Windows CMD: Essential Daily-Use Commands (Beginner-Friendly)

Faster than clicking Automate tasks Fix common issues Control your PC like a pro Open CMD: Press Win + R → type cmd → Enter Run as Admin: Right-click CMD → Run as administrator

Windows CMD: Essential Daily-Use Commands (Beginner-Friendly)

Master the Command Prompt for Everyday Tasks

Why Use CMD?

Faster than clicking
Automate tasks
Fix common issues
Control your PC like a pro

Open CMD: Press Win + R → type cmd → Enter
Run as Admin: Right-click CMD → Run as administrator

CATEGORY 1: SYSTEM INFORMATION

Command	What It Does	Example
`systeminfo`	Full PC specs (RAM, OS, CPU)	`systeminfo`
`ver`	Windows version	`ver`
`hostname`	Your PC name	`hostname`
`whoami`	Current username	`whoami`
`wmic cpu get name`	CPU model	`wmic cpu get name`
`wmic computersystem get totalphysicalmemory`	RAM in bytes	`wmic computersystem get totalphysicalmemory`

Daily Use: Check if your PC meets software requirements.

CATEGORY 2: FILE & FOLDER MANAGEMENT

Command	Purpose	Example
`dir`	List files/folders	`dir`
`dir /a`	Show hidden files	`dir /a`
`dir /s`	Search all subfolders	`dir /s *.txt`
`cd folder`	Change directory	`cd Documents`
`cd ..`	Go up one folder	`cd ..`
`cd \`	Go to root (C:)	`cd \`
`mkdir name`	Create folder	`mkdir Photos`
`rmdir name`	Delete empty folder	`rmdir Temp`
`del file.txt`	Delete file	`del report.txt`
`copy file dest`	Copy file	`copy photo.jpg D:\`
`move file dest`	Move file	`move song.mp3 D:\Music\`
`ren old new`	Rename	`ren cat.jpg dog.jpg`

Daily Use: Organize files, backup photos, clean desktop.

CATEGORY 3: NETWORK & INTERNET

Command	Purpose	Example
`ipconfig`	Your IP, gateway, DNS	`ipconfig`
`ipconfig /all`	Full network details	`ipconfig /all`
`ping google.com`	Check internet	`ping google.com`
`tracert google.com`	See internet route	`tracert google.com`
`nslookup google.com`	DNS lookup	`nslookup google.com`
`netstat -an`	Open ports/connections	`netstat -an`
`arp -a`	Devices on your network	`arp -a`

Daily Use: Fix Wi-Fi, check if printer is connected.

CATEGORY 4: DISK & STORAGE

Command	Purpose	Example
`chkdsk C:`	Check disk errors	`chkdsk C:`
`chkdsk C: /f`	Fix errors (needs reboot)	`chkdsk C: /f`
`defrag C:`	Optimize HDD (not for SSD)	`defrag C:`
`diskpart` → `list disk`	Manage drives	`diskpart`
`fsutil fsinfo drives`	List all drives	`fsutil fsinfo drives`
`wmic logicaldisk get name`	List drive letters	`wmic logicaldisk get name`

Daily Use: Free up space, fix slow USB drives.

CATEGORY 5: PROGRAMS & PROCESSES

Command	Purpose	Example
`tasklist`	Running programs	`tasklist`
`tasklist \| find "chrome"`	Find specific app	`tasklist \| find "notepad"`
`taskkill /IM chrome.exe /F`	Force close app	`taskkill /IM notepad.exe /F`
`start notepad`	Open app	`start chrome`
`start .`	Open current folder	`start .`

Daily Use: Close frozen apps, open folders fast.

CATEGORY 6: USER & SECURITY

Command	Purpose	Example
`net user`	List users	`net user`
`net user username`	View user details	`net user john`
`net user username newpass`	Change password	`net user john 12345`
`net localgroup administrators`	Admin users	`net localgroup administrators`
`runas /user:admin cmd`	Run as admin	`runas /user:admin cmd`

Daily Use: Reset forgotten password, check who has admin rights.

CATEGORY 7: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Command	Purpose	Example
`sfc /scannow`	Fix corrupted system files	`sfc /scannow`
`shutdown /s /t 0`	Shutdown now	`shutdown /s /t 0`
`shutdown /r /t 0`	Restart now	`shutdown /r /t 0`
`shutdown /h`	Hibernate	`shutdown /h`
`powercfg /batteryreport`	Battery health (laptop)	`powercfg /batteryreport`
`cleanmgr`	Disk cleanup GUI	`cleanmgr`

Daily Use: Speed up slow PC, save battery.

CATEGORY 8: SHORTCUTS & TRICKS

Trick	Command	Use
Clear screen	`cls`	Clean CMD
Copy output	`command \| clip`	`ipconfig \| clip`
Repeat last command	`↑` arrow key	Fast retry
Auto-complete	`Tab`	Type `cd Doc` → `Tab`
History	`F7`	See past commands
Run multiple	`&&`	`dir && echo Done`

DAILY LIFE SCENARIOS (REAL EXAMPLES)

Task	CMD Command
Find large files	`dir /s /b \| sort /r \| more`
Backup folder to USB	`xcopy C:\Photos E:\Backup /s /e /h /i`
Open Downloads folder	`start %userprofile%\Downloads`
Check Wi-Fi password	`netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear`
Kill all Chrome	`taskkill /IM chrome.exe /F`
Create daily backup	`robocopy C:\Work D:\Backup /MIR`

QUICK CHEAT SHEET (Copy-Paste)

:: SYSTEM
systeminfo
ver
hostname
whoami

:: FILES
dir
cd Documents
mkdir NewFolder
copy file.txt D:\
del temp.txt

:: NETWORK
ipconfig
ping 8.8.8.8
tracert google.com
netstat -an

:: PROGRAMS
tasklist
taskkill /IM notepad.exe /F
start chrome

:: CLEANUP
sfc /scannow
cleanmgr
powercfg /batteryreport

:: SHUTDOWN
shutdown /r /t 0

PRACTICE DAILY (5-Minute Challenge)

Day	Task
Mon	`ipconfig` → Screenshot your IP
Tue	`dir C:\ > files.txt` → Save file list
Wed	`ping google.com` → Check internet
Thu	`tasklist > apps.txt` → See running apps
Fri	`sfc /scannow` → Fix system

NEXT STEPS

Level	Learn
Beginner	Done! You’re ready
Intermediate	PowerShell Basics
Advanced	Batch Scripting

You now control Windows with CMD!
Save this page — your daily CMD reference.

Want PDF version or printable cheat sheet? Just say!

Keep practicing — 1 command per day = Pro in 30 days!

Last updated: Nov 10, 2025

Windows CMD: Essential Daily-Use Commands (Beginner-Friendly)

Faster than clicking Automate tasks Fix common issues Control your PC like a pro Open CMD: Press Win + R → type cmd → Enter Run as Admin: Right-click CMD → Run as administrator