Where is the command line on Windows 10. Open the command line window from the Task Manager
In today's article, we will look at how to open the command line in Windows 10. In all versions of Windows, the developers have provided for the launch and operation of various system commands through the command line. I very often come across various articles on the Internet where the authors give users various instructions and write: open the command line, enter the following command. At the same time, the user falls into a stupor, everything seems to be clear, enter a command, and the system will miraculously do everything for you, but there are practically no instructions anywhere on how to open the command line. This is especially important if you need to run it with administrator rights.
If you ask why we will consider how to open the command line in Windows 10, then let's figure it out. The fact is that if you have installed or are going to install Windows 10, you will see that the Start menu interface has been slightly redesigned. So, in the top ten there is no launch shortcut command line, and there is no “Run” option. Accordingly, users are faced with the task of how to launch the command line.
Launch the command line using hotkeys.
Probably the most in a simple way Launch the command line in normal mode and mode with administrator rights using the WinX menu. This menu appeared in new Windows 10, and its name corresponds to the hotkey combination. Let's look at how to open the Command Prompt in Windows 10 using the new menu.
As you can see, this method open the command line, the simplest and fastest, most likely, few of you knew about the new WinX menu.
Launch the command line via Windows search.
In everything Windows versions built-in search menu. It makes it easier to find and launch almost all third-party and some system commands and applications. In order to find the right application through the search, start entering its name, and the system will give you the found options.
To open the command line using Windows search 10. Take the following steps.
That's all, this method is finished, now you know how to open the command line in Windows 10 using the system search functions. Next we move on to the next step.
Launch the command line using Windows 10 Explorer.
If you recently installed Windows 10, then most likely you do not know that you can launch the command line in the new operating system from any Explorer window.
In order to open the command line through Explorer, open any of its windows. Hold down the Shift key and right click mouse click on any free area of the window. A drop-down menu will appear in which we are interested in the “Open command window” item. Next, a command line will open in front of you. 
Note! In this way, the command line will be launched with normal rights, without administrator privileges.
How to open the command prompt in Windows 10 using the CMD command.
Since the command line is launched at startup system file cmd.exe, then you can open it using the executable file. He lies in system folder. Depending on whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Note! The cmd.exe file will be located in different directories. It all depends on your bit depth operating system.
If you have a 32-bit operating system, then you will find the cmd.exe application in the path C:\Windows\System32. For a 64-bit version of the operating system, this is the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64 
You can also launch the command line using the Run command interpreter. To launch it, press the hotkey combination “Windows + R”. The “Run” window will open, in which we enter the “cmd” command. After clicking the “Ok” button, the command line will open. 
You can also run the cmd.exe application through the manager Windows tasks. You can open the task manager in Windows 10 using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” or right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager”.
The next step, in the task manager, click the “File” menu - “Run a new task” and in the window that opens, write “cmd”. 
After clicking the “Ok” button, the Windows 10 command line will open. Thus, we have figured out in detail how to open the command line in Windows 10 using the cmd.exe application. 
Conclusion.
In today's article, we looked in detail at 4 ways to open the command line in Windows 10. I hope this instruction It will be useful to you and you will be able to execute all the necessary system commands using the command line. One of the most popular system commands is Ping; we often use it when or network device. If you know other ways to call the command line, then write in the comments, I think the information will be useful to everyone.
The command line is a Windows element that allows you to perform operations with files and components, bypassing the system's graphical interface. The command line should not be confused with the Run function. The latter is responsible only for opening programs and components. But the command line can completely replace the standard one Windows Explorer and change operating system settings, make changes to file properties and format connected media.
Therefore, in order to effectively manage your computer even in a situation where the OS graphical interface has failed, you need to know everything about the Windows 10 command line: how to call it and how to use it.
Launch
In the Windows OS family, there are three ways in which you can launch the Command Prompt.
Using the Start icon
The first method involves using the context menu of the Start button. To launch the command line this way you need to:
- Right-click on the Start button.
- In the list that appears, the user should select the “Command Prompt” menu item, preferably with the addition of “Administrator”.
Advice! You can call a similar menu by pressing the Win + X key combination.
Using built-in search
To launch the component you are looking for, you can also use the updated search, which is available on the Taskbar. To do this you need:
- Click on the search bar (or press the Win + Q key combination).
- Enter the words “Command Line” in the text field.
- Select the component of the same name from the search results.
Via the Run command
The third method involves using the Run command mentioned above. To launch the required component, you should:
- On your keyboard, press Win + R simultaneously.
- Enter “cmd” in the text field that appears and press “Enter”.
File location
You can call the command line in Windows 10 directly from the cmd.exe file, which is located at “C:\Windows\System32”.
Also, shortcuts for quickly opening this program are located in the Start menu -> All applications -> System Tools - Windows.
You can easily pin a shortcut to the taskbar, in the start menu (area with tiles) or on the desktop at the user's discretion.
Video instruction
Popular methods of calling the command line are described and shown in the video.
Finally
To start mastering the command line functions, use the “Help” command, which will display the main keys for working with this tool.
Having learned to use cmd.exe, the user will gain even more control over his device and will be able to independently restore the operating system even in the event of critical failures.
The command line allows you to execute programs, change settings and access files by entering certain instructions, and has been in the OS since the first versions were released. It is usually used by advanced users and administrators to quickly implement scripts without using a graphical shell. It is also called upon for troubleshooting and fixing certain problems. Don't confuse Command Prompt with Run, which only opens components.
This MS-DOS based application from the 1980s allows users to interact directly with the system and operates at a more basic level. Using it, you get more control over your PC. In addition to general directives (dir, cd, copy, del), the utility is used to access parts of Windows that are closed in the normal interface. It is used to perform many tasks that are carried out more quickly or even this is the only opportunity to find the necessary information.
Since the tenth version, Microsoft has been trying to make PowerShell the main utility. It offers a rich set of directives that are better integrated with the OS and most products. They exist inside compiled DLLs.
This is quite a useful utility. It allows you to perform transactions faster, and offers tools that are simply not available in graphical interface. It also supports all kinds of smart keyboard shortcuts, which makes it more powerful.
Launch via "Search"
You can easily launch the shell by clicking the Start button, then open Find and start typing “command” in the box.
Calling through utilities
Click "Start"; Scroll down and expand the System folder.
Using the Run dialog box
Press Win + R to open a dialog box.
Type "cmd" and "OK".
To effectively manage situations where the system fails, you need to know the basic directives. Use the “Help” command, which will display a list of functions. By using cmd.exe, you will have better control of your device and will be able to independently restore operation in the event of any critical failures.
Via the menu
Press Win + X. A menu will open in which select the appropriate item. You might see PowerShell. She appeared in the Creators Update for. It can also be used.
In our article we will give a short overview of how to open the command line in Windows 10. There is a misconception that this can be done with just one or two methods.
Task bar
One of the usual options for inexperienced users is to enable the command line in Windows 10 from the taskbar, and here's how to do it:
- LKS (left mouse button) “Start” → “Utility – Window’s”
Hot key's
It is also possible to call the command line in Windows 10 using hotkeys, again using several options, so:
- + [R] to open “Run” → in the open field, enter “cmd” → OK.
Guide to the world of cmd
An unexpected turn of events is to launch the command line in Windows 10 through Windows Explorer, moreover, there are 3 options. Surprised? Let's take a closer look.
- The most common one, in our opinion, is to delve into the directory branches and get to the roots of the Command Line Interpreter.
- Drive “C:” → folder “Windows” → “System32”
- New solutions are only to help users, direct launch from any Windows folder.
- Menu panel “File” → “Open command line” → by choice exactly how, but in the context of our topic, select the first position.
- This method also uses OS folders, but by selecting from the context menu (drop-down when you right-click), but here the exceptions are virtual folder directories.
- Holding RMB, click on a free field within the folder → “Open command window” - pay special attention that cmd opens within the directory, more clearly in the screenshots below.
Task Manager and Command Line Interpreter
Now the logical question follows, where is the command line in the task manager in Windows 10? Here are instructions on how to find it there.
- Open the “Task Manager” by right-clicking on “Start” or using ++.
- “File” → “Run new task” → “type cmd” → OK.
Where did cmd go?
Most likely, you have tried all our instructions, but the command line does not open in Windows 10? Instead, when called, PowerShell appears, the fact is that starting with version 1703 Creators Update, it is in context menu changed the usual cmd. In addition, the drop-down menu in folders when right-clicking and holding has changed. We return cmd to its original place.
By changing it in the Start panel, it will change accordingly when calling with hot keys.
- Left-click “Start” → gear sign “Settings” → “Personalization” → “Taskbar” → in the “Replace the command line with the shell...” block, move the slider to “Off.”
The command line is an indispensable tool in the work of any system administrator and the average PC user. It is convenient, easy to use and does not require much effort from the user to perform any operation. However, this console also has a downside. Oddly enough, users do not know the commands that can be used to solve this or that problem. And in some cases, the user does not even know how to launch this console. Therefore, let's consider more than 10 main commands command line for Windows 10 that every PC user should know about.
Where is it located and how to launch the command line on Windows 10?
In Windows 10, the command line file is located on the system drive at: Windows folder\System32\cmd.exe. To launch this console, press “Win + R” and enter “cmd”.
Also, to launch the console in Windows 10, only with Administrator rights, you should click “Start” and enter “Command Prompt” in the search bar. Next, you will need to right-click on the search results and select “Run as Administrator.”
You can launch the command line with or without Administrator rights as follows: right-click on the “Start” icon and select “Command Prompt”.
You can also launch the console through the “Task Manager” by selecting a new “Task” and entering “cmd” in the line.
List of basic command line commands
Commands that the user will need to everyday use PC, next. Let's look at them in alphabetical order (all commands are written in small letters, without capital letters).
Arp – displays and allows you to edit ARP protocol entries.
Assoc - displays and allows you to change the relationship between the name and type extensions of a file.
Attrib – allows you to edit the attributes of the file or folder you specify.
Bcdboot – creating or restoring a system partition.
Bcdedit – will set properties in the boot database to configure the initial boot.
Break – enable/disable extended processing of the CTRL+C keyboard shortcut.
Cacls – display and edit file access control list (ACL).
Call – will call one batch file from another.
Cd – see the name of the current folder, or go to another.
Chcp – display or set the active code page.
Chdir – see the name of the current folder, or move to another.
Chkdsk – checks the disk and displays statistics.
Chkntfs - show or change the parameter that checks the disk during loading.
Cls – clears content on the screen.
Cmd – launch another command line Windows strings O.C.
Color – change the default background and color.
Comp – allows you to compare the contents of two files or two packages.
Compact – show or change the file compression option in partitions with an NTFS file system.
Convert – converts a volume from FAT to NTFS.
Copy – copy the file(s) to the specified directory.
Date – will show current date, and will also allow you to change it.
Del – will delete the files you specify.
Dir – will display a list of files and subfolders (if any) from the specified path.
Diskcopm - allows you to compare the contents of two floppy disks.
Dickcopy – completely copies the contents of one floppy disk to any other (specified by you).
Diskpart – will show and allow you to configure the properties of the disk partition.
Dockey - create macros, edit and re-invoke command lines.
Driverquery – state and properties of a device driver.
Echo – switches command display modes on the screen.
Endlocal – end of local environment changes for a particular batch file.
Erase – allows you to delete one or several files at once.
Exit – exits the command line and ends its work.
Fc – will compare two files or two sets of files and identify the differences between them.
Find – will allow you to find text string in one or more files.
Findstr – allows you to find a string in files.
For – will run the command you specify for each of the files in the set.
Format – formatting (partitioning) the disk for working with the Windows operating system.
Fsutil – will show and allow you to configure file system properties.
Ftype - will display and allow you to change the file types used when matching by filename extensions.
Goto – transfers control to the marked line of the batch file.
Gpresult – will show information about group policy for a computer or user.
Graftabl – will allow Windows OS to display an extended character set in graphical mode.
Help – will display full list CMD.exe command line commands.
Icacls - display, change, archive, and restore ACLs for files and directories.
If is an operator for conditionally executing commands in a batch file.
Label – deleting, changing, and creating volume labels for disks.
Md – command to create a new folder.
Mkdir is another command to create a folder.
Mklink – creating symbolic as well as hard links.
Mode – change parameters and configure system devices.
More - sequential output of data in parts the size of one screen.
Move – allows you to move one or several files at once from one folder to another.
Openfiles – will show files opened in shared folder by remote user.
Path – will show the current one, and also allows you to set the search path for executable files.
Pause – stops the execution of a batch file and displays a message about it.
Popd – Restores the previous active folder value saved using the PUSHD command.
Print – prints the contents of the specified text file.
Prompt - Changes the prompt on the Windows command line.
Pushd – Saves the active folder value and moves to another folder.
Rd – allows you to delete the specified folder.
Recover – Recovers readable data from a bad or damaged drive.
Rem – places comments in batch files and in CONFIG.SYS.
Ren – allows you to rename specified folders or files.
Rename – command for renaming, alias of the “ren” command.
Replace – replaces any files.
Rmdir – allows you to delete the specified folder.
Robocopy is an improved tool for copying files and directory trees.
Set – shows, installs, and also deletes Environment Variables Windows.
Setlocal - Starts localizing environment changes in a batch file.
Sc – shows and allows you to configure services (background processes).
Schtasks – will allow you to execute a command or run a program at a specified time.
Shift – change the position (shift) of the substituted parameters for the batch file.
Shutdown – shutdown the computer (works also with remote mode).
Sort – allows you to sort the input.
Start – execution of a program or command in a separate Windows window.
Subst – will assign a drive name to the given path.
Systeminfo – displays information about the system and PC configuration.
Tasklist – will show a complete list of running tasks and services.
Taskkill – allows you to stop background process or application.
Time – view or change the current time.
Title – assign a window title for the current command line session.
Tree – graphical display of the directory structure of a disk or folder.
Type – displays the contents of text files.
Ver – show information about the version of the Windows operating system.
Verify – setting the mode for checking the correctness of writing files to disk.
Vol – will show its own label and serial number disk volumes.
Xcopy – allows you to copy directories and files.
Wmic - Displays WMI information in an interactive environment.
It is important to note if you are doing system administration and the command line is already your “best friend”, we recommend studying the broader capabilities of CMD from professional literature.