Windows CMD Commands List

John Hawley

Windows Command Prompt

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

ASSOCDisplays or modifies file extension associations.
ATTRIBDisplays or changes file attributes.
BREAKSets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.
BCDEDITSets properties in boot database to control boot loading.
CACLSDisplays or modifies access control lists (ACLs) of files.
CALLCalls one batch program from another.
CDDisplays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHCPDisplays or sets the active code page number.
CHDIRDisplays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHKDSKChecks a disk and displays a status report.
CHKNTFSDisplays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time.
CLSClears the screen.
CMDStarts a new instance of the Windows command interpreter.
COLORSets the default console foreground and background colors.
COMPCompares the contents of two files or sets of files.
COMPACTDisplays or alters the compression of files on NTFS partitions.
CONVERTConverts FAT volumes to NTFS.  You cannot convert the current drive.
COPYCopies one or more files to another location.
DATEDisplays or sets the date.
DELDeletes one or more files.
DIRDisplays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
DISKPARTDisplays or configures Disk Partition properties.
DOSKEYEdits command lines, recalls Windows commands, and creates macros.
DRIVERQUERYDisplays current device driver status and properties.
ECHODisplays messages, or turns command echoing on or off.
ENDLOCALEnds localization of environment changes in a batch file.
ERASEDeletes one or more files.
EXITQuits the CMD.EXE program (command interpreter).
FCCompares two files or sets of files, and displays the differences between them.
FINDSearches for a text string in a file or files.
FINDSTRSearches for strings in files.
FORRuns a specified command for each file in a set of files.
FORMATFormats a disk for use with Windows.
FSUTILDisplays or configures the file system properties.
FTYPEDisplays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTODirects the Windows command interpreter to a labeled line in a batch program.
GPRESULTDisplays Group Policy information for machine or user.
GRAFTABLEnables Windows to display an extended character set in graphics mode.
HELPProvides Help information for Windows commands.
ICACLSDisplay, modify, backup, or restore ACLs for files and directories.
IFPerforms conditional processing in batch programs.
LABELCreates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.
MDCreates a directory.
MKDIRCreates a directory.
MKLINKCreates Symbolic Links and Hard Links
MODEConfigures a system device.
MOREDisplays output one screen at a time.
MOVEMoves one or more files from one directory to another directory.
OPENFILESDisplays files opened by remote users for a file share.
PATHDisplays or sets a search path for executable files.
PAUSESuspends processing of a batch file and displays a message.
POPDRestores the previous value of the current directory saved by PUSHD.
PRINTPrints a text file.
PROMPTChanges the Windows command prompt.
PUSHDSaves the current directory then changes it.
RDRemoves a directory.
RECOVERRecovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
REMRecords comments (remarks) in batch files or CONFIG.SYS.
RENRenames a file or files.
RENAMERenames a file or files.
REPLACEReplaces files.
RMDIRRemoves a directory.
ROBOCOPYAdvanced utility to copy files and directory trees
SETDisplays, sets, or removes Windows environment variables.
SETLOCALBegins localization of environment changes in a batch file.
SCDisplays or configures services (background processes).
SCHTASKSSchedules commands and programs to run on a computer.
SHIFTShifts the position of replaceable parameters in batch files.
SHUTDOWNAllows proper local or remote shutdown of machine.
SORTSorts input.
STARTStarts a separate window to run a specified program or command.
SUBSTAssociates a path with a drive letter.
SYSTEMINFODisplays machine specific properties and configuration.
TASKLISTDisplays all currently running tasks including services.
TASKKILLKill or stop a running process or application.
TIMEDisplays or sets the system time.
TITLESets the window title for a CMD.EXE session.
TREEGraphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.
TYPEDisplays the contents of a text file.
VERDisplays the Windows version.
VERIFYTells Windows whether to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk.
VOLDisplays a disk volume label and serial number.
XCOPYCopies files and directory trees.
WMICDisplays 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.
CommandDescription
dirLists files and folders
cdChanges the directory
mkdirCreates a new directory
systeminfoShows system information
ipconfigDisplays network configuration
pingTests network connectivity
chkdskChecks 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.