Command Prompt: What it is and How to Use

The Command prompt is not hidden in the Windows operating system, you can find it in the start menu or the Apps screen. It is a command line interpreter available in most Windows operating system to execute entered commands, and perform a function .

Most of these commands automate tasks via scripts and batch files, perform advanced administrative functions and troubleshoot Windows issues .

Command Prompt is also known as Command Shell or cmd prompt. Its file name is cmd.exe.

Note : it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as DOS prompt or MS-DOS. However it emulates many of the command line abilities available in MS-DOS but it is not MS-DOS.

Also cmd stands for other things like centralized message distribution, color monitor display, and common management database all of which are different from command prompt.

How to open Command Prompt

Open via the command prompt shortcut in the Start menu or apps screen display on your version of Windows. There are also other ways to open command prompt, but this is most common and faster.

Also you can open cmd.exe from location files:

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe

Open the power user menu. You might see Power Shell there of cmd.exe depending on your system setup. You can switch between command prompt and Power Shell from the Win X menu.

However,Some commands can only be executed if you run command as an administrator.

How to use Command Prompt

Enter a valid command prompt command with any functioning parameters. E.g del x mp3 will remove MP3 from that folder.

Command Prompts will execute the command as entered and perform the task or function in its designated function on Windows.

In the example below:

C:\ Command F&& Command G&& Command H

G will execute F, H will be executed after G has executed successfully.

A wrong syntax or spelling can cause the command to fail or execute the wrong command or execute the right command in the wrong way.

Example dir will show a list of files and folders in a specific location but that’s just it, if you add del to dir it will delete all file after showing the files. Adding a single space can delete the entire data so syntax is important, ensure you are inputting the right thing. Also be more specific about the commands you put in, the commands you input is what will be executed.

Examples of command prompt:

Copy Chkdsk ftp del cls png attrib net dir help shutdown erase ren rename rmdir set shift ver dpath mkdir echo vol

Command Prompt is available on every Windows NT based operating system. Example: Windows 11,10,8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000.

Windows Power Shell is a command line interpreter available in recent Windows versions, which is an extension of the command executing abilities available in command prompt.

Windows Terminal is also another Microsoft approved way of using command and Power Shell with the same tool. It has even replaced command prompt in Windows 11, accordingto rumours.

Use Commands to make work easier for you on Windows, as it helps you perform functions faster.

FAQs