Command-prompt

Command Prompt Commands and Descriptions

The Command Prompt is a command-line interface (CLI) in Windows operating systems that allows users to enter and execute commands. It can be used for various tasks, such as troubleshooting, system maintenance, and automation.

How to Open Command Prompt

• Using Start Menu: Type cmd in the search box and press Enter.
• Using Run Dialog: Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

Once open, you can enter commands and press Enter to execute them.

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Common Commands and Their Descriptions

1. ctrl+c: Stops all running programs in the Command Prompt.
2. dir: Displays the contents of the current directory.
3. del: Deletes specified files.
4. type: Displays the contents of a file.
5. netstat: Displays active network connections.
6. ipconfig: Displays the IP configuration of the system.
7. md: Creates a new directory.
8. rd: Removes a directory.
9. rename: Renames a file or directory.
10. time: Displays or sets the system time.
11. date: Displays or sets the system date.
12. systeminfo: Displays system information, such as the OS version and installed hardware.
13. tasklist: Displays a list of running tasks and their status.
14. taskkill: Terminates a running task.
15. echo: Displays a message or the value of a variable.
16. ping: Tests connectivity to a specific IP address or hostname.
17. sfc: Scans and repairs system files. Use sfc /scannow for a full scan.
18. set: Displays or sets environment variables.
19. shutdown: Shuts down or restarts the computer.
20. route: Displays and modifies the IP routing table.
21. driverquery: Displays a list of installed device drivers.
22. netdom: Manages domain and trust relationships.
23. nbtstat: Displays protocol statistics and current connections using NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
24. sc: Manages Windows services.
25. reg: Manages the Windows Registry.
26. fsutil: Performs various file system tasks.
27. diskpart: Manages disks, partitions, and volumes.
28. compact: Compresses or uncompresses files and folders.
29. robocopy: Copies files and directories (robust file copy).
30. xcopy: Copies files and directories, including subdirectories.
31. find: Searches for a specific text string in a file or files.
32. certutil: Manages certificates and certificate trust lists.
33. cipher: Manages encryption of files and folders.
34. lpksetup: Installs and manages language packs.
35. ocsetup: Installs and manages optional components.
36. pkgmgr: Installs and manages packages.
37. powercfg: Configures power settings.
38. winsat: Tests and displays the computer’s current performance rating.
39. sfc /scannow: Performs a full scan of the computer for bugs and system health.

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Explanation of Selected Commands

dir

Lists the contents of the current directory.

• Usage: dir
• Example: dir C:\Users

ipconfig

Displays network configuration details, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

• Usage: ipconfig
• Example: ipconfig /all

ping

Tests the connectivity to a specific address or hostname.

• Usage: ping [address]
• Example: ping google.com

taskkill

Ends a task or process.

• Usage: taskkill /IM [process_name] /F
• Example: taskkill /IM notepad.exe /F

diskpart

Manages disks, partitions, and volumes.

• Usage: diskpart
  1. Type list disk to display available disks.
  2. Type select disk [number] to choose a disk.
  3. Type create partition primary to create a partition.

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Additional Information

• Customizing Commands: Many commands support additional arguments and flags. Use [command] /? to see available options.
• Accessing Command History: Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate through previously entered commands.
• Admin Privileges: Some commands require administrative rights. Run Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking it and selecting "Run as administrator."

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