The command prompt in Windows 10 is used to run a number of useful commands, and can often be faster than using graphical interfaces. There are a number of different ways to open up a command prompt in Windows 10. Here are 6 of our favorites:
1. Launch via Search
This method uses the search box on the taskbar (usually at the bottom of the screen). First, click on the search box and type “cmd”. From there, the ‘Command Prompt’ option should pop up in the search results. You can either click on the Command Prompt or hit enter to open a command prompt.
2. Right Click on Start
Right clicking on the Start button is one of the quickest ways to open a command prompt window. First, right click on the Start button. This will bring up a context menu with several different options. Near the middle will be ‘Command Prompt.’ Clicking here will open a command prompt. Also in this menu is the option to open a command prompt with administrative privileges, which is required for some commands.
3. Windows Key + R
This method is probably the fastest way to open a command prompt, but it requires use of a keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Windows Key and press R, and you will see a small window titled ‘Run’ open at the bottom of the screen. Type ‘cmd’ into this window and press enter. This will open a command prompt.
4. Start Menu
Click the start button and scroll down to the ‘Windows System’ folder. Clicking the folder will show several Windows System programs. The first one in the list should be ‘Command Prompt.’ Click on the ‘Command Prompt’ to open a new Windows command prompt.
5. Task Manager
For users that often use the Task Manager, there’s a quick shortcut to a command prompt. Inside the Task Manager window, click File, and then hold Ctrl while clicking ‘Run New Task.’ This will open a command prompt directly. This method also has the benefit of opening a command prompt with administrative privileges.
6. Windows Explorer
If you’re already browsing files within Windows Explorer, this method may come in handy. Simply type ‘cmd’ inside any Windows Explorer window and press enter. This will open a command prompt with the current folder set to whichever folder you were browsing.
