Basic Guide for the Windows Command Prompt

Before all the stylish types of program interfaces came to power, most computer management operations were done through terminals, such as the Command Prompt. Although most might consider it difficult or even obsolete, it’s still found in Windows 10 for that old-school feel.

Sure enough, it can take some time and patience to get to know the Command Prompt, especially now with all the available applications that can perform almost any kind of operations with just a few mouse clicks. However, there are some default Windows operations that can’t be done otherwise, or the process requires a lot more effort than working with a set of commands.

About a month ago, we had a look at how the Command Prompt can be visually tweaked, or greatly enhanced with various third-party alternatives, in case visuals were holding you back from using the Command Prompt more often. If this is the case, take the time to make it suit your style, because we’re going to go through a few basic commands and how they can be used to your advantage.

Overview of the Command Prompt functions

The fastest way to launch the command prompt is right-clicking on the Start Menu/Screen button, and choosing to launch it from there, with or without administrator privileges. However, writing down cmd in the Run utility, or simply holding down Shift while pressing right-click in an empty desktop space or folder, also provides quick access.

In case you already have a Command Prompt window active and want to know whether it’s elevated, look at the title bar to see if it states Administrator: Command Prompt, or just the name. Additionally, the default path of an elevated instance is in C:\Windows\System32> unlike C:\Users\Your_User> for a normal one.

Navigation

Needless to say that you might not want to work in the directory you’re taken to by default, with simple commands to go forward and back. This is done through the CD (change directory) command, and works this way:  

If you’re unsure of the content of the directory you’re in, just type DIR to have all files and folders enlisted, thus helping you choose the next destination or file easier. It’s also possible to use the TREE command to have all files in all subfolders of the target directory enlisted.

Switches

What the extra /P after the DIR command does in the video example, is to force the Command Prompt to stop after every screenfull of information, not showing the rest of content until you press a key, thus giving you time to analyze.

The /P acts like a switch, with the possibility to add more than one to a command. However, each command comes with its own set of switches. Just type /? after the command if you’re unsure how it’s used, and what switches it supports.

File and folder management

If using the DIR command made you stumble upon some directories or files you don’t want there, you might want to know it’s possible to more, or even delete them on the spot.

Let’s say we have a folder from which a file needs to be saved, but we can remove the whole directory after moving the file to a new location. First, a new folder needs to be created to save that specific file.  

The MKDIR command is used to create a folder in your current location, with the basic form being MKDIR your_folder. Note that your_folder must consist of a single word, or between quotation marks ( " " ) for more. However, the command can also be used to create a directory anywhere, regardless of your location. You simply need to write down the full path. For example:  

After this is done, we need to go to the folder with the file of interest, in this case Softpedia Transfer. Now, the new.mp4 file needs to be moved to the Backup folder, with the MOVE command (MOVE [option] [source] [“target”]), which, in this example, goes something like this:  

Note: -- If the file name consists of more words, use quotation marks ( “ ” ) for each command parameter. -- The target needs to be written between quotation marks ( “ ” ). -- Writing another name for the file in the target automatically renames it.

Just to make sure this is the file we want to move, we’re just going to run it. This is done simply by writing down the file name and executable, then pressing Enter. Note that you have to be in the source directory for this to work.

After applying the MOVE command, it’s time to delete the Softpedia Transfer folder. Note that using the DEL command only removes the content of the directory, while RMDIR also gets rid of the folder.

Drivers and processes

Another useful command is DRIVERQUERY and enlists all current drivers on your system. Sure enough, it’s not going to group them according to hardware components, but rather shows them all. Switches like /FO Table, /FO List, and /FO CSV can be used to display drivers in those particular output types.

If you’re only interested in general system info, there’s also a command for that. The command is SYSTEMINFO and can also be used with the /FO switches mentioned above.

In addition, both DRIVERQUERY and SYSTEMINFO can save all data to file. All you have to do is add > C:\custom_path\file_name.txt at the end, just like this:  

Some of what the Task Manager can to is also found in a command here. Writing down TASKLIST shows all running processes, while using the /SVC switch also displays corresponding services for each task.

However, the functionality of the Command Line utility doesn’t end here, and there are even external tools to enhance the basic functionality. Find some here, with the chance to actually stumble upon something useful.

A few last words

A visual interface provides a lot more practicality in any domain of activity. However, there’s a reason it hasn’t been kicked out of the default Windows set of features, letting you perform advanced operations that aren’t normally possible through any visual interface elements.

Check out the full list of supported commands below. Note: All commands marked with • are internal commands, and can only be run from a Command Prompt instance.

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