The Command Prompt is something you’re familiar with if you’ve ever programmed. All Windows machines come with the Command Prompt software, which enables text-based computer management.
However, the Command Prompt isn’t always obvious to find, unlike other apps. Regardless of the Windows 10 version you have, here’s how to open Command Prompt on your computer.
Steps for launching the Command Prompt in Windows 10
If you’ve ever programmed, you’re already familiar with the Command Prompt. The Command Prompt software, which offers text-based computer management, is included on every Windows machine.
But unlike other apps, the Command Prompt isn’t always easy to find. Here’s how to launch Command Prompt on your computer, regardless of the version of Windows 10 you have.
How to use Windows 10’s Command Prompt.
There are three main ways to access Command Prompt. The Power User Menu shortcut is typically the quickest method for most people.
Power User Menu
The quickest approach to open a Command Prompt window is to use the Power User Menu, which you can access by right-clicking the Windows symbol in the bottom-left corner of your screen or by performing the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + X.
The menu will show both Command Prompt and Command Prompt (Admin). You are granted administrator permissions in the “elevated” Command Prompt that appears when you choose the second option, which is required for some commands. Since the elevated Command Prompt can perform all of the same tasks as the ordinary Command Prompt and more, it is preferred in almost all circumstances.
Google Search
You can also seek up Command Prompt using the built-in search feature of Windows. Select Command Prompt from the list that displays after typing it into the search field on the Start button.
If you select Run as administrator from the context menu when you right-click Command Prompt or click it in the search results, an elevated Command Prompt will launch.
Open Menu
Additionally, the Start menu can be used to open Command Prompt.
To open Command Prompt from the Start menu, click the Windows icon, then scroll down to find the Windows System folder. To launch Command Prompt, click or right-click the folder.
How to switch between the Command Prompt and PowerShell windows
Windows PowerShell is a more current program that is comparable to Command Prompt. Additionally, it replaces Command Prompt in some Windows 10 versions’ menus that are used to open it.
Although PowerShell is fully functioning and almost as capable as the Command Prompt, if you’re used to using the Command Prompt, switching back is not difficult.
- Tap Windows Key + I to open the Settings app. Select Personalization next.
- Choose Taskbar from the left sidebar.
- On the page that appears, scroll down to the option titled “Replace Command Prompt with Windows
- PowerShell,” and move the slider to the Off position.
There are three primary methods for getting to Command Prompt. For the majority of individuals, using the Power User Menu shortcut is the quickest approach.
User Power Menu
The Power User Menu, which you can access by right-clicking the Windows symbol in the bottom-left corner of your screen or by pressing the shortcut Windows Key + X on your keyboard, is the fastest way to open a Command Prompt window.
Both Command Prompt and Command Prompt will display in the menu (Admin). The “elevated” Command Prompt that opens when you select the second option gives you administrator rights, which are necessary for some commands.
The elevated Command Prompt is preferable in almost all situations because it is capable of doing everything the standard Command Prompt can and more.
Microsoft Search
You may also use Windows’ built-in search capability to just look up Command Prompt. After typing Command Prompt into the Start button’s search box, choose it from the list that appears.
An elevated Command Prompt will open if you right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator or click it in the search results.
Launch Menu
Additionally, you can access Command Prompt by using the Start menu.
Click the Windows icon and then scroll down to find the Windows System folder to launch Command Prompt from the Start menu. Click or right-click the folder to open Command Prompt.
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How to swap between the PowerShell and Command Prompt windows
A more recent software that is comparable to Command Prompt is Windows PowerShell. Additionally, in some Windows 10 editions, it takes the place of Command Prompt in the menus used to open it.
PowerShell is perfectly functional and can perform nearly all tasks that the Command Prompt can, but if you’re accustomed to using the Command Prompt, it’s simple to switch back.
- To access the Settings app, press Windows Key + I. Then, choose Personalization.
- In the left sidebar, select Taskbar.
- Scroll down to the option labeled “Replace Command Prompt with Windows PowerShell” and click its slider to the Off position on the screen that opens.
