Windows Command Prompt Basics

Windows Command Prompt

• How to get started:
  • Open "Command Prompt" in Windows
  • Select "Run as administrator"
  • To see more details on any command, add a space followed by "/" and a question mark after the command name (ex: ping /?)

Basic commands:

• ping: Sends requests to a device or network location (like a printer, PC, or Wi-Fi) via its IP address and tests whether the device responds.
• ipconfig: Shows your local IP address and network information, use /all to see more details.
• cls: Clears the text on the command prompt screen.
• nslookup: Retrieves IP address associated with a given domain name, or conversely.
• tracert: Shows the route that a network request takes to reach its destination.
• shutdown: Shuts down a machine, use the -i option for a graphical interface (if you are the administrator of the machine).

Network and System Commands:

• netstat -ab: Displays active connections on a machine, including processes using the internet connection, useful for troubleshooting or detecting malware.
• net: A versatile command with various sub-commands:
  • net time: Syncing time on a network domain
  • net share: Shows available shared resources on a Windows network
  • net stop: Stops a running service
  • net start: Starts a service
• systeminfo: Shows detailed information about your PC.
• getmac: Displays MAC addresses of your local network connections.
• arp -a: Shows network connections based on their MAC addresses on the local network.
• whoami: Shows the current username and domain name.
• set: Displays all environment variables for a user, including information like processor count.

Navigation and File Management:

• cd: Changes directories on your hard drive (use cd .. to move up one level)
• mkdir: Creates a directory on your hard drive.
• sfc /scannow: Checks for and repairs corrupted Windows files (very useful for troubleshooting).
• chkdsk: Scans a hard drive or SSD for errors and attempts to repair them (add /f at the end for automatic fixing).
• route print: Shows the routing table and how network traffic is directed.
• tasklist: Shows all running programs and processes, similar to Task Manager.
• taskkill: Stops a running program by using its PID number (the process ID number).
• format: Formats a disk, be extremely cautious with this command, as it erases all data.
• diskpart: Allows you to manage partitions on a hard drive or SSD.

Backup and File Management:

• xcopy and robocopy: Both allow you to copy files and folders between locations. Adding a parameter like /d creates incremental backups, only copying files that have been modified since the last backup.
• del: Deletes files, use del *.exe to delete files that end with the '.exe' extension, be cautious with this command as it permanently removes files.

System and Security:

• schtasks: Displays scheduled tasks, useful for checking if unwanted tasks are running.
• hostname: Shows the name of the current computer.
• cipher: Securely deletes files, making them practically impossible to recover.
• psexec: Executes a command on a remote computer (requires administrator privileges).
• mmc: Opens a management console where you can add various tools, useful for accessing Windows settings and configurations.
• dir: Lists the contents of a specific folder, useful for exploring file and folder structure.
• runas: Runs a program as a different user account (administrators, etc.), helpful for troubleshooting or managing privileges remotely.
• rmdir: Deletes an empty directory, use /s to also delete its contents. Be cautious as this action cannot be undone.
• msiexec: Installs MSI-format programs (use /quiet for silent installation).
• ver: Shows the current version of Windows.

Other:

• findstr: Searches for a string of text within a file or set of files, providing results in the console window.
• color: Modifies the text and background colors of the command prompt window.
• ren: Renames a file or folder.
• exit: Exits the command prompt window.
• help: Displays a list of available commands and their basic functionality.
• logoff: Closes your session by logging you out.