Command prompt is a very useful software to allow us to type “codes” or commands. For some of us, it is a non disposal tool, which allows us to execute commands quickly. There are various ways to open it up. It has survived several versions of windows til now.
The ways to open the command prompt software are similar in nature.
Method 1 to open command prompt – Start button
Click on the windows start button, generally located at bottom left.
And type “cmd” and an option to select the command prompt will appear. Press “Enter” or click on it to open the program in non admin mode
Method 2 – Start button
This is similar to method 1. Instead of clicking on the start button, press the “windows” button on the keyboard once, and type “cmd” and process as per method 1.
** Not all keyboard comes with the “Windows” physical button **
** For method 1 and 2, if u require it to run in administrator mode, u will need to click “run as administrator” (see below)
Method 3 to open command prompt – 3 keystroke (No Typing or mouse click needed)
Location the windows button on your keyboard. And press the “Windows” button + “X” button together. A menu should appear, (image below)
If you require the command prompt to run with administrator mode, Press “A“, else press “C” to open the command prompt window without admin access.
** Instead of command prompt, you might see “Windows PowerShell”. It is a more advance version of command prompt. However, if you still prefer the black cmd window, follow the guide here to switch back to command prompt instead of Powershell. (in progress)
Method 4 to open command prompt – Run command
Instead of pressing “Windows” + “X” together, press “Windows” + “r” together, to open the “Run” window. type in cmd to open the command prompt window. And press “Enter” Or “OK”
This only open cmd in normal mode.
If you need to run in administrator mode, after typing “cmd“, hold “Ctrl” + “Shift” then “Enter” together.
Method 5 – Open from File explorer’s address bar
- Open “File Explorer” or “This PC” or “My Computer”
- type in “cmd” into the access bar and press enter. The non admin command prompt window will open up.
** If u this use method to open cmd, the default location in cmd will be the folder’s location. refer to image below.
Personally, i prefer method 3 as this allows you to open the prompt regardless of the active focus of the system. I can be browsing the web or running other programs and i can still open up command prompt. And its fast and easy as well. And it allows you to open with either admin or normal user rights.