CMD Commands for Windows 👩‍💻 – Complete Cheatsheet 2024

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Windows CMD commands, also known as Command Prompt commands or Command Line commands, refer to the commands that can be executed in the Command Prompt on Windows operating systems. The Command Prompt is a command-line interpreter application available in most Windows operating systems. It allows users to interact with the system by typing commands to perform various tasks.

Quick access to applications and some of the deeply hidden customization options on Windows systems. The short key for the Run cmd command is Windows + R.

How to use CMD Commands in Windows

To use CMD commands on Windows, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Command Prompt

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type cmd or cmd.exe and press Enter. Alternatively, you can search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and open it.

2. Navigate to the Desired Directory

• Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where you want to perform actions.

cd path\to\desired\directory

3. Execute Commands

Enter the desired CMD commands and press Enter.

dir

4. Example Commands

Here are a few examples of CMD commands:

• To list files in the current directory: dir
• To change the directory: cd path\to\directory
• To create a new directory: mkdir NewFolder
• To copy a file: copy file.txt destination
• To delete a file: del file.txt

5. Useful Tips

Use the help command to see a list of available commands or get help for a specific command.

 help
 help command_name

Remember to be cautious when using commands, especially those that involve file deletion or system changes, as they can’t be undone. Always double-check your commands before executing them.

Additionally, some commands may require administrative privileges. In such cases, you may need to run the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Command Prompt icon and select “Run as administrator.” You will then be prompted to provide administrative credentials.

Windows CMD Commands Cheat Sheet

TOOLS

COMMAND	FUNCTION
calc	Calculator
clipbrd	Clipboard Viewer
cmd	Command Prompt
dvdplay	Play inserted DVD
excel	MS Excel
explorer	Windows Explorer
freecell	Play Card Game
frontpg	MS Frontpage
igfxzoom	Zoom Utility
magnify	Windows Magnifier
mobsync	MS Synchronization
moviemk	Windows Movie Maker
mplay32	Basic WMP, not WMP classic
mrt	Malicious software removal tool
mshearts	Play Hearts
mspaint	MS Paint
mstsc	Remote Desktop
msword	MS Word
notepad	Notepad
osk	On-Screen Keyboard
pinball	Play pinball
powerpnt	MS Powerpoint
slui	Windows Activation
snippingtoool	Snipping tool for screenshots
soundrecorder	Record Sounds
spider	Spider Solitaire
stickynote	Add a sticky note to desktop
taskmgr	Task Manager
winmine	Minesweeper
wmplayer	Window Media Player
write	Wordpad

SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

COMMAND	FUNCTION
appwiz.cpl	Add or Remove Programs
credwiz	Stored usernames and passwords
desk.cpl	Display Properties
devmgmt.msc	Device Manager
directx.cpl	DirectX Control Panel
dpinst	Install Drivers
dpiscalling	Adjust Dts Per Inch scaling
eventvwr.msc	Event Viewer
fonts	Open fonts folder
gpedit.msc	Group Policy editor
hewwiz.cpl	Add hardware wizard
intl.cpl	change regional settings
javaws	Java Control Panel
lusrmgr	User and Group manager
mmsys.cpl	Audio management
msconfig	Change various aspects of the system
optional features	Manage optional features
powercfg.cpl	Power Management
regedit	Edit registry
rekeywiz	Encrypt file system
secpol.msc	Security Settings
sndvol	Adjust Sound Volume
sysedit	Edit system Configuration
timedate.cpl	Date and Time Settings
utilman	Utility manager
wscui.cpl	Security Settings
wuapp	Windows update application

DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR CMD Commands

COMMAND	FUNCTION
chkdisk	Check Disk
diskmgmt	Disk Management and partitioning
dcomcnfg	View and manage services
dxdiag	DirectX Troubleshooting
cleanmgr	Disk Cleaning
dfrgui	Defragment drive with GUI
verifier	Verify installed drivers
msdt	MS Support Diagnostic Tool
perfmon	Performance Monitor
sfc	File Checker
msinfo32	System Information
sysdm.cpl	System Properties
sdclt	Backup
syskey	System Security Tool
dfrg	Defragment Drive
helpctr	Help and Support
sfc/scannow	Start scanning system
sfc/scanonce	Scan at the next boot
sfc/scanboot	Scan at every boot
sfc/revert	Return to default settings (of SFC)
sfc/purgecache	Clear Cache
tcptest	TCP tester

Control Panel

CMD COMMANDS	FUNCTION
control	Control Panel
control admintools	Administrative Tools
control color	Manage Appearance
control desktop	Display Properties
control folders	Folder Properties
control fonts	Font Manager
control keyboard	Keyboard Properties
control mouse	Mouse Properties
control netconnections	Manage Net connections
control printers	Manage Printers
control schedtasks	Scheduled Tasks

Session Management

COMMAND	FUNCTION
logoff	Log Off Windows
shutdown	Shut Down Windows

CMD Commands for Internet Functions

COMMAND	FUNCTION
iexplore	Internet Explorer
iexpress	Internet Explorer Wizard
inetcpl.cpl	Internet Settings
ipconfig	Configure TCP/IP
firewall.cpl	Windows Firewall
wf.msc	Firewall and Security
inetwiz	Internet Setup Wizard
ipconfig/all	Display current TCP/IP settings
ipconfig/displaydns	Show DNS Cache
ipconfig/flushdns	Clean DNS Cache
ipconfig/registerdns	Refreshes connection
ipconfig/showclassid	Shows DHCP class ID
ipconfig/setclassid	Specifically DHCP class ID

Files and Folders

COMMAND	FUNCTION
iexplore	Internet Explorer
iexpress	Internet Explorer Wizard
inetcpl.cpl	Internet Settings
ipconfig	Configure TCP/IP
firewall.cpl	Windows Firewall
wf.msc	Firewall and Security
inetwiz	Internet Setup Wizard
ipconfig/all	Display current TCP/IP settings
ipconfig/displaydns	Show DNS Cache
ipconfig/flushdns	Clean DNS Cache
ipconfig/registerdns	Refreshes connection
ipconfig/showclassid	Shows DHCP class ID
ipconfig/setclassid	Specifically DHCP class ID

Here are some other CMD commands for managing Wi-Fi: 

• Turn on Wi-Fi: Type wmic path win32_networkadapter where index=(index number for wifi adapter) call enable
• View Wi-Fi signal strength: Type netsh wlan show interfaces and look at the Signal field
• View wireless settings: Type netsh wlan show interfaces and press Enter
• View devices connected to your network: Type net view and a list of devices will appear
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues: Type the following commands in order:
  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset
  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /renew
• Determine Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection speed: Type wmic nic where netEnabled=true get name, speed