Open a command-line console

This page explains how to open a command-line console in Windows.

Here are two ways

1. 1. Press Windows+X ⊞ Win + X
   2. Click on "Command Prompt"

   
2. 1. In the Windows search box type "cmd"
   2. Click on "cmd.exe"

There are many other ways. See, for example, 10 Ways to Open the Command Prompt in Windows 10.

Open a command-line console in a given directory

Here is a neat way to open a command-line console in a given directory from Windows File Explorer.

1. Open the directory in Windows File Explorer.
2. Press Alt+D
3. Type cmd
4. Press Enter

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.14393]
(c) 2016 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Scratch\test1>

See also

• Windows Path Variable
• Setting up a BIN directory for Windows executables

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This page first published 3 November 2023. Last updated 3 November 2023