Windows CMD Commands List – 50+ Useful CMD Commands

Windows Command Prompt, commonly known as CMD, is a powerful command-line tool built into Windows. It allows users to manage files and folders, check network connections, view system information, manage processes, and perform many other tasks using text commands.

This Windows CMD Commands List includes useful Command Prompt commands with simple explanations and practical examples. It can be used as a quick reference for beginners, developers, system administrators, and everyday Windows users.

Windows CMD Commands Quick Reference

Use the table below to quickly find common Windows Command Prompt commands and learn what each command does.

Command	What It Does
dir	Displays files and folders in the current directory
cd	Changes the current directory
cls	Clears the Command Prompt screen
mkdir	Creates a new directory or folder
rmdir	Removes a directory or folder
copy	Copies files from one location to another
move	Moves files or folders to another location
del	Deletes files
ren	Renames a file or folder
type	Displays the contents of a text file
ipconfig	Displays IP and network configuration information
ping	Tests basic network connectivity
tracert	Shows the network route to a destination
nslookup	Queries DNS information
netstat	Displays network connections and statistics
hostname	Displays the computer hostname
systeminfo	Displays detailed Windows system information
tasklist	Displays currently running processes
taskkill	Terminates a running process
sfc	Checks and repairs protected Windows system files
chkdsk	Checks a disk and file system for errors
shutdown	Shuts down or restarts Windows
whoami	Displays the current Windows user
echo	Displays text or environment variable values
set	Displays or sets environment variables
path	Displays or modifies the executable search path
find	Searches for text in files
findstr	Searches for text patterns in files or command output
tree	Displays a directory structure as a tree
attrib	Displays or changes file attributes
fc	Compares two files
date	Displays or changes the system date
time	Displays or changes the system time
ver	Displays the Windows version
vol	Displays disk volume information
label	Displays or changes a drive label
diskpart	Manages disks and partitions
format	Formats a disk or drive
gpupdate	Updates Group Policy settings
gpresult	Displays applied Group Policy information
net	Manages various Windows network and service functions
sc	Queries and manages Windows services
driverquery	Displays installed device driver information
powercfg	Manages Windows power configuration
getmac	Displays MAC addresses for network adapters
arp	Displays and manages the ARP cache
route	Displays or modifies the IP routing table
pathping	Analyzes network routes and packet loss

1. DIR – List Files and Folders

The dir command displays files and folders in the current directory. It is one of the most commonly used CMD commands for navigating and managing files.

dir

2. CD – Change Directory

The cd command changes the current working directory in Command Prompt.

cd Documents

To move up one directory level, use:

cd ..

3. CLS – Clear the CMD Screen

The cls command clears the existing output from the Command Prompt window.

cls

4. MKDIR – Create a Folder

Use mkdir to create a new directory or folder.

mkdir MyFolder

5. COPY – Copy Files

The copy command copies one or more files from one location to another.

copy file.txt D:\Backup\

6. MOVE – Move Files

The move command moves files or folders to another location.

move file.txt D:\Documents\

7. DEL – Delete Files

The del command deletes files from the specified location. Always verify the file path before using it.

del example.txt

8. IPCONFIG – View Network Information

The ipconfig command displays basic IP address and network configuration information.

ipconfig

For more detailed information, use:

ipconfig /all

9. PING – Test Network Connectivity

The ping command tests basic network connectivity between your computer and another host or IP address.

ping google.com

10. TRACERT – Trace a Network Route

The tracert command shows the network path or hops used to reach a destination.

tracert google.com

11. NSLOOKUP – Query DNS Information

The nslookup command performs DNS queries and can be useful for checking domain name resolution.

nslookup example.com

12. NETSTAT – View Network Connections

The netstat command displays network connections, listening ports, and related network statistics.

netstat -ano

13. SYSTEMINFO – View System Information

The systeminfo command displays detailed information about the Windows operating system and computer configuration.

systeminfo

14. TASKLIST – View Running Processes

The tasklist command displays processes that are currently running on the computer.

tasklist

15. TASKKILL – Terminate a Process

The taskkill command can be used to terminate a running process. Make sure you identify the correct process before using it.

taskkill /PID 1234 /F

16. SFC – Check Windows System Files

The System File Checker can scan protected Windows system files and attempt to repair problems when possible.

sfc /scannow

17. CHKDSK – Check a Disk

The chkdsk command checks a disk and its file system for errors. Some options can also be used to perform repair operations.

chkdsk C:

18. SHUTDOWN – Shut Down or Restart Windows

The shutdown command allows you to shut down or restart Windows from Command Prompt.

shutdown /r /t 0

19. WHOAMI – Display the Current User

The whoami command displays the Windows account currently being used in the Command Prompt session.

whoami

20. TREE – Display Folder Structure

The tree command displays folders and subfolders in a tree-like structure.

tree

Useful CMD Examples

Here are a few practical commands that Windows users may find useful:

:: Display detailed IP information
ipconfig /all

:: Test network connectivity
ping google.com

:: Clear the DNS resolver cache
ipconfig /flushdns

:: Display running processes
tasklist

:: Display Windows system information
systeminfo

:: Display the current Windows user
whoami

:: Restart Windows immediately
shutdown /r /t 0

How to Open Command Prompt in Windows

You can open Command Prompt by searching for Command Prompt or cmd from the Windows Start menu. Some commands require elevated permissions, so you may need to select Run as administrator.

Use CMD Commands Carefully

Some Command Prompt commands can modify or delete data and change system settings. Commands such as del, rmdir, format, and diskpart should be used carefully. Always check the command and target path before executing potentially destructive operations.

Find the Right Windows Command

Not sure which command you need? Use the Windows Command Generator to search for useful CMD and PowerShell commands by keyword, task, or category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Windows CMD command?

A Windows CMD command is a text instruction that can be entered into Command Prompt to perform a specific task or display system information.

Which CMD command shows the IP address?

The ipconfig command displays IP address and network configuration information. Use ipconfig /all for more detailed network information.

How can I see running processes in CMD?

Use the tasklist command to display processes currently running on your Windows computer.

How do I check Windows system files?

You can use sfc /scannow to run the Windows System File Checker and scan protected system files.

Can I use CMD commands without administrator access?

Many basic CMD commands work without administrator access. However, some system-level operations require an elevated Command Prompt.

Conclusion

Windows CMD commands provide a fast way to manage files, inspect system information, troubleshoot network connections, and perform various Windows administration tasks. This list can serve as a convenient reference whenever you need a Command Prompt command.

If you know what you want to do but are not sure which CMD command to use, try the Windows Command Generator to find the right command faster.