CMD Commands	DOS Commands
Modern Windows OS (e.g., Windows 10)	MS-DOS and early Windows versions
Command-line interface in modern Windows	Command-line interface in DOS
Similar to DOS but includes additional commands and features	Basic commands, limited features
More advanced with support for scripts, network commands, and modern utilities	Basic file and disk operations
ping, netstat, tasklist, ipconfig	dir, copy, del, format
Supports advanced batch scripting with .cmd and .bat files	Supports basic batch files (.bat)
Works with modern file systems like NTFS	Primarily worked with FAT12, FAT16
Extensive network utilities and commands	Limited to basic networking functionality
Includes commands for security management, such as net user and cacls	Basic access control commands
Advanced handling and manipulation of environment variables	Basic environment variable management

Command Prompt Commands List

The Command Prompt commands list includes a wide range of functions that allow users to interact with the Windows operating system through text-based commands. These commands are crucial for performing tasks such as managing files, configuring networks, and accessing system information without using the graphical interface.

For instance, basic commands like dir and cd are used for navigating directories, while copy and del help manage files. Network-related commands such as ipconfig and ping are essential for diagnosing and troubleshooting network issues. Additionally, there are commands for advanced tasks like diskpart for disk management and sfc for system file checking.

Basic CMD Commands

1. cd: Change Directory – Navigates between directories.
2. dir: List Directory Contents – Displays the files and folders in the current directory.
3. cls: Clear Screen – Clears all previous commands and outputs from the screen.
4. echo: Display Messages or Turn Command Echoing On/Off – Useful for displaying text in batch files.
5. exit: Exit the Command Prompt – Closes the CMD window.

Example
For example, the cd command is used to change the current working directory. Typing cd Documents navigates to the Documents directory. The dir command, on the other hand, lists all files and directories within the current directory, providing details such as file size and modification date. These commands are fundamental for navigating and managing files in the CMD environment.

File and Directory Operations

1. copy: Copy Files – Copies files from one location to another.
2. move: Move Files – Moves files from one directory to another.
3. del: Delete Files – Deletes specified files.
4. mkdir: Create New Directory – Creates a new directory.
5. rmdir: Remove Directory – Deletes a directory.

Example
The copy command, for instance, can duplicate files from one directory to another. Using copy file1.txt D:\Backup copies file1.txt to the Backup directory on the D drive. The del command is equally straightforward; typing del file1.txt removes the file named file1.txt from the current directory. These commands are indispensable for efficient file management and organization within CMD.

System Information Commands

1. systeminfo: Display Detailed System Information – Provides comprehensive system details.
2. hostname: Display Hostname of the Machine – Shows the computer’s name on the network.
3. tasklist: Display List of Currently Running Processes – Lists all active processes.
4. taskkill: Terminate Running Process – Ends a specified process.

Example
The systeminfo command outputs detailed information about the system, such as the OS version, installed updates, and hardware specifications. Executing tasklist shows a list of all running processes along with their process IDs (PIDs). This information is crucial for monitoring system performance and identifying potential issues.

Network Configuration Commands

1. ipconfig: Display Network Configuration – Shows network settings and IP addresses.
2. ping: Test Network Connectivity – Sends packets to a specified IP address to test connectivity.
3. tracert: Trace Route to a Network Host – Traces the path packets take to reach a host.
4. netstat: Display Network Statistics – Provides network connection statistics and listening ports.

Example
ipconfig is a vital command for viewing and managing network configurations. For instance, ipconfig /all displays detailed network settings, including IP addresses, DNS servers, and MAC addresses. The ping command is often used to test connectivity to another networked device, helping diagnose network issues. Typing ping google.com sends packets to Google’s servers and reports back on the connectivity status.

Disk Management Commands

1. diskpart: Disk Partition Utility – Manages disk partitions.
2. chkdsk: Check Disk for Errors – Scans and repairs disk errors.
3. format: Format a Disk – Prepares a disk for use by erasing its contents and setting up a file system.
4. diskcomp: Compare Contents of Two Disks – Compares the contents of two floppy disks.

Example
The chkdsk command is indispensable for maintaining disk health. Running chkdsk /f scans the disk for errors and attempts to fix them. diskpart provides a more advanced set of disk management tools, allowing users to create, delete, and resize partitions. These commands help ensure the integrity and optimal performance of storage devices.

Security and Access Commands

1. net user: Manage User Accounts – Adds, modifies, or displays user accounts.
2. attrib: Change File Attributes – Modifies file attributes like read-only, hidden, or system.
3. cacls: Change Access Control Lists – Modifies file and folder permissions.
4. cipher: Encrypt or Decrypt Data – Manages encryption on NTFS volumes.

Example
net user allows for comprehensive user account management. For example, net user username /add creates a new user account. attrib can be used to hide files; attrib +h secret.txt makes the file secret.txt hidden. These commands are crucial for managing security settings and user permissions on a Windows system.

Advanced CMD Commands

1. sfc: System File Checker – Scans and restores system files.
2. sc: Service Control – Manages Windows services.
3. reg: Registry Operations – Manages the Windows registry.
4. shutdown: Shutdown or Restart the Computer – Shuts down or restarts the machine.

Example
sfc /scannow is used to scan and repair protected system files, ensuring system stability. sc can start or stop services; sc start servicename starts a specific service. These advanced commands are essential for maintaining system health and managing core system services.

Scripting and Automation Commands

1. for: Loop Through Files and Directories – Iterates over a set of items.
2. if: Conditional Processing in Batch Files – Performs actions based on conditions.
3. set: Set Environment Variables – Sets or displays environment variables.
4. call: Call One Batch Program from Another – Invokes another batch script.

Example
The for command is particularly useful in batch scripting. For instance, for %i in (*.txt) do echo %i loops through all text files in a directory, displaying their names. if statements enable conditional logic in scripts, allowing for more complex automation. These commands are fundamental for creating efficient, automated workflows in CMD.

Importance of Knowing CMD Commands

Knowing CMD commands can significantly enhance your ability to manage and troubleshoot Windows systems. For example, system administrators use CMD commands to automate tasks, configure network settings, and monitor system performance. Developers often leverage CMD for scripting and automating build processes. For general users, CMD can be a powerful tool for performing file operations, checking system information, and even customizing the operating system. By mastering CMD, users can unlock a higher level of control and efficiency in their daily computing tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Command Prompt (CMD) commands are essential tools for managing and troubleshooting Windows systems. With over 280 commands, they allow users to perform a wide range of tasks, from file management to network diagnostics. Whether you’re copying files, formatting disks, or checking system information, these commands provide powerful functionality beyond the graphical interface. Understanding and using CMD commands can significantly enhance your ability to work with your computer efficiently and solve technical issues.

Complete List of Command Prompt (CMD) Commands – FAQs

What are CMD commands?

CMD commands are text-based instructions used in the Command Prompt interface of Windows. They allow users to perform tasks like file management, network configuration, and system diagnostics directly from a command line.

How do I get a list of commands in CMD?

To get a list of commands in CMD, open Command Prompt and type help or /?. This will display a list of available commands along with a brief description of each.

How do I run a Command Prompt in CMD?

To run a Command Prompt in CMD, simply type cmd in the Run dialog (opened by pressing Win + R) and press Enter. Alternatively, search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and click on it.

How many commands are there in CMD?

There are over 280 commands available in CMD, each serving different functions like file operations, network tasks, and system utilities.

What is the most powerful CMD command?

The sfc /scannow command is considered one of the most powerful as it scans and repairs system files, ensuring system integrity.

How do I learn CMD commands effectively?

Practice regularly, use online resources, and refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

Can CMD commands be dangerous?

Yes, especially commands that modify system files or settings. Always use caution and understand the command’s function before executing it.

How do I recover from mistakes made using CMD commands?

Use system restore points, backups, and recovery options to revert any unintended changes.