The Windows 11 Command Prompt is a flexible and versatile tool that brings to a user’s Windows operating system a text-based user interface with which users can execute commands intended to facilitate tasks that otherwise would be considered too time-consuming or impossible for the graphical user interface. The Command Prompt is designed to deliver rich functionality-from traversing the file system and performing file operations, to debugging your network to streamlining your automation-often in ways that have a multiplier effect on productivity.
No matter if you’re a newcomer to the console or a seasoned power user, mastery of a few critical yet essential commands can make working smarter possible for everyone. In this guide, we will discuss twenty critical commands that every Windows 11 user should know to unlock the full potential of this powerful tool.
1.cd (Change Directory)
The cd (change directory) command is a basic yet fundamental command in Windows 11 Command Prompt that lets you move around the file system.
- Usage:
cd[directory path] - Example: If you want to see the Documents folder, you type this command.
2.dir (Directory List)
We can use dir to display a list of files and folders in the current directory.
- Usage:
dir - Example: If you type dir, you’ll see all the items in the current folder.
3.mkdir (Make Directory)
The command creates a new directory.
- Usage:
mkdir[directory name] - Example: Creating a folder simply by providing a name like `mkdir NewFolder`.
4. rmdir(Remove Directory)
This command will delete an empty directory.
- Usage:
rmdir[directory name] - Example: Deletes the OldFolder if it’s empty by rmdir OldFolder
5.del (Delete)
The del command removes files from the current directory.
- Usage:
del[filename] - Example: del myfile.txt removes myfile.txt from the current directory.
6. copy (Copy Files)
It is a command that copies files from one place to another.
- Usage:
copy [source] [destination] - Example: To copy
file1.txtto theD:\Backupfolder, type:copy D:\Backup\file1.txt file1.txt
7. move (Move Files)
To move files or directories, use the command move.
- Usage:
move [source] [destination] - Example: move file1.txt D:\Documents\ moves file1.txt to the folder D:\Documents\ on D drive.
8.cls (Clear Screen)
Using the cls command will clear all text from the Command Prompt window; it helps to have a clean slate.
- Usage:
cls - Example: If you want to remove many commands simultaneously, reset the CMD.
9. ip configuration (ipconfig)
The ipconfig command displays all present network config values, which is especially helpful for troubleshooting.
- Usage:
ipconfig
10. ping (Packet Internet Groper)
Packet Internet Groper, popularly known as ping, tests connectivity to another network address.
- Usage:
ping [hostname or IP address] - Example: ping google.com checks if Google is reachable.
11.tracert (Trace Route)
The tracert command lets you see the route packets take to a network address to determine where routing problems may be.
- Usage:
tracert [hostname or IP address] - Example: Use
tracert google.comto trace the route to Google.
12. netstat (Network Statistics)
You can use this command to show listening ports and connections, which is essential for security checks and more security features.
- Usage:
netstat
13. tasklist (Terminate Processes)
The Tasklist command shows you all currently running processes on your computer, just like Task Manager.
- Usage:
tasklist
14. taskkill (Processes Termination)
This command will end a running process by its PID or name.
- Usage:
taskkill /PID [PID number] - Example: taskkill /PID 1234 /F forces the process with PID 1234 to terminate.
15. sfc (System File Checker)
This command scans and repairs the corrupt system files, which is necessary for the system’s integrity.
- Usage:
sfc /scannow
16. chkdsk (Check Disk)
This command checks for disk errors and repairs them if necessary.
- Usage:
chkdsk [drive letter] /f - Example: chkdsk C: /f
17. shutdown (Shutdown or Restart)
This one command can let you shut down or restart your computer from the Command Prompt.
- Usage: To shut down →
shutdown /s /t 0
To restart →shutdown /r /t 0
18. systeminfo (System Information)
This command shows detailed information about your system configuration: OS version, memory, etc.
- Usage:
systeminfo
19. help – Command help
With the `help` command, you can list all available commands and their descriptions, making it easier for users to find functionality.
Usage: help
20. sudo (Superuser Do)
While this command is turned off by default, it will let you run the elevated privileges command directly in Command Prompt without any additional steps to elevate, such as right-clicking and choosing ‘Run as Administrator.’
- Usage:
sudo [command](after enabling it)
Conclusion
The Command Prompt in Windows 11 is a key tool that users can learn to master to expand what’s possible regarding computing. All the above twenty commands are essential to navigate the file system, manage files and directories, troubleshoot network problems, and keep the system in its present condition. Including these commands in your daily routine will reduce the number of clicks through graphical interfaces, saving you the time and effort required to complete tasks. Whether you are a casual user or a tech enthusiast, getting to know how to use Command Prompt more efficiently can help improve productivity and give you more control over your system.
