How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 11

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Linda 

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Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

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Introduction

Command Prompt is a utility that comes pre-installed with Windows, and has been around since the earliest versions of the operating system. Its primary function is to execute scripts, run batch files, and run commands input by the user in a way that's helpful to them.

Though it requires some “tech-savviness” to use correctly, the Command Prompt is often the most efficient way to fix various Windows issues.

So we have put together a guide to getting started with the app, along with workarounds for those who have trouble using it.

By the time you finish reading this guide, you will know where to find the Command Prompt in Windows 11. Depending on your needs and preferences, you'll also learn multiple ways to access it.

Option 1: Open the Command Prompt using the Start menu.

First, we'll show you how to open the Command Prompt from the Start menu in Windows 11. You can activate this menu by pressing the Windows key or clicking the "Start" button on the taskbar.

This will bring up a list of your most-used programs, with pinned programs along the top. Right-click the “Command Prompt” app and select “Run as administrator.”

When you're done, the Command Prompt will open on your screen, and you can proceed to use it.

Option 2: Open Command Prompt via Task Manager

Alternatively, if you prefer to use the Task Manager to run Command Prompt, here's how to use this tool to open Command Prompt.

Step 1: First, you need to open the Task Manager. You can do this by either going through the Start menu or by pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Step 2. In Task Manager, go to File > Run new task.

Step 3: Clicking this will bring up a dialog box with a text field. Type cmd into the text field, then hit OK.

One thing to note is that the Command Prompt will run with standard user permissions, unless you check the box to run as Administrator.

As you can see, the checkbox is right below the letters 'cmd'. Checking it has the same effect as the "Run as administrator" option in the previous one.

Option 3: Open the Run dialog box

If you need another way, here's how to open the Command Prompt in Windows 11 using the "Run" dialog box. You can find this dialog by pressing the keyboard shortcut WINDOWS + R.

This will open a window that looks like the one below:

As you can see, it's the same window you would get by opening Task Manager the regular way. Now, just type cmd like before, and hit "OK." This will launch Task Manager.

Option 4: Run CMD via File Explorer

For those who frequently navigate the system using File Explorer, here's how to open Command Prompt this way in Windows 11.

First, open any window with the “File Explorer” tab.

Next, you can choose either of these two steps based on your comfort level.

Run CMD via file location

First, use the Explorer search box to navigate to this path: C:\Windows\System32

This will open the “Windows System32” folder, which contains the Command Prompt executable file, called “cmd.exe.” Double-click this file to open Command Prompt.

It's best to keep that in mind. However, simply double-clicking an app doesn't give you admin access. If needed, right-click instead, and look for the “Show more options” button at the bottom.

Click it to show the classic options.

Click the "Run as administrator" option to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Running CMD through the address bar

A possibly simpler way to run CMD through File Explorer is by opening it through the address bar. Just type cmd in the File Explorer's address bar and hit Enter.

The following graphic illustrates the steps that you need to take:

Press the Enter key, and you'll open the Command Prompt.

Option 5: Open CMD via Desktop Shortcut

Lastly, if you use the Command Prompt frequently or just want easy access, the simplest method is to use a desktop shortcut. Here, I'll show you how to open Command Prompt on Windows 11 using that.

First, you'll need to create a shortcut to the Windows 11 Command Prompt.

You can do this by right-clicking anywhere on the desktop and selecting “New shortcut,” as shown below.

Here, select what program you want the shortcut to run. To have it run the Command Prompt, type cmd into the text box, then click Next.

Finally, give your shortcut an appropriate name so you'll know what it does. Type the name in the text box that appears and click Finish.

Next, open the Command Prompt through the shortcut and run it as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting "Run as administrator."

Bonus Tip: CMD Alternative! Run Partition Master

Here's a bonus tip: you don't have to use the Command Prompt for all your disk and troubleshooting needs. While the Windows CMD app is powerful, it's quite difficult to use, which is why software developers created alternatives for regular users.

One of the alternatives is to use the AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, an excellent free software with paid subscriptions, that will let you do everything that the command prompt does and more when it comes to managing your disks in a simpler way.

First off, the software lets you create and resize partitions, and it supports whopping SSD capacities of up to 8TB, so you can even use it for medium-sized servers.

Moreover, with the Advanced subscription, you can clone entire partitions, making data backup easier, and reformat partitions or the entire disk without losing your data.

Here's the Disk Clone window:

Another advantage of the advanced version is that it not only formats your partitions and hard drives but also completely wipes out all data.

Other features you might use include迁移你的操作系统 from one partition to another, or even to a different hard drive, without having to reinstall.

Steps to migrate an operating system to an HDD/SSD:

Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and then select "Clone" from the left menu. Tick "Migrate OS" and click "Next". Choose the SSD or HDD as the target disk, then click "Next". Note: All data and partitions on the target disk will be deleted. Make sure you have backed up your important data in advance. If not, please do it now. Then click "Yes". Preview the layout of the target disk, and click "Start" to begin migrating the operating system to the new disk.

Then click “Restart Now” or “Finish,” depending on whether you want to restart the computer immediately from the new disk.

"Restart now" saves the changes and restarts immediately, while "Finish" means you'll have to restart the computer manually later.

Note: If there is not enough unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to an SSD or HDD will delete existing partitions and data on the target disk. Backup any important data saved on it to an external hard drive beforehand.

You can also get a bootable WinPE disk option in the Tools. You can also use this software to hide drives in Windows 10.

Though less flexible than the command prompt, the application covers most of its functionality for average users in a much more user-friendly way.

Conclusions

The Command Prompt has been a integral part of the Windows operating system since its early days, and it has become more powerful over time. Unfortunately, ordinary users have often found it hard to take full advantage of it.

That's why I've put together this guide to help you access the command prompt easily and, if you prefer, offer a useful alternative.

Still, taking the time to learn its ins and outs will go a long way toward making you a power user, and I recommend it.