commands help organize and maintain files efficiently.

System Information Commands

“systeminfo” gives a detailed report of the computer’s hardware and software. “hostname” shows the computer’s name. “tasklist” displays running processes. “taskkill” ends specific processes. “sfc” scans and repairs Windows system files. “chkdsk” checks the hard drive for errors. “diskpart” manages disk partitions. These tools help diagnose and fix system issues.

Network Utilities

“ping” tests network connections. “ipconfig” shows network settings. “tracert” traces the route to a website. “netstat” displays network statistics. “nslookup” queries domain name servers. “net” manages network resources and users. “getmac” retrieves the MAC address. “pathping” combines ping and tracert functions. These commands are vital for network troubleshooting and setup.