The Windows command line, or Command Prompt, is a powerful tool often overlooked by everyday users. Professionals know that mastering command line tools can greatly enhance productivity, streamline troubleshooting, and automate repetitive tasks. Here are 15 essential tips covering Windows command line tools every user should know, with practical advice for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
Getting Started: Tips for Beginners
What is the Command Prompt, and How Do You Access It?
The Command Prompt is a text-based interface that allows you to interact directly with Windows. To open it, press Windows key + R, type “cmd”, and hit Enter. For administrative privileges (sometimes necessary for system tools), search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”.
1. Navigating the File System with cd, dir, and cls
cd (Change Directory):
Move between folders easily. For example, cd Documents changes your working directory to Documents.
dir (Directory):
Lists files and folders in the current directory. Try dir /p to pause after each screen or dir /s to show all files, including those in subfolders.
cls (Clear Screen):
Clears the command window for easier readability.
2. Copy, Move, and Delete Files with copy, move, and del
copy:
Duplicates files. Example: copy file1.txt backup.txt
move:
Transfers a file. Example: move report.docx D:\Backups
del:
Deletes files. Example: del unwantedfile.txt
Use caution—there’s no Recycle Bin recovery!
3. Viewing and Killing Processes with tasklist and taskkill
Check running processes using tasklist. To end a process, use taskkill. Example:
taskkill /IM notepad.exe /F
4. Checking Network Connections with ipconfig and ping
ipconfig:
Shows your network configuration. Use ipconfig /all for detailed info, or ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew to troubleshoot connectivity.
ping:
Tests connectivity to another network device. Example: ping google.com
Intermediate Techniques: Expanding Your Command Line Skills
5. Creating and Running Batch Files
Save repetitive tasks as batch files. Create a text file with commands (one per line), save it as script.bat, and double-click to run. This is great for automating daily system maintenance.
6. System Information with systeminfo and msinfo32
systeminfo:
Displays detailed system configuration. Run systeminfo > info.txt to save it for support purposes.
msinfo32:
Opens the graphical System Information tool, providing hardware and software summaries.
7. Managing Disks with chkdsk and diskpart
chkdsk:
Checks disk health and repairs file system errors. Example: chkdsk C: /f
diskpart:
Advanced disk management—create, delete, or resize partitions. Use with caution and always back up data!
8. Finding Files Quickly with dir and where
dir /s filename.ext:
Searches all subdirectories for a file.
where appname:
Finds the location of an installed program, e.g., where notepad
Advanced Power Tips: For Experienced Power Users
9. Using PowerShell for Enhanced Scripting
PowerShell is a more advanced shell with powerful scripting capabilities. Open it by typing “powershell” in the Start menu. Example:
Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.CPU -gt 100}
10. Scheduling Tasks with schtasks
Automate tasks such as backups or cleanups. Example:
schtasks /create /sc daily /tn “DailyBackup” /tr “C:\Backup.bat” /st 23:00
11. Monitoring Event Logs with wevtutil
Export Windows Event Logs for troubleshooting:
wevtutil qe System /c:10 /f:text > last10events.txt
12. Managing Users with net user
Add or modify users from the command line. Example:
net user newuser password /add
13. Checking System Uptime and Boot Time
systeminfo | find “System Boot Time”
This displays when your PC was last restarted.
14. Remote System Management with psexec (Sysinternals Suite)
Run processes on remote systems (requires download). Example:
psexec \\RemotePC cmd
15. Repairing System Files with sfc and DISM
sfc /scannow:
Scans and repairs system files.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth:
Repairs Windows image, useful when sfc can’t fix issues.
Pro Tip: Simplifying Maintenance with Glary Utilities
While command line tools are powerful, using a comprehensive utility suite like Glary Utilities can make many of these maintenance and optimization tasks easier—especially for beginners or those who prefer a graphical interface. Glary Utilities offers modules for disk cleanup, registry repair, process management, and startup optimization, providing one-click solutions for common system issues. Advanced users can combine command line diagnostics with Glary Utilities for thorough and efficient PC care.
Which Approach Should You Choose?
Beginners may find Glary Utilities more approachable for regular maintenance, while advanced users benefit from the flexibility and power of command line tools—especially for scripting and automation. Combining both can give you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Mastering these command line tips empowers you to manage, troubleshoot, and optimize your Windows PC like a professional. Whether you’re starting with basic file navigation or automating complex tasks, these tools will save you time and enhance your computing experience. And remember, comprehensive system tools like Glary Utilities can complement command line techniques for streamlined Windows maintenance.