Most-used Run Commands Windows Users Should Know
Run program can help you to go faster to run a program on your window computer. You can lunch program, control panel settings, folder location and much more from this utility.
In this article, we will cover important Run commands for Windows users. These commands can make it easier to manage a lot of tasks.
List of Windows Run Commands
- services.msc – When you enter “services.msc” and press the Enter button, it will open the Windows Services app where you can easily start, stop and configure other settings for each and every service individually.
- mstsc – Entering “mstsc” into the Run dialog box opens the Remote Desktop Connection app which allows you to connect to another Windows Server.
- msinfo32 – If you want to quickly get your system information, then the “msinfo32” command is the way to go. At a glance it will display all the system details including the hardware resources and software environment.
- sdclt – This command opens the Backup and Restore window that allows you to quickly set a backup schedule or restore any of your previous backups.
- compmgmt.msc – The Computer Management app is where you can access almost all the advanced Windows modules like Event Viewer, Shared Folder, System Tools, etc.
- cleanmgr – This command allows you to open the Windows Disk Cleanup utility. Once opened, simply select the drive your want to clean up and click the “OK” button.
- eventvwr.msc – Windows Event Viewer is where Windows stores all the monitoring and troubleshooting messages. You can use this command to quickly access the Event Viewer application.
- control – This command opens Windows Control Panel, you can quickly access the Control Panel with some stumbling around.
- mmc – Microsoft Management Console (MMC) is an advanced Windows module that is mainly aimed at system administrators and power users, as it sports all the tools required for configuring and monitoring a Windows system.
- resmon – Whenever you want to check how your system resources are being utilized, simply use this Run command, and it displays everything from your CPU to Dist to Network.
- cmd – Even Windows users have to deal with the command line sometimes. With this command you can quickly open the command prompt without administrator privileges.
- powershell – If the command prompt is too old for you, then you may want to try PowerShell. Just type this command in the Run dialog box, and you will have your PowerShell opened without administrator privileges.
- netplwiz – The general user accounts option is available through the Control Panel, but if you want to mess with the advanced user account options, then use this command to open the Advanced User Accounts window.
- gpedit.msc – Group Policy Editor in Windows allows you to set and edit different Windows policies of a local or remote computer. Since Group Policy Editor is an advanced tool, it is buried deep inside Windows, and this Run command is the easiest way to access it.
- lusrmgr.msc – Using this command, you can open the Local Users and Groups Manager where you can edit several properties of all the users and groups.
- ncpa.cpl – Being an Internet user means that you have to deal with occasional (if not daily) network problems, and one way to troubleshoot your network connection is by accessing your Network Adapters. To access all your Network Adapters, you can use this Run command.
- perfmon.msc – If you want to monitor the performance of your Windows computer and effects of the programs you run, running Performance Monitor will provide ample data. You can access the Performance Monitor using this command.
- powercfg.cpl – Windows hosts a wide range of power options to deal with your computer’s power usage, and you can access all those Power Options using this command.
- appwiz.cpl – Using this command you can quickly access the Programs and Features window where you can quickly uninstall your installed programs.
- devmgmt.msc – Windows Device Manager is where you can manage all your hardware devices, and you can use this Run command to quickly access it. Alternatively, you can also use the command “hdwwiz.cpl.”
- regedit – Regedit Run command can be used to access the Windows Registry, which is a hierarchical database that hosts all the configurations and settings of an operating system and the installed programs.
- msconfig – Windows System Configuration is where you can edit different things like the boot options, startup options, services, etc. You can use this Run command to access the System Configuration window.
- sysdm.cpl – If you ever want to access the System Properties window, then using this Run command opens it right up.
- firewall.cpl – If you want to manage or configure your Windows firewall, then you can use this Run command to quickly access the Firewall window.
- wuapp – Last but not least, you can use this command to check, manage and configure all your Windows update settings.
- .. (Double Dots) When you execute these two dots in the Run dialog box, it will open up the Users folder which is located directly on the C drive.
- . (Dot) This is yet another lesser known Run command. When executed, it opens the current user’s home folder which hosts all the other local folders like the Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Pictures, etc.
- hdwwiz.cpl – This command is used to open the Device Manager in Windows. You can manage all the device connected internally or externally to your PC.
- \ (Backslash) – This is one of the lesser known Run commands. Just enter the backslash into the Run dialog box and it will open up the C drive. It is one of the quickest ways to access the C drive.
- taskschd.msc – This command is used to open the Task Scheduler.
More useful Windows RUN commands
Commands | Functions |
xpsrchvw | XPS Viewer |
write | WordPad |
wmimgmt.msc | WMI Management |
winver | Versione Windows |
mobsync | Sync Center |
wuapp | Windows Update |
wscript | Windows Script Host |
recdisc | Windows Repair Disc |
services.msc | Services |
syskey | SAM Lock Tool |
powershell | Windows PowerShell |
soundrecorder | Sound recorder |
mblctr | Windows Mobility Center |
stikynot | Sticky Notes |
wmplayer | Windows Media Player |
journal | Windows Journal |
regedit | Registry Editor |
firewall.cpl | Windows Firewall |
optionalfeatures | Windows Features |
wfs | Windows Fax and Scan |
explorer | Windows Explorer |
migwiz | Windows Easy Transfer |
dvdmaker | Windows DVD Maker |
intl.cpl | Region and Language |
infocardcpl.cpl | Windows CardSpace |
desk.cpl | Screen Resolution |
wscui.cpl | Windows Action Center |
sndvol | Volume Mixer |
winver | Version Reporter Applet |
utilman | Utility Manager |
taskschd.msc | Task Scheduler |
taskmgr | Task Manager |
rstrui | System Restore |
fsmgmt.msc | Shared Folders |
documents | Open Documents Folder |
videos | Open Videos folder |
downloads | open download folder |
favorites | Open Favorites Folder |
recent | Open Recent Folder |
pictures | Open Pictures Folder |
hdwwiz | Add Hardware Wizard |
netplwiz | Advanced User Accounts |
azman.msc | Advanced User Accounts |
sdclt | Backup and Restore |
calc | Calculator |
timedate.cpl | date andd time |
devmgmt.msc | Device Manager |
cleanmgr | Disk Cleanup |
dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostic Tool |
dfrgui | Disk Defragmenter |
joy.cpl | Game Controllers |
gettingstarted | Getting Started |
iexplore | Internet Explorer |
inetcpl.cpl | Internet Options |
gpedit.msc | Local Group Policy Editor |
secpol.msc | Local Security Policy |
mrt | Malicious Software |
main.cpl | Mouse |
ncpa.cpl | Network Connections |
notepad | open Notepad |
Paint | mspaint |
tabletpc.cpl | Pen and Touch |
telephon.cpl | Phone and Modem |
dialer | Phone Dialer |
powercfg.cpl | Power Options |
appwiz.cpl | Programs and Features |
msconfig | System Configuration |
sysdm.cpl | System Properties |
mstsc | Remote Desktop |
iexpress | IExpress Wizard |
fontview | Font Viewer |
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I am shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Rattling informative and superb complex body part of subject matter, now that’s user pleasant (:.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
it is a interesting web blog
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do think that you should write more about this issue, it
might not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t speak about these issues.
To the next! All the best!!
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest
but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back
down the road. Cheers
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
You have some really great articles and I believe I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some material for your blog in exchange
for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if
interested. Cheers!
Please write us at – hello@future4tech.com
Highly descriptive post, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be a part 2?
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
I respect your work, appreciate it for all the interesting articles.
I like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
I like this blog so much, saved to bookmarks.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details. Patrica Leighton Selmner
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is extremely good. Iolande Jeff Andrey
Thanks for the blog post. Really thank you! Really Great. Maggy Pattin Chenay
Some truly nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, likewise I conceive the layout has great features. Julina Micheil Olodort
Hi there Dear, are you actually visiting this web page on a regular basis, if so after that you will definitely obtain nice experience. Harrie Penrod Hung
There is definately a great deal to find out about this topic. I like all the points you have made. Heather Micah Grof
This is an excellent, an eye-opener for sure! Good job on this article! Good job on this article! You appear to know a lot about this. Alene Courtnay Vitus
Because the admin of this website is working, no doubt very soon it will be famous, due to its feature contents. Tisha Wade Cori