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.
What is Cyber Security? Learn here in detail:
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.
Become an expert in Cyber Security by signing up for Intellipaat’s Cyber Security Course.
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.
Interested in knowing what is google hacking, then do check out our blog on Google Dorking!
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.
Enroll in our CEH Certification and learn Ethical Hacking from the basics!
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.
Get 100% Hike!
Master Most in Demand Skills Now !
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.
Looking forward to cracking the job interview in the domain of cyber security? Go through the most important cyber security interview questions that are quite repetitive during the interview process.
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.
If you have any questions on Cyber Security, ask them in our Cyber Security Community.