Complete List of Command Prompt (CMD) Commands

In this blog, we’ll explore an extensive list of command prompt commands focuperformance logs.sing on various aspects such as file and directory management, file system handling, network-related commands, and more.

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What Do You Understand from CMD Commands?

CMD commands, or Command Prompt commands, are instructions used in the Command Prompt interface of Windows operating systems. These commands serve as a means for users to interact with the system through text-based inputs. CMD commands are entered and executed in the Command Prompt, providing a text-based interface for users to interact with the operating system.

These commands offer diverse functionalities, enabling users to perform tasks like file manipulation, system configuration, network diagnostics, user management, and more.

Additionally, each command has its own syntax and often accepts parameters or options, allowing users to customize and specify the actions to be performed.

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List of Command Prompt (CMD) Commands 

Here’s a list of commonly used Command Prompt (CMD) commands in Windows:

File and Directory Management Commands

Here are some common file and directory management commands used in Command Prompt (CMD), along with their syntax and explanations:

1. move

Syntax: move source destination

Explanation: Moves one or more files from the source to the destination.

2. del

Syntax: del filename

Explanation: Deletes one or more files.

3. copy

Syntax: copy source destination

Explanation: Copies one or more files from the source to the destination.

4. xcopy

Syntax: xcopy source destination /options

Explanation: Copies directories and subdirectories, with additional options for copying file attributes and permissions.

5. ren

Syntax: ren oldname newname

Explanation: Renames a file.

6. type

Syntax: type filename

Explanation: Displays the contents of a text file.

7. find

Syntax: find "string" filename

Explanation: Searches for a specific string in a file.

8. more

Syntax: more filename

Explanation: Displays the contents of a text file one page at a time.

9. fc

Syntax: fc file1 file2

Explanation: Compares the contents of two files or sets of files and displays the differences.

10. attrib

Syntax: attrib [+attribute | -attribute] [pathname] [/s [/d]]

Explanation: Displays or changes file attributes (such as hidden, read-only, etc.) of files or directories.

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11. mkdir

Syntax: mkdir directoryname

Explanation: Creates a new directory.

12. rmdir

Syntax: rmdir directoryname

Explanation: Deletes a directory. Add /s to remove a directory and all its contents.

13. cd

Syntax: cd directory_path

Explanation: Changes the current directory to the specified path.

14. chdir

Syntax: chdir directory_path

Explanation: Same as cd, changes the current directory.

15. push

Syntax: pushd directory_path

Explanation: Saves the current directory onto a stack and changes the directory.

16. popd

Syntax: popd

Explanation: Retrieves the most recent directory saved by pushd and makes it the current directory.

17. dir

Syntax: dir [directory]

Explanation: Lists the contents of a directory. If no directory is specified, it shows the contents of the current directory.

18. tree

Syntax: tree [drive:][path] [/f] [/a]

Explanation: Graphically displays the folder structure of a specified drive or path.

19. robocopy

Syntax: robocopy source destination [file(s)] [options]

Explanation: Robust file and folder copying tool with many advanced options.

20. xcopy

Syntax: xcopy source destination /options

Explanation: Copies directories and subdirectories, along with additional options for copying file attributes and permissions.

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Network Commands in the Windows

Here’s a list of 20 commonly used network-related commands in Windows Command Prompt:

21. route

Syntax: route [-f] [-p] [command] [destination]

Explanation: Displays and alters the IP routing table, essential for controlling network routing settings.

22. nbtstat

Syntax: nbtstat [-a hostname]

Explanation: Provides NetBIOS over TCP/IP statistics, showcasing name tables and cache information.

23. troubleshoot

Syntax: troubleshoot [network_adapter]

Explanation: Initiates Windows Network Diagnostics for a specific network adapter.

24. netsh

Syntax: netsh [command]

Explanation: Facilitates command-line scripting for managing network configurations, firewall settings, and more.

25. ping

Syntax: ping [hostname or IP]

Explanation: Tests connectivity to a specified IP address or hostname.

26. ipconfig

Syntax: ipconfig [/all]

Explanation: Displays current TCP/IP network configuration details and updates DHCP and DNS settings.

27. tracert

Syntax: tracert [hostname or IP]

Explanation: Traces the path that packets take to reach a designated destination.

28. nslookup

Syntax: nslookup [hostname or IP]

Explanation: Queries DNS for information about a specific domain or IP address.

29. netstat

Syntax: netstat [-a] [-b] [-n] [-o]

Explanation: Shows active TCP connections, open ports, and network statistics.

30. arp

Syntax: arp [-a]

Explanation: Displays and adjusts entries in the ARP cache, revealing IP and MAC addresses in the local network.

31. telnet

Syntax: telnet [hostname or IP] [port]

Explanation: Establishes a Telnet connection using a specified hostname/IP and port.

32. ftp

Syntax: ftp [hostname or IP]

Explanation: Starts an FTP session with a specified host.

33. net view

Syntax: net view [\\computername]

Explanation: Lists available resources across a network.

34. net use

Syntax: net use [drive letter:] \\computername\sharename

Explanation: Connects or disconnects from shared resources or shows existing connections.

35. net user

Syntax: net user [username]

Explanation: Displays information about user accounts on a computer network.

36. net group

Syntax: net group [groupname]

Explanation: Shows information about network groups.

37. hostname

Syntax: hostname

Explanation: Shows the computer’s hostname.

38. netdom

Syntax: netdom [command]

Explanation: Manages domain accounts and trust relationships.

39. net share

Syntax: net share

Explanation: Configures or displays shared resources on a network.

40. net send

Syntax: net send [computername or username] [message]

Explanation: Sends messages to users or computers on the network.

System Information and Management Commands

Let us now explore the top 20 system information and management commands often used in Windows:

41. dxdiag

Syntax: dxdiag

Explanation: Opens the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, providing information about DirectX components and system performance related to graphics and sound.

42. sc

Syntax: sc [command]

Explanation: Manages Windows services (start, stop, configure) from the command line.

43. eventvwr

Syntax: eventvwr

Explanation: Opens the Event Viewer, allowing users to view logs and events recorded by Windows.

44. systeminfo

Syntax: systeminfo

Explanation: Displays detailed information about the computer’s hardware and software configuration, including OS version, installed patches, system model, etc.

45. msinfo32

Syntax: msinfo32

Explanation: Opens the System Information window, providing detailed information about hardware resources, components, and software environment.

46. tasklist

Syntax: tasklist [/options]

Explanation: Lists all running processes along with their Process IDs (PIDs), memory usage, and other details.

47. taskkill

Syntax: taskkill [/options]

Explanation: Terminates one or more running processes by name or PID.

48. shutdown

Syntax: shutdown [/options]

Explanation: Shuts down or restarts the computer.

49. sfc

Syntax: sfc /scannow

Explanation: Initiates the System File Checker tool to scan and repair system files.

50. chkdsk

Syntax: chkdsk [drive:] [/options]

Explanation: Checks the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors.

51. bcdedi

Syntax: bcdedit [/options]

Explanation: Manages Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores, which control how the system boots.

52. wmic

Syntax: wmic

Explanation: Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool used for retrieving system information and managing system components.

53. regedit

Syntax: regedit

Explanation: Opens the Windows Registry Editor for viewing and editing system registry settings.

54. powercfg

Syntax: powercfg [/options]

Explanation: Manages power settings and configurations, useful for power management tasks.

55. gpupdate

Syntax: gpupdate [/options]

Explanation: Updates Group Policy settings.

56. net

Syntax: net [command]

Explanation: Used for managing network-related settings, user accounts, shares, etc.

57. driverquery

Syntax: driverquery [/options]

Explanation: Lists installed device drivers and their properties.

58. perfmon

Syntax: perfmon

Explanation: Opens the Performance Monitor tool to monitor system performance and create performance logs.

59. diskpart

Syntax: diskpart

Explanation: Command-line disk partitioning utility is used for managing disks, partitions, and volumes.

60. netsh

Syntax: netsh [context] [command]

Explanation: Command-line scripting utility is used to interact with network configurations, firewall settings, and more.

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Advantages of Command Prompt (CMD) Commands 

In the above section, we have explored the top Command Prompt (CMD) Commands that are used in the windows. Now, let us identify the various advantages CMD offers:

• Resource Efficiency: CMD commands typically consume fewer system resources compared to GUI-based applications, which can be beneficial for system performance.
• Accessibility and Scripting: CMD commands provide direct access to system functions and can be scripted or batched to automate repetitive tasks, making them powerful tools for system administrators and power users.
• Efficiency: Command-line operations often allow tasks to be completed more quickly than navigating through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) due to direct and concise commands.
• Batch Processing and Automation: CMD commands enable the creation of batch files (.bat or .cmd) to execute multiple commands sequentially, allowing for the automation of complex tasks.
• Boot and System Recovery: Command Prompt can be accessed during system startup or in recovery mode, providing access to various tools for system recovery, repair, and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

While CMD commands continue to serve their purpose, the future landscape might involve a gradual transition toward more sophisticated and versatile command-line interfaces like PowerShell. However, the legacy and familiarity of CMD commands, along with their simplicity and wide usage, will likely ensure their continued relevance in Windows environments for the foreseeable future, especially for performing basic tasks and maintaining compatibility.