Useful Windows Commands: A Guide to Boost Efficiency

The Windows Command Prompt offers a range of powerful commands to assist with tasks, automate processes, troubleshoot issues, and manage files and system settings. This guide explores essential commands that every Windows user can benefit from.

1. Core System Commands

  • ipconfig — Displays network connection settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, which is handy for network troubleshooting.
  • ping — Checks the connectivity to a remote device by IP address or domain name. Example: ping google.com.
  • tasklist — Lists all running processes, useful for monitoring system performance and managing resource usage.
  • taskkill — Ends a process by its ID or name. Example: taskkill /IM notepad.exe.
  • systeminfo — Provides detailed system information, including CPU model, RAM, and the operating system version.
  • shutdown — Manages system shutdown or restart. Examples: shutdown /s /f /t 0 (shutdown), shutdown /r /t 0 (restart).

2. File and Directory Management

  • dir — Displays the contents of a directory, including files and subdirectories.
  • cd — Changes the current directory. Example: cd C:\Users.
  • mkdir — Creates a new folder. Example: mkdir NewFolder.
  • del — Deletes a specified file or files. Example: del filename.txt.
  • copy — Copies a file from one directory to another. Example: copy C:\source\file.txt D:\destination.
  • move — Moves a file or folder. Example: move file.txt D:\NewLocation.
  • attrib — Changes file attributes, like making a file hidden or read-only. Example: attrib +h +r file.txt.

3. Disk and Storage Management

  • chkdsk — Checks the disk for errors and repairs them if needed. Example: chkdsk C: /f.
  • diskpart — A utility for managing partitions and formatting disks. Commands within diskpart include list disk and select disk.
  • format — Formats a drive or partition. Example: format D: /fs:NTFS.

4. Network Diagnostics Commands

  • netstat — Shows active network connections and ports, useful for network traffic analysis and security.
  • tracert — Tracks the route to a remote device, displaying the path taken by packets.
  • nslookup — Finds an IP address from a domain name, helpful for DNS troubleshooting.
  • arp — Displays and manages the ARP table, which stores IP and MAC addresses.
  • netsh — A powerful utility for network configuration, including resetting TCP/IP, managing Wi-Fi settings, and more.

5. Additional Handy Commands

  • assoc — Shows or changes file extension associations with applications. Example: assoc .txt=notepad.exe.
  • cls — Clears the Command Prompt screen for a cleaner view.
  • tree — Displays a directory structure in a tree format, showing folders and subfolders.
  • powercfg — Manages power settings, including configuring sleep mode.
  • driverquery — Lists installed drivers, their versions, and statuses.

These commands can simplify numerous tasks and improve productivity while working with Windows. Mastering them allows you to confidently navigate the Command Prompt and solve various problems without needing third-party tools.