Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows Command Prompt can help you inspect your network, find running programs, check system files, and copy folders without installing extra tools. These 18 practical commands work in Windows 10 and Windows 11; some need an administrator Command Prompt, and a few can change files or network settings.
Command Prompt is the Windows command shell. Windows also includes PowerShell, which Microsoft describes as intended for more advanced capabilities. For routine command-line tasks, start with Microsoft’s Windows Commands reference.
What are some useful Command Prompt tricks in Windows?
Open Command Prompt by searching for Command Prompt from Start. For commands that require elevated permissions, right-click the result and choose Run as administrator. Enter one command at a time and press Enter. Replace example drive letters and paths with the ones on your PC.
1. List available commands with help
Run help to see commands available in Command Prompt. It is a useful starting point when you know the task but not the command name. Microsoft documents this behavior in its help reference.
2. Get help for one command
Run help robocopy to display help for Robocopy. Substitute another command name to look up its syntax. The details available vary by command, so consult the command’s Microsoft reference when you need to confirm an option.
How do I find my IP address in Command Prompt?
3. Show basic network configuration
Run ipconfig to see TCP/IP configuration for network adapters, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways. A computer with multiple adapters may show several sections. Microsoft’s ipconfig reference explains the command and its options.
4. Show full adapter details
Run ipconfig /all to display fuller configuration details for each adapter, including information such as physical addresses and DNS settings. Review the adapter that corresponds to your active connection rather than assuming the first one listed is in use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →5. Clear the DNS resolver cache
Run ipconfig /flushdns when troubleshooting a DNS cache issue. Windows clears the local resolver cache; this is not a general internet-speed improvement and does not fix every name-resolution problem.
6. Renew a DHCP-assigned address
Run ipconfig /renew to request refreshed DHCP configuration for eligible adapters. Use it when a DHCP-assigned connection needs renewal; it is not the right remedy for every connectivity failure, and it will not configure an adapter that relies on a manually assigned address.
How do I see what programs are running?
7. List running processes
Run tasklist to see processes running on the computer, including image names and process IDs. A process is not necessarily a visible application window: Windows services and background components also appear. See Microsoft’s tasklist reference for filters and output formats.
8. Filter a process listing
Run tasklist /fi "STATUS eq running" to apply a filter for running processes. The quoted filter is a condition passed to the command, not a search for a particular program name. Other filter fields and valid values are documented in the tasklist reference.
9. Export process data as CSV
Run tasklist /fo csv to display process data in comma-separated format. You can select and copy the output for inspection in a spreadsheet or another tool. Treat process data as information about your PC; do not share it publicly without checking it for details you want to keep private.
How can I inspect Windows and check system files?
10. Print computer and Windows details
Run systeminfo to report operating-system, security, and hardware configuration. It can be useful when checking a PC’s configuration or gathering details for troubleshooting. Because its output can expose identifying or security-relevant information, review it before posting or sending it. Microsoft documents the command in its systeminfo reference.
11. Format system information as a list or CSV
Run systeminfo /fo LIST for list-style output or systeminfo /fo CSV for comma-separated output. Choose a format that suits how you will read or process the results; CSV output may still contain sensitive system details.
12. Verify protected system files without repairing them
Open an administrator Command Prompt and run sfc /verifyonly. System File Checker scans protected system files for integrity problems but does not attempt repairs with this option. Microsoft’s sfc reference explains the available scan options.
13. Scan and attempt to repair protected files
In an administrator Command Prompt, run sfc /scannow. It checks protected system files and attempts to replace incorrect versions when possible. Administrator-group membership is required. Let the scan finish and use its result to decide whether further troubleshooting is needed.
How do I check a drive with Command Prompt?
14. Check a volume’s file-system status
Run chkdsk C: to check the C: volume and report file-system status without a repair switch. Substitute the intended drive letter. This checks file-system structures; it is not a complete diagnosis of a drive’s physical health. See Microsoft’s chkdsk reference.
15. Repair file-system errors when intended
Run chkdsk C: /f only when you intend to fix file-system errors on that volume. The /f option makes changes, and local administrator-level access is required. Save your work first, ensure you selected the correct volume, and avoid casually interrupting a check or repair in progress.
How do I copy folders from Command Prompt?
16. Copy a folder tree with Robocopy
Use Robocopy to copy files and directory structures from a source folder to a destination folder. For example:
Recommended Free Tools
robocopy "C:Records" "D:BackupRecords" /eHere, C:Records is the source, D:BackupRecords is the destination, and /e includes subdirectories, including empty ones. Quotes are important when paths contain spaces. Check the source and destination carefully before running a copy. Microsoft’s Robocopy reference documents its syntax and examples.
Best Value
17. Make a copy restartable and log its results
Add /z for restartable mode and /log:"C:Logscopy.log" to write command output to a log file. For example:
robocopy "C:Records" "D:BackupRecords" /e /z /log:"C:Logscopy.log"Create the log folder first if it does not exist, and choose a log path you can access. A successful file-copy command is not by itself a tested backup or a guarantee that files can be recovered.
18. Use multiple threads for a transfer
Add /mt to enable multithreaded copying; you can also specify a thread count, such as /mt:8. For example:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesrobocopy "C:Records" "D:BackupRecords" /e /mt:8Multithreading may suit transfers with many files, but is not automatically better for every workload. Test commands on noncritical files before relying on them. Avoid purge or mirror-style options unless you understand their effect: they can delete files from the destination.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
