How To Open the Command Prompt on a Windows 10 or 11 PC

The Command Prompt, as the name suggests, provides an interface that allows users to operate their computers using the Command Line. In other words, users can control their computers using commands instead of the conventional Graphical User Interface (GUI). Fortunately, opening the Command Prompt on a Windows PC is relatively straightforward.

If you want to know how to open the Command Prompt on your Windows PC, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll learn how to go about the process so you can start using commands to operate your computer. Keep reading to find out more.

How to Open the Command Prompt on a Windows 10 PC

While the Graphical User Interface is the most popular way to navigate a computer, you might have other reasons for wanting to use the Command Prompt. For instance, you might want to use it to install and uninstall programs, access admin privileges, or learn the command language.

Whatever your reasons, follow these steps to open the Command Prompt on a Windows 10 PC:

1. Click the search icon and type in “Command Prompt.”
   
2. Select the first result that pops up and click “Open.” Alternatively, you can press the “Enter” key to open the program.
   
3. You should see a window with a blinking cursor.
   
4. Start writing the commands that you wish.
   

How to Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator

The above process allows you to open the Command Prompt as a regular user. If you want to open it along with admin privileges, follow these steps instead:

1. Search for “Command Prompt” or “cmd” on your Windows PC.
   
2. From the options, choose “Run as Administrator.”
   
3. In the popup widget, click “Yes” to access admin privileges.
4. The Command Prompt should now open with all the administrator privileges enabled.
   

There are alternative ways to open the Command Prompt on a Windows PC apart from the method discussed above. Here are some of them.

How to Open the Command Prompt Within a Folder

Sometimes, you might want to open the Command Prompt within a specific folder. For instance, when you want to install a program within a particular folder. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Open File Explorer.
   
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to open the Command Prompt.
   
3. Click the file icon next to the file path of the folder.
   
4. Once the file path is highlighted, press the “Delete” key.
   
5. Now type in “cmd” and hit “Enter.”
   
6. The Command Prompt should now open within the highlighted folder.
   

Alternatively, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the folder from which you want to launch the Command Prompt.
   
2. Right-click on the folder.
   
3. From the options, select “Open command window here.”

How to Open the Command Prompt Using the Task Manager

To open the Command Prompt using the Task Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Task Manager.
   
2. From the top menu, select “File.”
   
3. Type in “cmd” and press the “Enter” key.
   

How to Open Command Prompt on a Windows 11 PC

If you want to open the Command Prompt on your Windows 11 PC, here’s how to get started:

1. Right-click on the “Start” icon.
   
2. From the options, select “Run.”
   
3. In the “Open” text field, type in “cmd.”
   
4. Click the “OK” button to finish.
   

Please note that the above process opens a command line that lacks administrative privileges. If you want to open a command line with administrative rights, use these steps instead:

1. Click the Search icon.
   
2. In the search field, type in “cmd.”
   
3. From the menu, select “Run as Administrator.”
   
4. Select “Yes” in the user’s account control window.
   
5. You should now see a command line window pop up.
   

Control Your Computer Like a Pro

Knowing how to use the command line can come in handy whether you’re a programmer or just an average user. Fortunately, opening the Command Prompt is a relatively straightforward process. Simply go to your computer, search for “cmd,” and hit the “Enter” key.

Have you tried opening the Command Prompt on your Windows PC? Which of the methods mentioned in this article did you use? Please let us know in the comments section below.