Learn how to use CMD.exe to start a new command shell and run commands, programs or batch scripts. See the syntax, options, examples and tips for CMD.exe, including command extensions, inheritance, errorlevel and more.

Starts a new instance of the command interpreter, Cmd.exe. If used without parameters, cmd displays the version and copyright information of the operating system.

The command prompt can be used to execute specific commands and perform advanced functions. If you need to troubleshoot your Windows laptop or computer, you may need to run the command prompt. Luckily, you can launch CMD using a variety of easy methods.

cmd.exe, also known as Command Prompt, is the default command-line interpreter for various operating systems, including Windows, OS/2, and ReactOS. It supports various commands, features, and extensions over COMMAND.COM, the DOS and Windows 9x shell.

A complete list of the over 280 Command Prompt commands across Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, including full descriptions of each CMD command.

Press Win + R to open the Run box, then type "cmd" and hit Enter to open it. Press Win + X (or right-click the Start button) and choose Command Prompt from the menu. Depending on your Windows settings, this may show Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal instead.

Command Prompt can be found in the Start menu or Apps screen. Alternatively, use the Run command cmd, or open from its original location: C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe; To use, enter a valid Command Prompt command.

Windows has two command-line shells: the Command shell and PowerShell. Each shell is a software program that provides direct communication between you and the operating system or application, providing an environment to automate IT operations.

The Windows Command Prompt, often called cmd or cmd.exe, is a command-line interpreter application in most Windows operating systems. It’s used to execute entered commands. Most of those commands automate tasks via scripts and batch files, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot or solve specific Windows issues.