A command prompt is a type of program installed on a Windows computer that executes commands in it. It can help you in settings automated tasks or troubleshooting the operating system of your Windows computer. Other than that, it can also help you perform system repairs, do some advanced administrative functions, and find your IP address. A command prompt is also similar to the Terminal App installed in macOS.
There are different ways on how to open a command prompt in your Windows computer, depending on what type of operating system is running on your computer. We have listed the guide on how to do each method. Read on to see the step by step guides below.
Important Note: Your computer can be damaged when you make any changes in Command Prompt. Try contacting a tech or IT expert before you make any changes to it, especially if you don’t know much about Command Prompt.
Open with the Run Window
The versions of Windows which are recently released have a Run window, which is an easy way to open the Command Prompt. Here’s the guide on how to open Command Prompt with Run Window.
1. On your keyboard, press both the Windows key and the R key at the same time.
2. A search box will appear. Type “cmd” in the search box.
3. Once done, press Enter or click the OK button on your screen.
Open in Applications
By going to the Windows Start menu folder, you can also easily access and open a Command Prompt. Check the guide below.
1. On your computer, go to the bottom-left corner and look for the Windows logo. Click this button to open the Windows Start Menu.
2. A list of apps installed on your computer will be shown. Scroll down and find the folder with a name that says “Windows System”.
3. Double-click the Windows System folder to proceed.
4. Under it, you will see the Command Prompt. Click it and you’ve now opened the Command Prompt.
Open in Windows 8.1
You can also open the Command Prompt when your Windows OS is Windows 8.1. It is not necessary that you have a Windows 10 computer to open it. Later or previous Windows OS versions can also be used. Here’s the guide.
1. On your computer, go to the bottom-left corner and look for the Windows logo. Click this button to open the Windows Start Menu.
2. Click “All Apps” on the Start menu. A list of apps installed on your computer will be shown.
3. Scroll down and find the folder with a name that says “Windows System”.
4. Once done, double-click the Command Prompt in the option.
Open in the Search Button
1. On the bottom-left side of your computer screen, a Search button is located. Click on the Search button.
2. A search box will appear. Type ” command” or “cmd” in the search box.
3. Once done, press Enter or click the OK button on your screen.
Command Prompt as Admin
Follow the step by step guide we have created below if you want to use the Command Prompt as an administrator of your computer system. Check out the guide.
1. In the search field of your computer’s taskbar, type “command” or “cmd”.
2. The Command Prompt will appear on the search result. Right-click Command Prompt.
3. A drop-down menu will appear. Look for the “Run as administrator” option on the menu. Click it afterward.
