If you often find yourself forgetting Windows CMD commands, you're not alone. The Command Prompt remains a powerful tool for managing files, processes, disks, networks, and system settings — but remembering all the right commands can be tricky. That’s why having a handy cheat sheet can be a real lifesaver, whether you store it on your desktop or print it out. In this article, you'll find a curated list of essential and frequently used CMD commands to help you get tasks done faster. It’s not exhaustive, but it covers the basics — and you’re welcome to expand it in the comments below with your personal favorites.
Files and Folders Management
- COPY - Copies files to another location
- DIR – Displays files and folders in current directory
- DEL or ERASE - Deletes files
- EDIT - Starts file editor
- CD - Changes directory
- EXPAND - Decompresses compressed files
- FC - Compares files and shows the differences between them
- FIND - Finds a text string in the file
- MD or MAKEDIR - Creates a folder
- MOVE - Moves files from one folder to another
- PRINT - Prints out the text file contents
- RD or RMDIR - Deletes a folder
- REN or RENAME - Renames a file or folder
- REPLACE - Replaces files in one directory with files of the same name in another directory (overwrite)
- ROBOCOPY - Uses an advanced tool to copy files and directories
- TREE - Shows directory structure of a disk or folder
- TYPE - Displays the contents of text files
- OPENFILES – Manages opened local or network files
- XCOPY - Copies files and directory trees
Applications and Processes
- SCHTASKS - Executes a command or start a scheduled application (Task Scheduler)
- SHUTDOWN - Shutdowns or reboots your computer
- TASKLIST - Lists the tasks being performed
- TASKKILL - Stops or halts a task (to stop a task you use a PID which you can find out from TASKLIST)
- REG – Starts registry editor
- RUNAS - Launches the task as another user
Disks Management
- CHKDISK - Checks disk and shows statistics
- DEFRAG – Starts disk defragmentation
- CHKNTFS - Displays or changes execution of disk check at boot
- COMPACT - Displays and change the compression of files in NTFS partitions
- CONVERT - Converts FAT disk volume to NTFS
- DISKPART - Displays and adjusts disk partition properties
- FORMAT - Formats the disk
- FSUTIL - Displays and configures file system properties
- LABEL - Creates, changes, or deletes a disk volume label
- RECOVER - Recovers data from a bad or damaged disk
- VOL - Displays volume label and serial number for the disk
System Information
- DATE - Outputs or sets the current date
- TIME - Displays or sets the system time
- DRIVERQUERY - Displays the current state and properties of the device driver
- HOSTNAME - Displays name of the computer
- SYSTEMINFO - Shows configuration information about your computer
- VER - Allows you to view the Windows version
- GPRESULT – Displays current applied group policies (RSoP)
- GPUPDATE – Updates group policies
Network
- IPCONFIG - Shows information about network interfaces
- PING – Sends ICMP requests to the target host, checks host availability
- TRACERT - Finds the path for packets traveling over the network
- NSLOOKUP - Finds IP address by resource name
- ROUTE - Displays network route tables
- ARP- Shows a table with IP addresses converted into physical addresses
- NETSH – Starts is a network settings control program
- GETMAC - Shows the MAC address of the network adapter
- TFTP – Starts TFTP client in console
Command Line Setup
- CLS - Clears screen
- CMD - Displays another command prompt
- COLOR - Sets the text and background color
- PROMPT - Changes the command line prompt
- TITLE - Assigns a title for the current session
- HELP – Launches CMD help
- EXIT - Exits the command line
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About CMD Commands
- Do I need to run CMD as an administrator for these commands?
Some commands — especially those related to disk management (like DISKPART, FORMAT, CHKDSK) or system settings (GPUPDATE, REG) — require administrative privileges. If a command doesn't work, try launching the Command Prompt as an administrator. - Do these commands work in all versions of Windows?
Most of them are supported in Windows 10 and 11, as well as in older versions like Windows 7 and 8. However, some tools like ROBOCOPY or OPENFILES might be unavailable or limited in earlier versions. - How can I check a command's syntax or get help?
You can type the command followed by /h or /? in the command line — for example: xcopy /?. This will show you help information including options and usage examples. - Can I undo a command once it’s executed?
Most CMD commands execute without an undo option. Be especially careful with destructive commands like DEL, RD, or FORMAT, as they can lead to data loss. Always double-check paths and parameters before running them.