70+ Essential Windows CMD Commands for Beginners to Advanced Users

Table of Contents

• Why Learn Windows Commands?
• Types of Windows Commands Covered
• File and Directory Commands
• System Information Commands
• Network Commands
• Disk and Drive Commands
• Task and Process Management Commands
• User and Security Commands
• Power and Shutdown Commands
• Windows Troubleshooting Commands
• Advanced and Miscellaneous Commands
• CMD Scripting and Batch Commands
• Bonus Useful Commands
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Windows Command Line (CMD) is a powerful tool for developers, system admins, and IT professionals. Whether you’re managing networks, automating tasks, or troubleshooting systems, knowing essential Windows commands can dramatically boost your efficiency. In this blog, we will explore 70+ vital CMD commands every Windows user should know to take full control of their system.

Why Learn Windows Commands?

Learning Windows commands allows you to:

• Automate repetitive tasks

  
  

• Troubleshoot faster

• Access advanced system functions

• Work without GUI reliance

• Script and deploy commands for multiple machines

Types of Windows Commands Covered

File and Directory Commands

1. dir

Lists files and directories in the current folder.

2. cd

Changes the directory you're working in.

3. mkdir or md

Creates a new directory.

4. rmdir or rd

Deletes a directory.

5. del

Deletes one or more files.

6. copy

Copies files from one location to another.

7. xcopy

Extended copy for files and directories.

8. move

Moves files or renames them.

9. attrib

Displays or changes file attributes (like hidden, read-only).

10. ren

Renames files or directories.

System Information Commands

11. systeminfo

Displays detailed configuration info about the computer.

12. hostname

Shows the name of the computer.

13. ver

Shows the Windows version.

14. set

Displays environment variables.

15. wmic

A powerful tool for system administration via CMD.

16. whoami

Displays current logged-in username.

17. tasklist

Lists all running tasks on the system.

Network Commands

18. ipconfig

Shows IP configuration.

19. ping

Tests network connectivity to another host.

20. tracert

Shows the path taken to reach a host.

21. netstat

Displays network connections and ports.

22. nslookup

Queries DNS for domain name resolution.

23. arp

Displays and modifies ARP cache.

24. route

Shows and edits the routing table.

25. net use

Maps network drives.

26. netstat -an

Shows all active TCP/UDP connections.

27. netsh

Advanced configuration for network settings.

Disk and Drive Commands

28. chkdsk

Checks disk for errors and repairs them.

29. diskpart

Manages partitions and disks.

30. format

Formats a specified drive.

31. label

Creates or changes volume labels.

32. vol

Displays volume label and serial number.

33. fsutil

Advanced disk utility functions.

Task and Process Management Commands

34. taskkill

Ends a task or process.

35. schtasks

Creates, deletes, or manages scheduled tasks.

36. sc

Controls Windows services.

37. shutdown

Performs shutdown, restart, or logoff operations.

38. start

Starts a program or command in a new window.

39. pause

Pauses a batch file or command execution.

40. timeout

Waits for specified time, ideal for scripting delays.

User and Security Commands

41. net user

Manages user accounts.

42. net localgroup

Manages local group memberships.

43. runas

Runs programs as another user.

44. cacls

Modifies file permissions.

45. icacls

More advanced version of cacls.

46. lock

Locks the workstation.

47. gpupdate

Updates Group Policy settings.

48. secedit

Applies security settings from templates.

Power and Shutdown Commands

49. powercfg

Manages power settings and battery info.

50. shutdown /s /t 0

Immediately shuts down the computer.

51. shutdown /r /t 0

Immediately restarts the computer.

52. shutdown /l

Logs off the current user.

Windows Troubleshooting Commands

53. sfc /scannow

Scans and repairs system files.

54. DISM

Manages and repairs Windows images.

55. cleanmgr

Launches disk cleanup utility.

56. eventvwr

Opens the Event Viewer.

57. msinfo32

Opens system information viewer.

Advanced and Miscellaneous Commands

58. tree

Displays folder structure in a tree format.

59. echo

Displays messages or turns command echoing on/off.

60. cls

Clears the CMD screen.

61. title

Sets the title for the CMD window.

62. color

Changes CMD window text/background color.

63. exit

Closes the command prompt.

64. prompt

Changes the CMD prompt text.

65. help

Displays available commands and help.

CMD Scripting and Batch Commands

66. if

Used for conditional logic in batch files.

67. for

Loops through a range of values in scripts.

68. goto

Directs the command flow to a labeled line.

69. call

Calls another batch file or function.

70. setlocal / endlocal

Manages variable scope in batch files.

Bonus Useful Commands

71. clip

Redirects command output to clipboard.

72. find

Searches for a text string in files.

73. assoc

Displays or changes file associations.

74. driverquery

Lists installed drivers.

75. taskview

Access task view interface (via Windows shortcut or script).

Conclusion

Mastering these 70+ Windows commands equips you with the tools needed to become an efficient and confident power user. Whether you're troubleshooting, scripting, or managing systems, knowing these commands will save time and reduce dependency on graphical tools. Bookmark this blog as a reference, and start practicing these commands on your Windows system today!

FAQs

What are the most useful Windows CMD commands?

Some of the most useful Windows CMD commands include ipconfig, ping, tasklist, chkdsk, shutdown, netstat, dir, and systeminfo.

What is CMD used for in Windows?

CMD is used for executing command-line instructions to perform administrative tasks, troubleshoot systems, and automate operations.

Is the Windows Command Prompt still relevant in 2025?

Yes, the Windows Command Prompt remains a vital tool for scripting, diagnostics, and advanced configuration, especially for system administrators and developers.

What’s the difference between CMD and PowerShell?

CMD is simpler and better for basic commands, while PowerShell is more powerful with scripting capabilities and deeper access to system objects.

Can I learn CMD without prior experience?

Absolutely! CMD is beginner-friendly. Start with basic commands like dir, cd, and copy, then gradually explore more advanced ones.

How do I open the Command Prompt in Windows?

Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter. You can also search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu.

How do I run CMD as an administrator?

Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose "Run as administrator" to access elevated privileges.

What are file management commands in Windows CMD?

Common file commands include copy, move, del, mkdir, and ren. These allow you to organize and modify files directly.

Which CMD command is used to check the system info?

Use systeminfo to get a detailed report of your system’s OS, hardware, memory, and network information.

Can CMD be used to fix Windows errors?

Yes, commands like sfc /scannow, DISM, and chkdsk are used to repair system files and drive errors.

What is ipconfig used for?

ipconfig displays your IP configuration and helps troubleshoot network issues.

How do I kill a task using CMD?

Use taskkill /IM program.exe /F to forcefully terminate a program.

What does netstat show in CMD?

netstat displays network connections, listening ports, and routing tables.

Can CMD manage user accounts?

Yes, commands like net user and net localgroup allow for user and group management.

What is the use of shutdown /s /t 0?

It initiates an immediate system shutdown with no delay.

Which command shows running tasks in CMD?

tasklist provides a list of all currently running processes.

How do I format a disk using CMD?

Use the format command followed by the drive letter, like format D:.

How do I change directory in CMD?

Use the cd command followed by the folder name or path.

What does chkdsk do?

It checks for disk errors and attempts to repair them if possible.

Is DISM safe to use?

Yes, DISM is a trusted Windows tool for servicing and restoring Windows images.

What command updates group policies?

gpupdate /force updates all policies on a Windows machine.

What does ping test in CMD?

ping tests network connectivity between your PC and another device or website.

What is tracert used for?

It traces the route that data takes to reach a remote host.

How can I see hidden files using CMD?

Use dir /a:h to list hidden files in the current directory.

What is the use of tree command?

tree displays directory structures in a tree-like format.

How can I copy an entire directory in CMD?

Use xcopy source destination /E /I to copy all files and subdirectories.

What is echo used for in CMD?

It displays messages or turns command echoing on/off in scripts.

How do I map a network drive in CMD?

Use net use Z: \\Server\SharedFolder to assign a network path to a drive letter.

What command lists installed drivers?

Use driverquery to see all drivers installed on the system.

What does assoc do in CMD?

It displays or changes file extension associations with programs.