Essential Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet

What Is the Windows Command Line?

The Windows Command Line (also known as Command Prompt or cmd) is the command-line interface (CLI) built into Microsoft Windows. Think of it like the Windows equivalent of the Terminal on Mac/Linux.

It emulates many commands from the old MS-DOS but is not MS-DOS itself.

Today we’re diving into the Windows Command Line (cmd.exe) — your powerful tool for managing files, troubleshooting systems, and scripting tasks quickly. Whether you’re new to it or just need a handy reference, this cheat sheet will help you move faster and smarter.

Directory Navigation Commands

These commands allow you to navigate between drives, move around folders, list directory contents, and manage file/folder attributes in Windows Command Line (cmd). Below, we break down each command with an explanation and example for easy reference.

Change Drive & Navigate Folders

Command	Explanation	Example
`c:`	Change the current drive to the C:\ drive	`c:`
`d:`	Change the current drive to the D:\ drive	`d:`
`CD c:\path\to\my_folder`	Change directory to a specific folder	`CD c:\Users\John\Documents`
`CD ..`	Navigate to the parent (previous) directory	`CD ..` (from `C:\Users\John\Documents` to `C:\Users\John`)
`CD .\new_folder`	Navigate to a folder inside the current directory	`CD .\Pictures` (from `C:\Users\John` to `C:\Users\John\Pictures`)
`CD /D d:\videos\`	Switch drive and directory at the same time	`CD /D d:\videos\`

List Directory Contents

Command	Explanation	Example
`DIR`	Display files and folders in the current directory	`DIR`
`DIR /A c:\apps\`	Display all files and folders (including hidden/system) in a specific folder	`DIR /A c:\apps\`
`DIR /A:D`	Display only folders (directories)	`DIR /A:D`
`DIR /A:-D`	Display only files (not directories)	`DIR /A:-D`
`DIR /A:H`	Display hidden files and folders	`DIR /A:H`
`DIR /O`	Sort files and folders alphabetically	`DIR /O`
`DIR /O:S`	Sort files and folders by file size (smallest to largest)	`DIR /O:S`
`DIR /O:-S`	Sort files and folders by file size (largest to smallest)	`DIR /O:-S`
`DIR /B`	Display only the names of files and folders (bare format)	`DIR /B`

Sorting & Saving Directory Listings

Command	Explanation	Example
`SORT`	Sort lines of text (input via file or command)	`SORT < C:\files\list.txt`
`SORT "C:\music\playlist.m3u"`	Sort the contents of a file line by line	`SORT "C:\music\playlist.m3u"`
`DIR /B	SORT /R > ZtoA.txt`	List all file/folder names, sort them in reverse alphabetical order, and save to a file

Move, Create & Delete Files/Folders

Command	Explanation	Example
`MOVE`	Move a file or files from one location to another	`MOVE c:\f1\text.txt c:\f2`
`MD new_folder` / `MAKEDIR new_folder`	Create a new folder in the current directory	`MD Projects`
`RD new_folder` / `RMDIR new_folder`	Remove (delete) an empty folder	`RD old_backup`

View Folder Structures

Command	Explanation	Example
`TREE`	Show the directory structure graphically	`TREE`
`TREE "C:\Program Files"`	Show the folder structure of a specific folder	`TREE "C:\Program Files"`
`TREE C:\ /F`	Show the directory structure of the C:\ drive, including all filenames	`TREE C:\ /F`

Manage File/Folder Attributes

Command	Explanation	Example
`ATTRIB`	View or change file/folder attributes (e.g., hidden, read-only)	`ATTRIB`
`ATTRIB +H +S +R myItem`	Hide a file/folder and set it as a system and read-only item	`ATTRIB +H +S +R secret.txt`
`ATTRIB -H -S -R myItem`	Unhide a file/folder and remove system and read-only attributes	`ATTRIB -H -S -R secret.txt`

File Management Commands

These commands help with managing files in your Windows Command Line, whether you’re copying, deleting, renaming, comparing, or opening files. Use these commands to work efficiently with files and directories.

Copy, Move, and Delete Files

Command	Explanation	Example
`COPY text.txt C:\schoolwork`	Copy the file `text.txt` to a specified folder (`C:\schoolwork`)	`COPY text.txt C:\schoolwork`
`DEL text.txt` / `ERASE text.txt`	Delete the file `text.txt`	`DEL text.txt`
`REN text.txt script.bat` / `RENAME text.txt script.bat`	Rename a file `text.txt` to `script.bat`	`REN text.txt script.bat`

Advanced File Copying and Replacement

Command	Explanation	Example
`REPLACE .\src\hey.txt .\dest`	Overwrite and replace the `hey.txt` file from `src` folder with a new one from `dest` folder	`REPLACE .\src\hey.txt .\dest`
`XCOPY`	Copy files and directories (including subdirectories) to another folder	`XCOPY C:\folder1 C:\folder2 /S`
`XCOPY /S folder1 folder2`	Copy folders and subfolders from `folder1` to `folder2`	`XCOPY /S folder1 folder2`
`ROBOCOPY`	Robust copying of files and directories; only copy if source and destination differ	`ROBOCOPY C:\source D:\destination`

File Compression and Decompression

Command	Explanation	Example
`EXPAND gameData.cab`	Decompress a `.CAB` (cabinet) file to extract its contents	`EXPAND gameData.cab`

File Comparison and Finding Differences

Command	Explanation	Example
`FC file1.ext file2.ext`	Compare the contents of two files (`file1.ext` and `file2.ext`) and display non-matching lines	`FC file1.txt file2.txt`
`COMP file1.ext file2.ext`	Compare the contents of two files (`file1.ext` and `file2.ext`) and display non-matching items	`COMP file1.txt file2.txt`
`FIND "python" in run.bat`	Output every line that contains the string `"python"` in the file `run.bat`	`FIND "python" in run.bat`
`FIND /C "python" in run.bat`	Count every line that contains the string `"python"` in the file `run.bat`	`FIND /C "python" in run.bat`

Viewing and Printing File Contents

Command	Explanation	Example
`PRINT resume.txt`	Print the contents of the file `resume.txt`	`PRINT resume.txt`
`TYPE test.txt`	Display the contents of the file `test.txt`	`TYPE test.txt`
`TYPE playlist.m3u	SORT /unique /o C:\work\unique_play.m3u`	Sort the file `playlist.m3u` and output only the unique values to a new file `unique_play.m3u`

Working with Open Files

Command	Explanation	Example
`OPENFILES /QUERY`	Query and display the list of open files	`OPENFILES /QUERY`
`OPENFILES /DISCONNECT`	Disconnect files that are open by network users	`OPENFILES /DISCONNECT`

File Viewing Utilities

Command	Explanation	Example
`MORE`	Display contents of one or more files, one screen at a time	`MORE C:\folder\file.txt`
`ASSOC`	Display or change the file extension association with a file type	`ASSOC .txt=txtfile`
`NOTEPAD`	Open the Notepad application from cmd	`NOTEPAD`
`NOTEPAD filename.ext`	Open the file `filename.ext` in Notepad	`NOTEPAD example.txt`

Disk Management Commands

These commands allow you to manage disks, file systems, and partitions on your Windows system. They cover tasks like checking and repairing disks, managing partitions, defragmenting, and handling encryption.

Disk Checking and Repair

Command	Explanation	Example
`CHKDSK`	Check and repair disk problems (local disks only)	`CHKDSK`
`CHKDSK /F A:`	Fix errors on the A: drive	`CHKDSK /F A:`
`CHKDSK /R A:`	Recover data on the A: drive	`CHKDSK /R A:`
`CHKDSK /X A:`	Dismount the A: drive before checking and repairing	`CHKDSK /X A:`

File Encryption and Compression

Command	Explanation	Example
`CIPHER /E classified`	Encrypt the folder `classified`	`CIPHER /E classified`
`CIPHER /D secret_recipe.txt`	Decrypt the file `secret_recipe.txt`	`CIPHER /D secret_recipe.txt`
`COMPACT`	Display or change the compression of files in NTFS partitions	`COMPACT`

Disk Defragmentation and Conversion

Command	Explanation	Example
`DEFRAG`	Perform disk defragmentation to optimize disk performance	`DEFRAG C:`
`CONVERT`	Convert FAT disk volume to NTFS	`CONVERT D: /FS:NTFS`

Disk Partition Management

Command	Explanation	Example
`DISKPART`	Display and adjust disk partition properties	`DISKPART`
`FSUTIL`	Perform advanced file system management tasks	`FSUTIL`

Formatting and Labeling

Command	Explanation	Example
`FORMAT`	Format a disk or partition	`FORMAT D:`
`LABEL d:x`	Rename disk volume `D:\` to `X:\`	`LABEL D:X`

Virtual Drives and Mounting

Command	Explanation	Example
`SUBST p: c:\taxes`	Assign the virtual drive `P:\` to the local folder `c:\taxes`	`SUBST p: c:\taxes`
`SUBST p: /D`	Remove the virtual drive path `P:\`	`SUBST p: /D`

Disk Recovery and Volume Information

Command	Explanation	Example
`RECOVER d:\data.dat`	Recover a file `data.dat` from a defective disk `D:\`	`RECOVER D:\data.dat`
`VOL`	Display the current disk volume label and serial number	`VOL`

Power Settings and System File Check

Command	Explanation	Example
`POWERCFG`	Control power settings and configure Hibernate/Standby modes	`POWERCFG /H on`
`SFC /SCANNOW`	Scan and update protected system files	`SFC /SCANNOW`

System Information and Networking Commands

These commands are used to retrieve system information, configure network settings, troubleshoot network issues, and manage network connections.

System Information Commands

Command	Explanation	Example
`VER`	Display the current operating system version	`VER`
`SYSTEMINFO`	List detailed system configuration, including OS, memory, and network information	`SYSTEMINFO`
`HOSTNAME`	Show the computer’s hostname on the network	`HOSTNAME`
`DRIVERQUERY`	Show all installed device drivers	`DRIVERQUERY`
`DATE`	Display or set the system date	`DATE`
`TIME`	Display or set the system time	`TIME`
`GPRESULT`	Display Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) information for a remote user and computer	`GPRESULT /R`
`GPUPDATE`	Update group policies	`GPUPDATE`

Networking Commands

Command	Explanation	Example
`IPCONFIG`	Display the current Windows IP network configurations	`IPCONFIG`
`IPCONFIG /release`	Release your current local IP address	`IPCONFIG /release`
`IPCONFIG /renew`	Request a new local IP address from the DHCP server	`IPCONFIG /renew`
`IPCONFIG /flushdns`	Reset the contents of the DNS client resolver cache	`IPCONFIG /flushdns`
`PING google.com`	Send ICMP requests to `google.com` to check host availability	`PING google.com`
`PATHPING`	Trace route and provide network latency and packet loss for each router in the path	`PATHPING google.com`
`NET`	Provide various network services (e.g., manage shares, network drives, etc.)	`NET`
`NET use M: \\gameServ /user:"ReadyPlayerOne" player1`	Assign disk M:\ the path `\\gameServ`, logging in as “ReadyPlayerOne” and password “player1”	`NET use M: \\gameServ /user:"ReadyPlayerOne" player1`
`TRACERT`	Trace the route to a remote host and find the IP address of each hop	`TRACERT google.com`
`NSLOOKUP`	Find IP addresses associated with a domain name from a DNS server	`NSLOOKUP google.com`
`ROUTE`	Manipulate network routing tables	`ROUTE`
`ROUTE PRINT`	Display network route details	`ROUTE PRINT`
`ARP -A`	List IP addresses and corresponding physical addresses (Address Resolution Protocol)	`ARP -A`

Advanced Networking Tools

Command	Explanation	Example
`NETSH`	Configure network interfaces, Windows firewall, routing, and remote access	`NETSH`
`NETSTAT`	Display current TCP/IP network connections and protocol statistics	`NETSTAT`
`GETMAC`	Show all MAC addresses of the network adapters	`GETMAC`

Process Management Commands

These commands help you manage processes, system tasks, and scheduled jobs, allowing for efficient handling of background operations, process termination, and system shutdowns.

Task Scheduling and Management

Command	Explanation	Example
`SCHTASKS`	Create or edit a job in Task Scheduler to automate tasks on your system.	`SCHTASKS /Create /TN "Backup" /TR "C:\backup.bat" /SC DAILY /ST 08:00`
`SET`	List environment variables.	`SET`
`PATH`	Display or change the list of folders stored in the `%PATH%` environment variable	`PATH`

System Shutdown and Restart

Command	Explanation	Example
`SHUTDOWN /R`	Restart the computer.	`SHUTDOWN /R`
`SHUTDOWN /S /T 60`	Shut down the computer after a delay of 60 seconds.	`SHUTDOWN /S /T 60`

Task Management

Command	Explanation	Example
`TASKLIST`	List running tasks on your computer, showing task names and process IDs (PIDs).	`TASKLIST`
`TASKLIST /SVC`	Show services related to each task.	`TASKLIST /SVC`
`TASKLIST /V`	Display detailed task information, such as memory usage and status.	`TASKLIST /V`
`TASKLIST	FIND “1234”`	Get the name of the executable associated with the process ID (PID) of 1234.
`TASKKILL`	End one or more tasks running on the system.	`TASKKILL /IM "msedge.exe"`
`TASKKILL /IM "msedge.exe"`	Terminate all instances of Microsoft Edge.	`TASKKILL /IM "msedge.exe"`
`TASKKILL /PID 10736`	Terminate the process with the specified PID (10736 in this case).	`TASKKILL /PID 10736`

System Tools

Command	Explanation	Example
`REG`	Open the Registry Editor for managing Windows registry settings.	`REGEDIT`
`RUNAS /USER:user2 program1`	Execute the program `program1` as another user (`user2`).	`RUNAS /USER:user2 program1`
`POWERSHELL`	Open a Powershell instance for advanced scripting and automation.	`POWERSHELL`

Batch Scripting Commands

Batch Scripting Basics

Create automation scripts using batch commands!

Command	What It Does	Example
`ECHO Hello World!`	Print to screen	`ECHO Hello World!`
`PAUSE`	Wait for user to press a key	`PAUSE`
`CHOICE`	Let user choose an option	`CHOICE /M "Do you want to continue?"`
`TIMEOUT 10`	Wait 10 seconds	`TIMEOUT 10`
`CLS`	Clear screen	`CLS`
`EXIT`	Close command line	`EXIT`
`START notepad.exe`	Open Notepad	`START notepad.exe`
`TITLE My Script`	Change window title	`TITLE Backup Script`
`HELP`	List available commands	`HELP`

Tip: Batch scripts (saved as .bat files) contain multiple Windows commands you can run together!

Flow Control

Flow control in batch scripting allows you to direct the execution of a script based on certain conditions. It enables decision-making and iteration for more complex tasks.

Conditional Statements

Conditional	Syntax	Example
`IF`	Execute a command if a condition is true.	`IF (%a%==5) echo a is 5`
`IF-ELSE`	Execute one command if the condition is true, otherwise execute another command.	`IF (%a%==5) echo a is 5 ELSE echo a is not 5`
Nested IF	Use `IF` inside another `IF` to check multiple conditions.	`IF (%a%==5) IF (%b%==10) echo both are correct`
Infinite Loop	Create a loop that runs indefinitely.	`:marker <br> do_something <br> GOTO marker`
While Loop	Repeat commands while a condition is true.	`:marker <br> IF (%a%==5) ( <br> do_something <br> GOTO marker)`

Flow Control Explanation

IF: Checks a condition and runs a command if the condition is true. Example: IF (%a%==5) echo a is 5
IF-ELSE: Adds an else branch to the flow, so a command is run if the condition is false. Example: IF (%a%==5) echo a is 5 ELSE echo a is not 5
Nested IF: You can have an IF inside another IF, which is useful for checking multiple conditions. Example: IF (%a%==5) IF (%b%==10) echo both are correct
Infinite Loop: This creates an endless loop. It is often used with a condition to break out of it. Example: :marker do_something GOTO marker
While Loop: The loop runs repeatedly while a condition is true. Example: :marker IF (%a%==5) ( do_something GOTO marker)

Shortcut Keys

Windows Command Prompt has several shortcut keys to enhance your productivity. Here are some of the most useful ones:

Key	Effect
`Tab`	Autocomplete commands or file paths.
`Ctrl+F`	Open a dialog box to find text in the console.
`F1`	Retype the last command, one character at a time.
`F3`	Retype the last command.
`F5`	Retype the last command without scrolling.
`F8`	Recycle through previous commands.
`F2`	Copy the current command leftward of the cursor.
`F4`	Delete the current command rightward of the cursor.
`F6`	Insert an end-of-file character.
`F7`	List previous commands and select one to run.
`F9`	Retype a command by typing its line number in the command history.

Conclusion

With this Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet, you’ll be able to navigate, manage files, control networks, and automate tasks like a pro! Whether you’re troubleshooting a PC, writing a batch script, or just trying to look cool with black screens and white text — cmd has your back.

If you ever feel lost, just remember:
COMMAND /? is your best friend!