USEFUL RUN COMMANDS EVERY WINDOWS USER SHOULD KNOW

A quick-and-easy keyboard-only way to run Windows’s wealth of tools is

through the “Run” command. If you know the corresponding Run command of
a tool or task, then you know the quickest way to access said tool or task.
This list of our favorite Run commands will help you be more productive.

Note: press  Win  +  R  on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box and enter
any of the below commands to access the respective tool.

List of Run Commands

1. control
This is a Run Command to quickly access Windows 10 Control Panel. However, some users are used
to open the Control Panel by Start menu or Windows 10 Power user menu.
2. taskmgr

This is a Run Command to open Task Manager as quickly as by right-clicking on the blank area of
Windows 10 taskbar.

3. cmd
There are more options to open Command Prompt in Windows 10, this command is just one of
shortcuts.
4. netplwiz

The common User Account is in Windows Control Panel, while this command opens the advanced
User Accounts window.

5. regedit
A power user may need to open Registry Editor to make changes to Windows registry. With this
command, you can quickly access Registry Editor.
6. lusrmgr.msc
Running this command, you can open Local Users and Groups manager where you can edit
properties of all your users and groups.
7. appwiz.cpl
This Run Command quickly opens the Programs and Features window where you can uninstall
programs and apps in Windows 10.
8. desk.cpl
It's a shortcut allowing you to change your Windows screen resolution.

9. powercfg.cpl
Running this command will directly open the Power Options window which is buried in Control
Panel.
10. main.cpl
This command can help you access Mouse Properties dialog where you can change settings of the
mouse connected to your computer.
11. snippingtool
If you are wondering How to Take Screenshots on Microsoft Surface Tablet, this Run Command is
just the shortcut to open Windows built-in Snipping Tool, with which you can not only take a
screenshot but also edit the screenshot.
12. logoff
This Run Command is a less known quick way to sign out of Windows 10.
13. msconfig

This command opens System Configuration dialog where you can change some of the system
settings in Windows.

14. diskmgmt.msc
This Run Command helps you open Windows 10 Disk Management where you can manage the hard
disk partition on your computer.
15. chrome/firefox/iexplore
Running chrome or firefox command can launch Chrome or Firefox browser if it’s installed on your
Windows 10, and the iexplore command can open Internet Explorer.
16. calc: Open Windows built-in calculator app for you.
17. compmgmt.msc: Open Computer Management window.
18. gpedit.msc: Open Local Group Policy Editor.
19. cleanmgr: Open Disk Cleanup utility.
20. sysdm.cpl: Opens System Properties window.

1. 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.
It’s quite helpful when you want to toggle a service.

This app lists all the services that work in the background without an
interface and make all the features work in Windows. Again, you
shouldn’t mess with any services if you don’t know what you are doing.
However, you can click on a service to learn what it does in the left
panel. There are many services that you can enable/disable depending
on your need. For example, I have disabled the Bluetooth service as I
don’t use it.
2. mstsc – Entering “mstsc” into the Run dialog box opens the Remote
Desktop Connection app which allows you to connect to other Windows
computers over the local network or through the Internet. This helps you
use the host computer as your own.

You can use this feature to remotely connect to another PC and

take full control over it. You’ll have to set up both PCs for the remote
connection first, though. This Run command just makes the process
easier.
3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.
6. 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.

7. 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.

8. control – Every Windows user knows a thing or two about the Windows
Control Panel, and using this command, you can quickly access the Control
Panel with some stumbling around.

Open Control Panel — “control”.This command didn’t hold much value in the
older version of Windows as you could easily access Control Panel using
different ways. However, in Windows 10, Microsoft promotes the new Settings
over the old Control Panel, so it doesn’t offer an easy way to access the
Control Panel. This simple command lets you easily access it.

9. 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.

10. 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 Disc to Network.

11. () – 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.

12. (.) – This is yet another lesser-known Run command. Type period (.) to
open the current user’s home folder, which hosts all the other local folders,
such as Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Pictures, etc.

13. (..) – When you execute these two dots in the Run dialog box, it will open
the Users folder, which is located directly in the C drive.
14. calc – If you want to quickly open the built-in Windows calculator app,
typing  calc  in the Run dialog box is the easiest way to do it.

15. 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.

Unlike PowerShell, you can’t access the Command Prompt by right-

clicking on the start menu anymore. If you prefer using the Command Prompt
over PowerShell to execute commands, this is one of the easier ways to open
the Command Prompt.
16. 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 to open
your PowerShell without administrator privileges.

17. 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. If you want to deal with the Authorization Manager, then use the Run
command azman.msc. Manage User Accounts — “netplwiz”.You can quickly
manage user accounts here, such as adding a new account or user account
types like Administrator or Standard. You can also change the user accounts
password here and manage their security.
18. 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. However, this command will only
work on the Windows 10 Pro version and not the Home variant.
For Windows 10 Home, download the gpedit-enabler.bat file, right-click on it,
and Run as an administrator. Let the installation process complete, then use
the gpedit.msc command.

19. 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. Again, this command will only work on Windows 10 Pro. To use it on
Windows 10 Home, install its third-party alternative.

20. mrt – Every month Windows releases a newer version of Microsoft

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool through the Windows Update.
This free tool helps you in cleaning some of the most popular malicious
software from your Windows computer. This tool runs silently in the
background, but if you want to run it manually, then use this Run command.
21. 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.

Access Network Connections — “ncpa.cpl” Here you can manage your current
network connection and fix any problem with the network device. You can
enable/disable the network, check the current status, bridge connections,
or see your Wi-Fi password.

22. 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.
23. 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. Manage Windows Power options — “powercfg.cpl”

You will find all the options to manage your PC’s power options here. There
are a plethora of options to both save power or get better performance. Check
this guide to optimize the power options as you find best.

24. appwiz.cpl – Using this command you can quickly access the Programs
and Features window where you can quickly uninstall your installed programs.

25. 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.”

26. regedit – The 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. Open Windows
Registry — “regedit” . If you ever need to access the Windows registry to tweak
something, this is the easiest way to do it. I didn’t even know other ways to access the
Registry until recently, and I often mess around in the Registry. Other ways are simply
too cumbersome to use.

27. 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.

the System Configuration window consists of multiple tabs to manage boot

settings and background services.

If you have a dual boot setup or often need to access safe mode, you will
often need to access these settings. Don’t forget to check its Tools section for
convenient access to some of the most powerful Windows tools.

28. sysdm.cpl – If you ever want to access the System Properties window,

then using this Run command opens it.
Access System Properties — “sysdm.cpl” Another powerful settings window
to manage system protection and remote connection features. I personally
access it often to manage the Performance settings under the Advanced tab.
You can manage some interesting performance-boosting options there.

29. 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.

30. wuapp – You can use this command to check, manage and configure all
your Windows Update settings. Please note that this command will not work
on Windows 10 devices, as all the options related to Windows Update are now
available under “Start → Settings → Update and Security.” You may, however,
use the “ms-settings:windowsupdate” command to open the Windows Update
window.

31. taskmgr – This command launches the Task Manager utility, which

displays the programs, services, and processes that are currently running on
your PC. It also allows you to monitor the performance of your computer in
terms of CPU usage, memory, network status, disk usage, and GPU usage.
Viewing app history, changing startup programs, and terminating a non-
responding program are other tools offered by Task Manager.

32. charmap – This command will unveil the Character Map app, which
contains a variety of special characters not found on your keyboard, such as
accented letters, foreign language characters, and other symbols. It allows
you to copy-paste special characters into your document or simply drag them
into compatible programs, such as Microsoft Word, WordPad, and so on.

Open Character Map app — “charmap”Windows Character Maps lets you

access All the characters in the font of your choice to easily use anywhere you
like. You can either copy the character or learn its Alt code to enter anywhere
you like. Using the search bar is the easiest way to find the character you
need.
33. shutdown – Use this command to shut down or restart your computer. To
shut down, type  shutdown /s , and to restart, type  shutdown /r . If you want the
computer to shut down automatically after a certain amount of time,
type  shutdown /s /t seconds , where the number seconds is denotes the time
the computer will wait before it will shut down automatically.

Tip: type  shutdown /a  to cancel the scheduled shutdown.

34. rstrui – If you need to restore your computer, use this command to get to
the System Restore interface quickly, then follow the on-screen instructions to
restore your computer.

35. resmon - Access Resource Monitor .A very powerful app to see real-time
information about your system resources like CPU, RAM, disk, and network.
For any computer hanging or performance-related issues, this is the best tool
to get the information you need.
36.msinfo32 - Open System Information .System Information app offers
extensive information about both the hardware and software of your PC. It’s a
must-know command if you need to see the specs of any PC. The information
is well laid out using dedicated categories, and you can export the information
to a file to share with anyone — perfect for getting online tech assistance.

37. sdclt - Access Backup and Restore window .It opens the backup and
restores window where you can either set up a backup of your PC or restore it
from an old backup if there is a problem with your PC.
38.main.cpl - Access mouse properties.You can control all the settings
related to your computer mouse here. This includes mouse speed, buttons,
wheel, and pointer, etc.

39.optionalfeatures - Open Windows Features

Here you can disable/enable some of the most advanced features of Windows. I
wouldn’t recommend you to mess around here if you don’t know what you are doing.
You will need to use this window if you ever need to enable features like Telnet
client or Hyper-V.
40.magnify - Open Magnifier

This opens the Windows magnifier to magnify the content on the screen up to 1600% if
needed. It also has a screen reader built-in to read aloud text on the screen.

41.mrt - Run Malicious Software Removal Tool

It’s an on-demand virus removal tool provided by Microsoft to scan your PC and find
any malicious software. If you think your PC got infected by a virus, you can quickly
launch this tool to scan your PC.

You can also consider installing antivirus software to keep your Windows computer
safe.

42.devmgmt.msc - Open Device Manager

Device Manager is the go-to place to manage everything related to your hardware
components and their drivers. You can enable/disable hardware components or
manage their drivers, like uninstalling or updating them.

43.appwiz.cpl - Access Programs and Features window

Although Windows 10 has its own setting to uninstall an app, I still use this command as
it only shows third-party apps. The default Windows uninstaller shows all apps,
including built-in apps, which are 30+. It can be difficult to always go through so many
apps to uninstall a recently installed app. This command makes the process a snap.

44.“.” (period) - Open current user folder

We have to access the user folder quite often in Windows, but going through the
explorer to access it isn’t needed. Just type a period in the Run dialog, and the current
user’s folder will open up.

45.osk - Open On-Screen Keyboard

If you want to use the on-screen keyboard, then using the Run command is one of the
quickest ways to do it.
46.snippingtool - Open Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool is still the go-to tool for taking screenshots in Windows 10 without using a
third-party app. If you use the Snipping Tool for taking screenshots, then this Run
command will make it easier.

47.mdsched - Open Windows Memory Diagnostic

If you think there is a problem with your RAM, this tool can check your RAM and
possibly fix the problem or let you know there is an issue. If you start seeing sudden
freezes or crashes, it could mean there is a problem with your RAM.

48.Insert website URL - Open any website

You can also enter the URL of any website in the Run dialog, and it will open it in your
default browser. For example, if you type www.geekflare.com in the Run command, it will
open the Geekflare home page in your default browser.
Complete List of Windows 10 Keyboard
Shortcuts and Run Commands
Everyone loves a quick way to get things done in Windows. If a mouse tends to slow
you down, then here is a comprehensive list of keyboard commands you can use to
accomplish almost any task you would normally use a mouse for.

Function Command
Power menu Press Windows key + X or right-click Start
Windows + Tab Launch Windows 10 Task View
Windows + Q Search the web and Windows with Cortana (speech)
Search the web and Windows with Cortana
Windows + S (keyboard input)
Windows + I Open Windows 10 settings
Windows + A Open Windows 10 notifications
Windows + L Lock your Windows 10 device
Windows + Ctrl + D Create new virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + F4 Close current virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl +
[Left][Right] Switch between virtual desktops
Windows + [Left] Position windows on your screenE.g. Windows +
[Right][Up][Down] [Left] moves the current window to the left half of your
screen. If you use Windows + [Up] afterward, the
current window will be placed in the upper left quarter
 of your screen.And, what’s very handy in my opinion:
If you release the Windows key after positioning a
window, Task View shows up on the opposite side of
the positioned window to select and position another
app.
Windows + H Share content (if supported by current app)
Windows + K Connect to wireless displays and audio devices
Windows + X Open Start button context menu
Windows key + G Starts App recording
Windows + D Show Windows desktop
Windows + E Open File Explorer
Switch keyboard input language (if you have added at
Windows + Space least a second one)
Windows + Shift + Move current Window from one monitor to another
[Left][Right] (when using a multiple monitor setup)
Open programs that are pinned to task barE.g. if first
pinned program on your taskbar is Windows Explorer
Windows + [1][2][3] (from left to right); the shortcut Windows +
[…] 1 opens Windows Explorer for you
Windows + R Run a command
Windows + P Project a screen
Alt + Tab Switch to previous window
Restore, move, size, minimize, maximize or close
current window. Also works like a charm for Windows 10
Alt + Space modern apps.
a) Close current window.  b) If you’re on your Windows
10 desktop, open Power dialogue to shut down or
restart Windows, put your device in sleep mode, or sign
Alt + F4 out or switch the current user.
CTRL + SHIFT +
ESC Open Task Manager
Open menu or program. Example, to open the Edit
menu in WordPad, press Alt then press E on your
Alt + underlined keyboard. Repeat the same step for the menu you want
menu to open.

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Function Command
Access help system in an application F1
Activate menu bar F10
Close a program Alt + F4
Close current window in Multiple
Document interface based programs CTRL + F4
Access right-click menu in the
application Shift + F10
 Launch Start menu Ctrl + ESC or Windows key
Cut CTRL + X
Copy CTRL + C
Paste CTRL + V
Delete DEL
Undo CTRL + Z
System Properties Windows key + Pause/Break
Bypass auto-play when an external Hold down SHIFT key while inserting
storage device is connected a storage device

Desktop, My Computer, and File Explorer

For selected items, you can use the following shortcuts:

Function Command
Search CTRL + F or F3
Rename an item F2
Delete a folder or files permanently SHIFT + DEL
Access properties of a file or folder ALT + ENTER or ALT + double-click
Copy a file CTRL key while dragging file
Create a shortcut CTRL + SHIFT while dragging file
Select All CTRL + A
Refresh contents of a window F5
View the folder one level up Backspace key
Close the selected folder and its SHIFT key while clicking the close
parent folders button
Switch between left and right panes F6

File Explorer commands

Function Command
Switch between left and right panes F6
Expand all subfolders under the NUMLOCK + ASTERISK when using
selected folder a numeric keyboard
NUMLOCK + PLUS sign when using
Expand the selected folder a numeric keyboard
NUMLOCK + MINUS sign when using
Collapse the selected folder a numeric keyboard
Expand current selection if it’s
collapsed, otherwise select first
subfolder Right arrow
Collapse current selection if it’s
expanded, otherwise, select parent
folder Left arrow
Properties dialog commands
 Function
Move forward through options
Move backward through options
Move forward through tabs
Move backward through tabs
Open and Save dialog commands
Function
Open the Save In and address bar
Refresh
Open the folder one level up, if a
folder is selected
Windows 10 Command Prompt keyboard commands
Text Selection
Function
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
SHIFT + UP ARROW
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
SHIFT + END
SHIFT + HOME
SHIFT + PAGE DOWN
SHIFT + PAGE UP
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT
ARROW
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT
ARROW
CTRL + SHIFT + HOME
CTRL + SHIFT + END
Command
Tab key
SHIFT + Tab
CTRL + Tab
CTRL + SHIFT + TAB
Command
CTRL + O and F4
F5
BACKSPACE
Command
Moves the cursor to the left one character,
extending the selection
Moves the cursor to the right one character,
extending the selection
Selects text up line by line starting from the
location of the insertion point
Extends text selection down one line, starting at
the location of the insertion point
If cursor is in current line being edited* First time
extends selection to the last character in the
input line.* Second consecutive press extends
selection to the right margin; or else Selects text
from the insertion point to the right margin.
If cursor is in current line being edited* First time
extends selection to the character immediately
after the command prompt.* Second
consecutive press extends selection to the left
margin; or else Extends selection to the left
margin.
Extends selection down one screen
Extends selection up one screen
Extends the selection one word to the right
Extends the selection one word to the left
Extend selection to the beginning of the screen
buffer
Extend selection to the end of the screen buffer
 If cursor is in current line being edited (from first
typed char to last type char) and line is not
empty, and any selection cursor is also within
the line being edited Selects all text after the
prompt (phase 1); or else Selects the entire
CTRL + A buffer (phase 2)

Edit commands
Function Command
Windows Key + V Open clipboard history menu
CTRL + V Paste text into the command line
SHIFT + INS Paste text into the command line
CTRL + C Copy selected text to the clipboard
CTRL + INS Copy selected text to the clipboard
Function Command
Enter “Mark Mode” to move cursor within
CTRL + M window
In conjunction with one of the selection key
ALT combinations, begins selection in block mode
ARROW KEYS Move cursor in the direction specified
Move cursor by one page in the direction
PAGE KEYS specified
CTRL + HOME Move cursor to beginning of buffer
CTRL + END Move cursor to end of buffer

History navigation keys

Function Command
CTRL + UP ARROW Moves up one line in the output history
CTRL + DOWN ARROW Moves down one line in the output history
CTRL + PAGE UP Moves up one page in the output history
CTRL + PAGE DOWN Moves down one page in the output history

Additional commands
Function Command
CTRL + F Opens “Find” in console dialog
ALT + F4 Close the console window, of course!

Keyboard Run Commands

Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items, File Explorer shell
folders quickly using the run command.

Opens Press Windows + R and type:

Open Documents Folder documents
Open Videos folder videos
Open Downloads Folder downloads
Open Favorites Folder favorites
Open Recent Folder recent
Open Pictures Folder pictures
Adding a new Device devicepairingwizard
About Windows dialog winver
Add Hardware Wizard hdwwiz
Advanced User Accounts netplwiz
Advanced User Accounts azman.msc
Backup and Restore sdclt
Bluetooth File Transfer fsquirt
Calculator calc
Certificates certmgr.msc
Change Computer Performance
Settings systempropertiesperformance
Change Data Execution
Prevention Settings systempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Change Data Execution
Prevention Settings printui
Character Map charmap
ClearType Tuner cttune
Color Management colorcpl
Command Prompt cmd
Component Services comexp.msc
Component Services dcomcnfg
Computer Management compmgmt.msc
Computer Management compmgmtlauncher
Connect to a Projector displayswitch
Control Panel control
Create A Shared Folder Wizard shrpubw
Create a System Repair Disc recdisc
Data Execution Prevention systempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Date and Time timedate.cpl
Default Location locationnotifications
Device Manager devmgmt.msc
Device Manager hdwwiz.cpl
Device Pairing Wizard devicepairingwizard
Diagnostics Troubleshooting
Wizard msdt
Digitizer Calibration Tool tabcal
DirectX Diagnostic Tool dxdiag
Disk Cleanup cleanmgr
Disk Defragmenter dfrgui
Disk Management diskmgmt.msc
Display dpiscaling
Display Color Calibration dccw
Display Switch displayswitch
DPAPI Key Migration Wizard dpapimig
Driver Verifier Manager verifier
Ease of Access Center utilman
EFS Wizard rekeywiz
Event Viewer eventvwr.msc
Fax Cover Page Editor fxscover
File Signature Verification sigverif
Font Viewer fontview
Game Controllers joy.cpl
IExpress Wizard iexpress
Internet Explorer iexplore
Internet Options inetcpl.cpl
iSCSI Initiator Configuration
Tool iscsicpl
Language Pack Installer lpksetup
Local Group Policy Editor gpedit.msc
Local Security Policy secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups lusrmgr.msc
Location Activity locationnotifications
Magnifier magnify
Malicious Software Removal
Tool mrt
Manage Your File Encryption
Certificates rekeywiz
Microsoft Management Console mmc
Microsoft Support Diagnostic
Tool msdt
Mouse main.cpl
NAP Client Configuration napclcfg.msc
Narrator narrator
Network Connections ncpa.cpl
New Scan Wizard wiaacmgr
Notepad notepad
ODBC Data Source
Administrator odbcad32
ODBC Driver Configuration odbcconf
On-Screen Keyboard osk
Paint mspaint
Pen and Touch tabletpc.cpl
People Near Me collab.cpl
Performance Monitor perfmon.msc
Performance Options systempropertiesperformance
Phone and Modem telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer dialer
Power Options powercfg.cpl
Presentation Settings presentationsettings
Print Management printmanagement.msc
Printer Migration printbrmui
Printer User Interface printui
Private Character Editor eudcedit
Problem Steps Recorder psr
Programs and Features appwiz.cpl
Protected Content Migration dpapimig
Region and Language intl.cpl
Registry Editor regedit
Registry Editor 32 regedt32
Remote Access Phonebook rasphone
Remote Desktop Connection mstsc
Resource Monitor resmon
Resultant Set of Policy rsop.msc
SAM Lock Tool syskey
Screen Resolution desk.cpl
Securing the Windows Account
Database syskey
Services services.msc
Set Program Access and
Computer Defaults computerdefaults
Share Creation Wizard shrpubw
Shared Folders fsmgmt.msc
Signout logoff
Snipping Tool snippingtool
Sound mmsys.cpl
Sound recorder soundrecorder
SQL Server Client Network
Utility cliconfg
Sticky Notes stikynot
Stored User Names and
Passwords credwiz
Sync Center mobsync
System Configuration msconfig
System Configuration Editor sysedit
System Information msinfo32
System Properties sysdm.cpl
System Properties (Advanced systempropertiesadvanced
Tab)
System Properties (Computer
Name Tab) systempropertiescomputername
System Properties (Hardware
Tab) systempropertieshardware
System Properties (Remote
Tab) systempropertiesremote
System Properties (System
Protection Tab) systempropertiesprotection
System Restore rstrui
Task Manager taskmgr
Task Scheduler taskschd.msc
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Management tpm.msc
Turn Windows features on or off optionalfeatures
User Account Control Settings useraccountcontrolsettings
Utility Manager utilman
Volume Mixer sndvol
Windows Action Center wscui.cpl
Windows Activation Client slui
Windows Anytime Upgrade
Results windowsanytimeupgraderesults
Windows Disc Image Burning
Tool isoburn
Windows Explorer explorer
Windows Fax and Scan wfs
Windows Firewall firewall.cpl
Windows Firewall with
Advanced Security wf.msc
Windows Journal journal
Windows Media Player wmplayer
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Scheduler mdsched
Windows Mobility Center mblctr
Windows Picture Acquisition
Wizard wiaacmgr
Windows PowerShell powershell
Windows PowerShell ISE powershell_ise
Windows Remote Assistance msra
Windows Repair Disc recdisc
Windows Script Host wscript
Windows Update wuapp
Windows Update Standalone
Installer wusa
Versione Windows winver
 WMI Management wmimgmt.msc
WordPad write
XPS Viewer xpsrchvw
The name and terminology used for certain commands and functions have been revised
in Windows 10, along with their locations. The following table provides how you can find
and access them.

Original Name New Name, Location, and Functions

Windows Explorer File Explorer – (Press Windows key + E to launch)
Favorites Navigation
Pane (Windows
Explorer) Quick Access
Folder options Options (Files Explorer > View tab > Options)
Recent Items Located in File Explorer > This PC > Recent Files
Computer or My
Computer This PC
Settings (classic Control Panel can still be accessed –
Control Panel Windows key + X then click Control Panel)
Network Flyout – Notification or Show Available
View Available Networks (Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi >
Networks Additional settings

Located in the System Tray; Manage incoming email,

system, social media notifications
Action Center
Start menu Start

Create and Manage multiple desktops

Task View
Aero Snap Snap Assist – easily manage open windows on screen
All Programs All Apps
Shutdown/Turn off
computer Power
Located at the top of the Start represented by your
Switch Users account name