Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet (Online Table and Printable PDF)

PAGE CONTENT:

What is Windows command line?
How do I open a command line in Windows?
Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet
Files & Folders Comands
Disk & Partition Commands
Network Commands
System Information & Configuration Commands
Command Line Setup Commands
Conclusion

The Windows command line is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. From basic tasks like managing files and directories to more advanced tasks like scripting and automation, the command line can help you do just about anything. This article will guide you on opening the Windows command prompt and provide you with the Windows command line cheat sheet.

Windows command prompt

What is Windows command line?

The windows command line is a text-based interface that allows you to execute commands on your computer. Often referred to as the "command prompt" or simply "prompt," the command line provides a text-based interface for issuing commands and controlling your computer. You can perform all sorts of tasks using the command line, from launching programs to accessing system settings. While the command line may seem daunting at first, it's actually quite easy to use. With a bit of practice, you can quickly learn how to use the windows command prompt to manage your computer more efficiently.

How do I open a command line in Windows?

Opening the command line in Windows is a simple process. First, open the Start menu by clicking the Start button or pressing the Windows key. Then, type "cmd" into the search box and press Enter. This will open the Windows Command Prompt. From here, you can type any commands you wish to execute.

Open Windows 11 command prompt

Alternatively, you can also press the "Windows key + R" on your keyboard. This will open the "Run" dialog box. Type "cmd" into the box and press Enter.

Run cmd via Windows plus R key

Now that you know how to open command prompt in Windows, you can use it to run various commands to perform tasks on your computer.

Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet

If you're new to the Windows command line, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are so many different commands and options, and it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry- we've got you covered. Our windows command line cheat sheet pdf provides a handy reference guide to all the most commonly used commands. Simply print it out or keep it open on your desktop, and you'll always have the information you need right at your fingertips. Or you can view the online sheet below, and start making the most of the command line!

Command	What does it do?
Files & Folders Comands
assoc	Fix file associations.
attrib	Change file attributes.
cd (or chdir)	Change current working directory.
comp	Perform a comparison of multiple files.
compact	Copy files from one location to another.
del (or erase)	Delete files.
dir	List files and subfolders.
expand	Expand compressed files.
fc	File compare.
find	Filter a string in files.
findstr	Search for patterns of text in files.
md (or mkdir)	Create a directory or subdirectory.
move	Move files from one directory to another.
openfiles	Display the current open files list or disconnect opened files/folders.
print	Send a text file to a printer.
rd (or rmdir)	Delete a directory.
ren (or rename)	Rename a file or directory.
replace	Replace existing or add new files to a directory.
robocopy	Copy file data from one location to another.
tree	Display tree structure of a directory.
type	Display the contents of a text file.
xcopy	Copy files and directories.
Disk & Partition Commands
active	Mark the partition with focus as active.
chkdsk	Check disk.
chkntfs	Display or modify automatic disk checking when the computer is started.
clean	Remove all partitions or volume formatting from the disk with focus.
convert	Convert a disk from one disk type to another.
create	Create partition or volume.
defrag	Locates and consolidates fragmented files on local volumes.
delete	Delete a partition or a volume.
detail	Display information about the selected disk.
diskcomp	Compare the contents of two floppy disks.
diskcopy	Copy content of the disk.
diskpart	Manage computer disks and drives.
diskperf	Start or stop disk performance counters for Performance Monitor.
extend	Extend a partition or a volume.
format	Format a disk to accept Windows files.
freedisk	Check to see if the specified amount of disk space is available before continuing with an installation process.
fsutil	Perform tasks that related to FAT and NTFS file systems.
gpt	Assign gpt attribute(s) to a partition.
label	Create, change, or delete the volume label of a disk.
list	Display a list of disks.
recover	Recover readable information from a bad or defective disk.
vol	Display the disk volume label and serial number.
Network Commands
arp	Display and modify entries in the ARP cache.
bitsadmin	Create, download or upload jobs and monitor their progress.
dnscmd	Manage DNS servers.
ftp	Connect to and use FTP.
getmac	Return the MAC address.
ipconfig	IP configuration.
ipxroute	Display and modify information about the routing tables used by the IPX protocol.
irftp	Sends files over an infrared link.
jetpack	Compact a WINS or DHCP database.
netsh	Network Shell utility.
netstat	Display network statistics.
net use	Connect/disconnect a computer to/from a shared resource
ping	View the computer name and the IP address of an endpoint computer.
tracert	Determine the route to a destination by sending ICMP packets to the destination.
System Information & Configuration Commands
date	Display or set the system date.
driverquery	Display device driver status and properties.
hostname	Display the computer hostname.
powercfg	Power configuration.
shutdown	Turn off computer.
systeminfo	Display computer system information.
time	Display or set the system time.
ver	Display Windows system version number.
Command Line Setup Commands
cls	Clear the command prompt window.
cmd	Start a new instance of the command interpreter.
color	Change the foreground and background colors in the Command Prompt window for the current session.
exit	Quit and close the command prompt.
help	Display a list of the available commands.
prompt	Change the Cmd.exe command prompt.
title	Set the Cmd.exe window title.

Conclusion

Windows command line can be extremely useful for any Windows user. If you want to learn more about using the commands, the windows command line cheat sheet would be a great resource. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, the sheet can help you get the most out of your windows experience.

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Updated by Daisy 

Daisy is the Senior editor of the writing team for EaseUS. She has been working at EaseUS for over ten years, starting as a technical writer and moving on to being a team leader of the content group. As a professional author for over ten years, she writes a lot to help people overcome their tech troubles.

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