Windows Command Line Basics

Understanding Windows Command Prompt

• Windows Command Prompt provides access to the operating system via a Command Line Interface (CLI).
• Users can type commands directly in a prompt window to interact with the OS.

User Privileges

• Most commands can be executed by anyone with standard user privileges.
• Standard privileges apply to any user logged into a network, covering the majority of typical commands.

Elevated/Administrative Commands

• Some commands require elevated permissions, accessible only through an administrative prompt.
• To use elevated commands, users must belong to the administrators group.

Launching Command Prompt as Administrator

• Start Command Prompt as administrator by selecting "Run as administrator."
• An alternative method to open an administrative prompt: type cmd, then press Control + Shift + Enter.

Compatibility

• The process to access Command Prompt as an administrator is the same for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.### Windows 11 Command Prompt Basics
• Access Command Prompt via search by clicking the magnifying glass or typing "cmd."
• Options include running as administrator, opening file location, pinning to start, and pinning to taskbar.
• Command Prompt opens to a blank screen; typing the command is necessary to proceed.

Using Help Commands

• Entering the help command provides details about available commands.
• For specific command assistance, use command_name /? for similar help text.
• Type exit to close the Command Prompt window when finished.

File and Directory Management

• Use dir to list files and directories within the current folder.
• Change directories with cd (or chdir), using backslashes to delineate folders.
• Use .. (two periods) to move up one directory level.

Creating and Deleting Directories

• Create directories with mkdir (abbreviated as md); remove them with rmdir (abbreviated as rd).
• Changes in the directory structure are immediately reflected in File Explorer.

Navigating Directories

• Utilize cd to move into specific folders. Autocomplete can be activated using the Tab key.
• Return to the previous directory using cd .. or by specifying the full path.

Understanding Drive Letters

• Drives are designated by letters (e.g., C: for local storage, others for connected devices).
• Each drive letter corresponds to a specific partition or remote share.

Hostname Command

• Use the hostname command to identify the name of the computer in a command window.
• Confirm commands are executed on the correct system by checking the hostname.

Formatting Partitions

• Use the format command to assign a file system to a partition; this erases existing data.
• Be cautious with drive letters when formatting to avoid data loss.

Copying Files

• The copy command syntax involves specifying a source file and a destination.
• Use options like /v to verify copies and /y to skip overwrite prompts.

Extended Copying Options

• xcopy can copy files and directories recursively, using the /s option for subdirectories.
• robocopy (Robust Copy) provides enhanced features including bandwidth control and resume capabilities.

Shutdown and Restart Commands

• Use shutdown /s to shut down; specify /r for restart and /t for a delay in seconds.
• Abort a scheduled shutdown with shutdown /a.

Using Diskpart for Partition Management

• diskpart can create, modify, or delete partitions and formats.
• Be cautious using diskpart as it can permanently delete data.
• List available disks with list disk to view partition details.### Disk Volume Management
• Using the command "list volume" displays all available volumes on a disk, revealing their configuration and file systems.

Windows Version Information

• The "winver" command provides details about the Windows version installed on the local system.
• Especially useful for troubleshooting to determine if the system has been patched or identify the correct driver for the operating system.
• Example: A system running Windows 11 version 21H2 (OS build 2200.675).

Group Policy Management

• The "gp update" command forces a group policy update without requiring users to log out and back in.
• Before applying a policy update, "gpresult" can be used to check current group policy configurations.

Example User Configuration

• User Rodney McKay, on a Windows 10 device, operates within an Active Directory infrastructure.
• "gpresult /r" compiles detailed information on the user's current configuration, including group policies and domain details (sgc.local).

Group Policy Application

• Group policies configured by administrators can include folder redirection and drive mappings during user login.
• New group policy changes can be applied using "gp update" or "gp update /force" for all policy updates.
• Using "gp update" applied a new desktop shortcut created through group policy instantly.

Confirmation of Changes

• Running "gpresult /r" again post-update confirms the successful application of new group policy objects, such as desktop shortcuts alongside existing configurations.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of the Windows Command Prompt and its functionality as a command-line interface (CLI). You'll learn about standard commands accessible to all users, enabling effective interaction with the operating system. Test your knowledge and enhance your command line skills!