WINDOWS RUN COMMANDS
If you memorize Run commands, you can access a particular app in just 2 steps instead of many clicks.
I personally don’t like frequently reaching out for the mouse; therefore, I have memorized all the required keyboard shortcuts and commands to minimize my interaction with the mouse. And Run commands are core for my day-to-day PC usage to accesses different Windows settings and apps efficiently.
How to open the Run dialog?
There are two ways to access the Run dialog in Windows.
You can either press the Windows+R keys on the keyboard or right-click on the start menu and select Run from the menu.
It is common for modern PC keyboards to have a key in the bottom row next to the Left-Alt key marked with the Windows logo–that is the Windows key.
I will recommend you to use the keyboard shortcut as it’s much faster and you won’t have to use the mouse. Once the Run dialog is open, enter any of the below-mentioned commands and press the Enter key or click on the OK button to execute it.
CONTENTS
25 Run Commands in Windows You Should Memorize
12 Common Windows 10 Run Commands
Description |
Run Command |
Accessibility Options |
utilman |
Add Hardware Wizard |
hdwwiz |
Programs and
Features |
appwiz.cpl |
Administrative Tools |
control admintools |
Advanced User Accounts Control Panel |
netplwiz |
Authorization Manager |
azman.msc |
Automatic Update |
control wuaucpl.cpl |
Backup and Restore Utility |
sdclt |
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard |
fsquirt |
Calculator |
calc |
Certificate Manager |
certmgr.msc |
Character Map |
charmap |
Check Disk Utility |
|
Clear Type (tune or turn off) |
cttune |
Color Management |
colorcpl.exe |
Command Prompt |
|
Component Services |
dcomcnfg |
Computer Management |
CompMgmtLauncher.exe |
Control Panel |
control |
Credential (passwords) Backup and Restore Wizard |
credwiz |
Data Execution Prevention |
SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention |
Date and Time Properties |
timedate.cpl |
Device Manager |
hdwwiz |
Device Pairing Wizard |
DevicePairingWizard |
Digitizer Calibration Tool (Tablets/Touch screens) |
tabcal |
Direct X Control Panel (if installed) |
directx.cpl |
Direct X Troubleshooter |
dxdiag |
Disk Cleanup Utility |
|
Disk Defragmenter |
dfrgui |
Disk Management |
diskmgmt.msc |
Disk Partition Manager |
diskpart |
Display Color Calibration |
dccw |
Display DPI / Text size |
dpiscaling |
Display Properties (Themes, Desktop, Screensaver) |
control desktop |
Display Properties (Resolution, Orientation) |
desk.cpl |
Display Properties (Color & Appearance) |
control color |
Documents (open 'My Documents' folder) |
documents |
Downloads (open 'Downloads' folder) |
downloads |
Driver Verifier Utility |
verifier |
DVD Player |
dvdplay |
Edit Environment Variables |
rundll32.exe sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables |
Encrypting File System Wizard (EFS) |
rekeywiz |
Event Viewer |
eventvwr.msc |
File Signature Verification Tool (Device drivers) |
sigverif |
Files and Settings Transfer Tool |
%systemroot%\system32\migwiz\migwiz.exe |
Firewall Control Panel |
firewall.cpl |
Folders Properties |
control folders |
Fonts list |
control fonts |
Font preview |
fontview arial.ttf |
Game Controllers |
joy.cpl |
Local Group Policy Editor |
gpedit.msc |
Internet Properties |
inetcpl.cpl |
IP Configuration |
|
iSCSI Initiator configuration |
iscsicpl |
Keyboard Properties |
control keyboard |
Language Pack Installer |
lpksetup |
Local Security Policy |
secpol.msc |
Local Users and Groups |
lusrmgr.msc |
Log out |
|
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool |
mrt |
Microsoft Management Console |
mmc |
Access (Microsoft Office) |
msaccess |
Excel (Microsoft Office) |
Excel |
Powerpoint (Microsoft Office) |
powerpnt |
Word (Microsoft Office) |
winword |
Microsoft Paint |
mspaint |
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool |
msdt |
Mouse Properties |
control mouse |
Network Connections |
control
netconnections |
Projector: |
netproj |
Notepad |
notepad |
ODBC Data
Source Admin |
|
ODBC configuration - Install/configure MDAC drivers |
odbcconf |
On Screen Keyboard |
osk |
OOB Getting Started |
gettingstarted |
Password - Create a Windows Password Reset Disk (USB) |
"C:\Windows\system32\rundll32.exe" keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW |
Password - Change Password |
C:\Windows\explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f2-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0} |
Pen and Touch (Tablet/Pen input configuration) |
tabletpc.cpl |
Performance Monitor |
perfmon.msc ('perfmon/rel' for the Reliability Monitor) |
Phone and Modem Options |
telephon.cpl |
Phone Dialer |
dialer |
Power Configuration |
powercfg.cpl and powercfg.exe |
Presentation Settings |
PresentationSettings |
Problem Steps Recorder |
|
Program Access and Computer Defaults - browser / email / media |
computerdefaults |
Printers and Faxes |
control printers |
Print Management (.msc) |
PrintManagement |
Printer Migration (backup/restore) |
printbrmui and printbrm.exe |
Printer user interface (List all printui.dll options) |
printui |
Private Character Editor |
eudcedit |
Regional Settings - Language, Date/Time format, keyboard locale. |
intl.cpl |
Registry Editor |
|
Remote Assistance |
msra |
Remote Desktop |
|
Resource Monitor |
resmon |
Resultant Set of Policy |
rsop.msc |
Settings (Windows 10) |
|
Scheduled Tasks |
control schedtasks |
Screenshot Snipping Tool |
snippingtool |
Security Center |
wscui.cpl |
Services |
|
Shared Folder Wizard |
shrpubw |
Shared Folders |
fsmgmt.msc |
Shut Down Windows |
|
Software Licensing/Activation |
slui |
Sounds and Audio |
mmsys.cpl |
Sound Recorder |
soundrecorder |
Sound Volume |
sndvol |
Syncronization Tool (Offline files) |
mobsync |
System Configuration Utility |
msconfig |
System File Checker Utility (Scan/Purge) |
|
System Information |
|
System Properties |
sysdm.cplSystemProperties |
System Properties - Performance |
SystemPropertiesPerformance |
System Properties - Hardware |
SystemPropertiesHardware |
System Properties - Advanced |
SystemPropertiesAdvanced |
System Repair - Create a System Repair Disc |
recdisc |
System Restore |
rstrui.exe |
Task Manager |
taskmgr |
Task Scheduler |
taskschd.msc |
Telnet Client |
telnet |
Trusted Platform Module Initialization Wizard |
tpmInit |
|
control userpasswords2 |
User Account Control (UAC) Settings |
UserAccountControlSettings |
User Profiles - Edit/Change type |
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe sysdm.cpl,EditUserProfiles |
Windows Disc Image Burning Tool |
isoburn C:\movies\madmax.iso |
explorer.exe |
|
Windows Features |
optionalfeatures |
Windows
Firewall |
firewall.cpl |
Windows Image Acquisition (scanner) |
wiaacmgr |
Windows Magnifier |
magnify |
Windows Management Infrastructure |
wmimgmt.msc |
Windows Memory Diagnostic Scheduler |
mdsched |
Windows Mobility Center (Mobile PCs only) |
mblctr |
Windows PowerShell |
powershell |
Windows PowerShell ISE |
powershell_ise |
Windows Security Action Center |
wscui.cpl |
Windows Script Host(VBScript) |
wscriptNAME_OF_SCRIPT.VBS |
Windows
System Security Tool. Encrypt the SAM database. |
syskey |
Windows Update |
wuapp |
Windows Update Standalone Installer |
wusa |
Windows Version (About Windows) |
winver |
WordPad |
write |
Most of these utilities can be found in %systemroot%\System32\
25 RUN COMMANDS IN WINDOWS YOU SHOULD MEMORIZE
#1. Access System Configuration — “msconfig”
Starting with my favorite command, the System Configuration window consists of multiple tabs to manage boot settings and background services.
If you have a dual boot setup or often need to access safe mode, you will often need to access these settings. Don’t forget to check its Tools section for convenient access to some of the most powerful Windows tools.
#2. Access Resource Monitor — “resmon”
A very powerful app to see real-time information about your system resources like CPU, RAM, disk, and network. For any computer hanging or performance-related issues, this is the best tool to get the information you need.
#3. Open System Information — “msinfo32”
System Information app offers extensive information about both the hardware and software of your PC. It’s a must-know command if you need to see the specs of any PC. The information is well laid out using dedicated categories, and you can export the information to a file to share with anyone — perfect for getting online tech assistance.
#4. Access Backup and Restore window — “sdclt”
It opens the backup and restores window where you can either set up a backup of your PC or restore it from an old backup if there is a problem with your PC.
#5. Access mouse properties — “main.cpl”
You can control all the settings related to your computer mouse here. This includes mouse speed, buttons, wheel, and pointer, etc.
#6. Open Windows Registry — “regedit”
If you ever need to access the Windows registry to tweak something, this is the easiest way to do it. I didn’t even know other ways to access the Registry until recently, and I often mess around in the Registry. Other ways are simply too cumbersome to use.
#7. Access System Properties — “sysdm.cpl”
Another powerful settings window to manage system protection and remote connection features. I personally access it often to manage the Performance settings under the Advanced tab. You can manage some interesting performance-boosting options there.
#8. Manage Windows Power options — “powercfg.cpl”
You will find all the options to manage your PC’s power options here. There are a plethora of options to both save power or get better performance. Check this guide to optimize the power options as you find best.
#9. Open Windows Features — “optionalfeatures”
Here you can disable/enable some of the most advanced features of Windows. I wouldn’t recommend you to mess around here if you don’t know what you are doing. You will need to use this window if you ever need to enable features like Telnet client or Hyper-V.
#10. Open Magnifier — “magnify”
This opens the Windows magnifier to magnify the content on the screen up to 1600% if needed. It also has a screen reader built-in to read aloud text on the screen.
#11. Open Character Map app — “charmap”
Windows Character Maps lets you access All the characters in the font of your choice to easily use anywhere you like. You can either copy the character or learn its Alt code to enter anywhere you like. Using the search bar is the easiest way to find the character you need.
#12. Access Network Connections — “ncpa.cpl”
Here you can manage your current network connection and fix any problem with the network device. You can enable/disable the network, check the current status, bridge connections, or see your Wi-Fi password.
#13. Run Malicious Software Removal Tool — “mrt”
It’s an on-demand virus removal tool provided by Microsoft to scan your PC and find any malicious software. If you think your PC got infected by a virus, you can quickly launch this tool to scan your PC.
#14. Open Device Manager — “devmgmt.msc”
Device Manager is the go-to place to manage everything related to your hardware components and their drivers. You can enable/disable hardware components or manage their drivers, like uninstalling or updating them.
#15. Manage User Accounts — “netplwiz”
You can quickly manage user accounts here, such as adding a new account or user account types like Administrator or Standard. You can also change the user accounts password here and manage their security.
#16. Open Services app — “services.msc”
This app lists all the services that work in the background without an interface and make all the features work in Windows. Again, you shouldn’t mess with any services if you don’t know what you are doing. However, you can click on a service to learn what it does in the left panel. There are many services that you can enable/disable depending on your need. For example, I have disabled the Bluetooth service as I don’t use it.
#17. Access Programs and Features window — “appwiz.cpl”
Although Windows 10 has its own setting to uninstall an app, I still use this command as it only shows third-party apps. The default Windows uninstaller shows all apps, including built-in apps, which are 30+. It can be difficult to always go through so many apps to uninstall a recently installed app. This command makes the process a snap.
#18. Open Control Panel — “control”
This command didn’t hold much value in the older version of Windows as you could easily access Control Panel using different ways. However, in Windows 10, Microsoft promotes the new Settings over the old Control Panel, so it doesn’t offer an easy way to access the Control Panel. This simple command lets you easily access it.
#19. Open current user folder — “.” (period)
We have to access the user folder quite often in Windows, but going through the explorer to access it isn’t needed. Just type a period in the Run dialog, and the current user’s folder will open up.
#20. Open On-Screen Keyboard — “osk”
If you want to use the on-screen keyboard, then using the Run command is one of the quickest ways to do it.
#21. Open Snipping Tool — “snippingtool”
Snipping Tool is still the go-to tool for taking screenshots in Windows 10 without using a third-party app. If you use the Snipping Tool for taking screenshots, then this Run command will make it easier.
#22. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic — “mdsched”
If you think there is a problem with your RAM, this tool can check your RAM and possibly fix the problem or let you know there is an issue. If you start seeing sudden freezes or crashes, it could mean there is a problem with your RAM.
#23. Open any website — “Insert website URL”
You can
also enter the URL of any website in the Run dialog, and it will open it in your
default browser. For example, if you type
www.geekflare.com
in the Run command, it will open the Geekflare home page in your default
browser.
#24. Open Remote Desktop Connection — “mstsc”
You can use this feature to remotely connect to another PC and take full control over it. You’ll have to set up both PCs for the remote connection first, though. This Run command just makes the process easier.
#25. Open Command Prompt — “cmd”
Unlike PowerShell, you can’t access the Command Prompt by right-clicking on the start menu anymore. If you prefer using the Command Prompt over PowerShell to execute commands, this is one of the easier ways to open the Command Prompt.
KarrarHaider Windows Windows-run-commands
12 COMMON WINDOWS 10 RUN COMMANDS
Note: The quotation marks are for emphasis only–they are not part of the command itself and should not be included in the command box.
1.
Open the Windows 10 drive (“”)
Unless you have changed the default configuration, running File Explorer from
the Taskbar will display the contents of the Quick Access library. The
presumption is that this is where your documents, photos, and other files can be
most easily found, but sometimes you just want to open File Explorer in the main
hard drive root folder (typically C:).
Use the “” command–no quotes.
2.
Open the Home folder of the current user (“.”)
Continuing with the theme of better controlling File Explorer, typing a single
period (“.”) into the command box will directly access the Home folder of the
current user .
3.
Open the Users folder (“..”)
A
variation of the previous run command, typing two periods (“..”) will open File
Explorer in the Users folder, giving quick access to all the user’s files and
folders, providing you have the proper credentials. This is a good command for
performing system administrative tasks.
4.
Open Control Panel (“control”)
In
an effort to simplify the interface, Windows 10 has placed many of the common
configuration settings into an area known as Settings, which can be found as an
entry in the Start Menu. While this is fine for many configuration settings,
there are times when you have to load the full Windows 10 Control Panel folder .
On those occasions, type “control” into the Run command box.
5.
Open System Configuration (“msconfig”)
The Microsoft Configuration app is a holdover from previous versions of the
Windows operating system, but it is still useful for Windows 10. Typing
“msconfig” will open an app that grants you access to boot variations and allows
you to block or stop certain services and applications from starting during the
boot sequence.
6.
Open Programs and Features (“appwiz.cpl”)
Drilling even further into the realm of the Control Panel, there are times when
you would like to uninstall an application. This process is accomplished with
the Programs and Features screen, which is a sub-section of the Control Panel.
However, you can get there fastest by typing “appwiz.cpl” in the Run command
box.
7.
Open Disk Cleanup utility (“cleanmgr”)
Another holdover from previous versions of Windows is the Disk Cleanup utility.
Most disk cleanup processes in Windows 10 are handled automatically behind the
scenes, but there are occasions where you may want to perform disk cleanup
manually. Type “cleanmgr” to reach the Disk Cleanup dialog box.
8.
Open Resource Monitor (“resmon”)
A
utility app that most Windows users ignore–but really shouldn’t–is the Windows
10 Resource Monitor. If your PC starts lagging, or the hard drive seems to be
spinning up without cause, run the command “resmon,” and troubleshoot the
problem.
9.
Open common Microsoft apps (“calc”, “notepad”, “mspaint”, etc.)
Another good use for the run command is to start basic Microsoft applications
that you may not use every day and don’t want on your desktop or taskbar but
that you still use from time to time. For example, the Calculator app. Open the
Run command box, and type “calc” to start it.
10. Adjust your mouse settings (“main.cpl”)
One of the first things you may find you need to adjust on a new Windows 10 PC
are the mouse settings. A mouse cursor that is too small or moves too slowly
across the screen can be frustrating. The fastest way to get to the mouse
settings is to open the Run command, and type “main.cpl” into the box.
11. Open Remote Desktop (“mstsc”)
A
modern workforce is a mobile workforce, which means many of us have to access
our workstation PCs remotely using the Windows 10 Remote Desktop app. The
fastest way to open the app is to open the Run command, and type “mstsc” into
the box.
12. Access System Information (“msinfo32”)
While troubleshooting problems with help desks, it is not uncommon for the
technician to ask for detailed system information. Rather than clicking through
several different screens, use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + R, type
“msinfo32” into the box, and press Enter.
Bonus tip for the run command
As you try these various run commands, you will notice that previous commands will be remembered by the system. You can scroll through previously used commands by moving up and down the list with the arrow keys–yet another way to decrease mouse clicks and increase the efficiency of the Windows 10 interface.
Mark W. Kaelin Windows-10-run-commands-you-should-know
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