Overview

The command line is built into the Microsoft Windows operating system and is accessed
through the command shell window. Every version of Windows has had a built-in command
line, used to run built-in commands, utilities, and scripts.

Open
You can start the command shell by using the RUN command. Click Start, select
Run, and then enter cmd in the Open field.

Or, you can click Start, point to Programs or All Programs, Accessories, and then
choose Command Prompt.

Or, simply search for cmd.exe.

Quick Reference to Internal Commands for the Command

Shell (Cmd.exe)
Name Description
To change drive.
drive_alphabet:
E.g. to go to D drive enter D:
Displays the current directory name or
cd (chdir) changes the location of the current directory.

Use cd .. to move one level up (to the parent

directory)

cls Clears the command window and erases the

screen buffer

dir Displays a list of subdirectories and files in

the current or specified directory

exit Exits the command shell

Name Description

copy Copies files from one location to another or

concatenates files

del (erase) Deletes the specified file, files, or directory

md (mkdir) Creates a subdirectory in the current or
specified directory

move Moves a file or files from the current or

designated source directory to a designated
target directory. Can also be used to rename a
directory

ren (rename) Renames a file or files

Autocomplete feature
Use tab to complete a file name, directory etc. This feature is very handy to
1. save time in typing and
2. Omit spelling mistakes

Working with the Command History

The command history buffer is a feature of the Windows command shell
(Cmd.exe) that remembers commands youve used in the current command line
and allows you to access them without having to retype the command text.

Use the up-arrow and down-arrow keys to move up and down through the list of
buffered commands. When you find the command you want to use, press Enter
to execute it.