This article explains how to open a Windows "Command Prompt" window. You can do this from the "Start" menu or from any folder in the "File Explorer" window. Alternatively, you can use the "Run" window.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Start Menu
Step 1. Go to your computer's "Start" menu
Click on the Windows "Start" button
located in the lower left corner of the desktop or press the ⊞ Win key on the keyboard.
Alternatively, click on the Cortana or Windows search function icon located to the right of the "Start" button
Step 2. Type the cmd keyword or command prompt string
Type your search criteria directly into the "Start" menu. The "Command Prompt" icon will appear at the top of the results list.
- Alternatively, you can search for the "Command Prompt" app manually within the "Start" menu.
- The "Command Prompt" app is stored in the folder Windows system from the Windows 10 and Windows 8 "Start" menu or in the folder Accessories of the "Programs" section of the "Start" menu in Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Step 3. Click on the icon
Command Prompt.
This will bring up the Windows "Command Prompt" window.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Context Menu
Step 1. Click on the "Start" button
with the right mouse button.
It is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. The corresponding context menu will be displayed.
- Alternatively, you can press the key combination ⊞ Win + X on the keyboard to have immediate access to the menu in question.
- If you need to open a "Command Prompt" window from any Windows folder, right-click on it.
Step 2. Locate the "Command Prompt" option within the context menu that appeared
It is usually placed between the "Computer Management" and "Task Management" options.
If you have opened the context menu of a specific folder, instead of the "Start" menu, you will need to select the option Open PowerShell window here.
Step 3. Click on the icon
Command prompt present in the menu.
This will bring up the Windows "Command Prompt" window.
Method 3 of 3: Use the Run Window
Step 1. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + R on your keyboard
Press and hold the "Windows" key on your keyboard, then press the "R" key. The "Run" system window will appear.
Alternatively, you can click on the icon Run visible in the Windows "Start" menu.
Step 2. Type the command cmd in the "Open" field of the "Run" window
This is the command that opens the "Command Prompt" window.
Step 3. Click on the OK button in the "Run" window
The Windows "Command Prompt" window will now appear.
