- 25 Run Commands in Windows You Should Memorize
- How to open the Run dialog?
- #1. Access System Configuration — “msconfig”
- #2. Access Resource Monitor — “resmon”
- #3. Open System Information — “msinfo32”
- #4. Access Backup and Restore window — “sdclt”
- #5. Access mouse properties — “main.cpl”
- #6. Open Windows Registry — “regedit”
- #7. Access System Properties — “sysdm.cpl”
- #8. Manage Windows Power options — “powercfg.cpl”
- #9. Open Windows Features — “optionalfeatures”
- #10. Open Magnifier — “magnify”
- #11. Open Character Map app — “charmap”
- #12. Access Network Connections — “ncpa.cpl”
- #13. Run Malicious Software Removal Tool — “mrt”
- #14. Open Device Manager — “devmgmt.msc”
- #15. Manage User Accounts — “netplwiz”
- #16. Open Services app — “services.msc”
- #17. Access Programs and Features window — “appwiz.cpl”
- #18. Open Control Panel — “control”
- #19. Open current user folder — “.” (period)
- #20. Open On-Screen Keyboard — “osk”
- #21. Open Snipping Tool — “snippingtool”
- #22. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic — “mdsched”
- #23. Open any website — “Insert website URL”
- #24. Open Remote Desktop Connection — “mstsc”
- #25. Open Command Prompt — “cmd”
- Wrapping up
- Windows Start | Run commands
25 Run Commands in Windows You Should Memorize
Using Run commands in Windows is a very efficient way to access different Windows settings and apps directly.
If you memorize Run commands, you can access a particular app in just 2 steps instead of many clicks.
I personally don’t like frequently reaching out for the mouse; therefore, I have memorized all the required keyboard shortcuts and commands to minimize my interaction with the mouse. And Run commands are core for my day-to-day PC usage to accesses different Windows settings and apps efficiently.
If you are looking to be productive, then I will recommend you to memorize Run commands. To get you started, I will list some of the frequently used commands that I find most useful for day-to-day use.
How to open the Run dialog?
To use Run commands, you need to know how to open the Run dialog to enter the commands. There are two ways to access the Run dialog in Windows 10.
You can either press the Windows+R keys on the keyboard or right-click on the start menu and select Run from the menu.
I will recommend you to use the keyboard shortcut as it’s much faster and you won’t have to use the mouse. Once the Run dialog is open, enter any of the below mentioned commands and press the Enter key or click on the OK button to execute it.
#1. Access System Configuration — “msconfig”
Starting with my favorite command, 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.
#2. Access Resource Monitor — “resmon”
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.
#3. Open System Information — “msinfo32”
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.
#4. Access Backup and Restore window — “sdclt”
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.
#5. Access mouse properties — “main.cpl”
You can control all the settings related to your computer mouse here. This includes mouse speed, buttons, wheel, and pointer, etc.
#6. 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.
#7. 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.
#8. 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.
#9. Open Windows Features — “optionalfeatures”
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.
#10. Open Magnifier — “magnify”
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.
#11. 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.
#12. 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.
#13. Run Malicious Software Removal Tool — “mrt”
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.
#14. Open Device Manager — “devmgmt.msc”
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.
#15. 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.
#16. Open Services app — “services.msc”
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.
#17. Access Programs and Features window — “appwiz.cpl”
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.
#18. 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.
#19. Open current user folder — “.” (period)
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.
#20. Open On-Screen Keyboard — “osk”
If you want to use the on-screen keyboard, then using the Run command is one of the quickest ways to do it.
#21. Open Snipping Tool — “snippingtool”
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.
#22. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic — “mdsched”
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.
#23. Open any website — “Insert website URL”
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.
#24. Open Remote Desktop Connection — “mstsc”
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.
#25. Open Command Prompt — “cmd”
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.
Wrapping up
The cool thing about Run is that it remembers all the commands you type in it. Therefore, you will only have to type the first letter to enter the command in the future.
I also believe Run commands are more important in Windows 10 as it heavily promotes the use of its default Settings app. Most of the settings and apps that I have mentioned above are more difficult to access Windows 10.
Next, explore some of the best NirSoft utilities for Windows.
Windows Start | Run commands
| Description | Run Command |
|---|---|
| Accessibility Options | utilman or control access.cpl |
| Add Hardware Wizard | hdwwiz |
| Programs and Features (Add New Programs) (Add Remove Windows Components) (Set Program Access & Defaults ) | appwiz.cpl control appwiz.cpl,,1 control appwiz.cpl,,2 control appwiz.cpl,,3 |
| Administrative Tools | control admintools |
| Advanced User Accounts Control Panel | netplwiz |
| Authorization Manager | azman.msc |
| Automatic Update | control wuaucpl.cpl |
| Backup and Restore Utility | sdclt |
| Bluetooth Transfer Wizard | fsquirt |
| Calculator | calc |
| Certificate Manager | certmgr.msc |
| Character Map | charmap |
| Check Disk Utility | chkdsk |
| Clear Type (tune or turn off) | cttune |
| Color Management | colorcpl.exe |
| Command Prompt | cmd |
| Component Services | dcomcnfg or comexp.msc |
| Computer Management | CompMgmtLauncher.exe or compmgmt.msc |
| Control Panel | control |
| Credential (passwords) Backup and Restore Wizard | credwiz |
| Data Execution Prevention | SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention |
| Date and Time Properties | timedate.cpl |
| Device Manager | hdwwiz or devmgmt.msc |
| Device Pairing Wizard | DevicePairingWizard |
| Digitizer Calibration Tool (Tablets/Touch screens) | tabcal |
| Direct X Control Panel (if installed) | directx.cpl |
| Direct X Troubleshooter | dxdiag |
| Disk Cleanup Utility | cleanmgr |
| Disk Defragmenter | dfrgui defrag |
| Disk Management | diskmgmt.msc |
| Disk Partition Manager | diskpart |
| Display Color Calibration | dccw |
| Display DPI / Text size | dpiscaling |
| Display Properties (Themes, Desktop, Screensaver) | control desktop |
| Display Properties (Resolution, Orientation) | desk.cpl |
| Display Properties (Color & Appearance) | control color |
| Documents (open ‘My Documents’ folder) | documents |
| Downloads (open ‘Downloads’ folder) | downloads |
| Driver Verifier Utility | verifier |
| DVD Player | dvdplay |
| Edit Environment Variables | rundll32.exe sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables |
| Encrypting File System Wizard (EFS) | rekeywiz |
| Event Viewer | eventvwr.msc |
| File Signature Verification Tool (Device drivers) | sigverif |
| Files and Settings Transfer Tool | %systemroot%\system32\migwiz\migwiz.exe |
| Firewall Control Panel | firewall.cpl |
| Folders Properties | control folders |
| Fonts list | control fonts |
| Font preview | fontview arial.ttf |
| Game Controllers | joy.cpl |
| Local Group Policy Editor | gpedit.msc |
| Internet Properties | inetcpl.cpl |
| IP Configuration | ipconfig |
| iSCSI Initiator configuration | iscsicpl |
| Keyboard Properties | control keyboard |
| Language Pack Installer | lpksetup |
| Local Security Policy | secpol.msc |
| Local Users and Groups | lusrmgr.msc |
| Log out | logoff |
| Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool | mrt |
| Microsoft Management Console | mmc |
| Access (Microsoft Office) | msaccess |
| Excel (Microsoft Office) | Excel |
| Powerpoint (Microsoft Office) | powerpnt |
| Word (Microsoft Office) | winword |
| Microsoft Paint | mspaint |
| Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool | msdt |
| Mouse Properties | control mouse or main.cpl |
| Network Connections | control netconnections or ncpa.cpl |
| Projector: Connect to Network Projector Switch projector display | netproj |
displayswitch
Default ODBC driver:
32-bit ODBC driver under 64-bit platform:
C:\windows\sysWOW64\odbcad32.exe
sysdm.cpl SystemProperties
or
sysdm.cpl DisplaySYSDMCPL
explorer.exe . Will open at the current directory
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
wf.msc
(boot password.)
Unless indicated otherwise, all the commands above work in all versions of Windows from Vista upwards.
Most of these utilities can be found in %systemroot%\System32\
“The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a ‘mouse.’ There is no evidence that people want to use these things”
