How to Open Command Prompt with Keyboard Shortcuts

The Command Prompt is one of the most powerful tools on your Windows system, offering quick access to run commands, perform tasks, and manage system settings. But what happens when your mouse is not working or you are facing any issue with your laptop touchpad? So, in that time, knowing how to open a command prompt with keyboard shortcuts.

Now, to learn these shortcuts, explore this guide. Here we will show you 7 easy methods to open the command prompt on Windows 11, 10, and 8.

How to Open Command Prompt in Windows using Keyboard Shortcuts

In terms of productivity, keyboard shortcuts are often minimized. While navigating through menus and clicking icons can get the activity executed, learning keyboard shortcuts can turbocharge your computing revel. With just a few keystrokes, you can execute commands, release programs, and navigate your device with excellent speed and precision.

7 Methods to Open Command Prompt in Windows

The conventional way to open a command prompt entails many steps, like establishing the start menu, then searching the command activate, and so forth. But with the help of shortcuts, you can without difficulty visit the command prompt and begin operating on it.

1. Using Windows Key (Windows 10 and 11)

Windows Search Bar allows user to find programs, including command prompt using few steps.

Step 1: Open the Windows icon and Type CMD.

• Press the Windows key from your keyboard
• Now type "CMD" or "Command Prompt"
• Hit ENTER to open Command Prompt

2. Using Run Dialog Box

You can also use the "run command" shortcut to launch cmd, below are the steps for the same:

Note: This method works across all versions of Windows, from Windows 7 to Windows 11.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to Open "Run Dialog"

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the run command.

Step 2: Type "CMD" and hit "Enter"

A dialogue box will appear, type "cmd" or "Command Prompt" and press "Enter".

This will instantly open your system's Command Prompt with keyboard only.

3. "Pin" to Taskbar

One of the most efficient method to open command prompt using keyboard shortcut in Windows is by pinning it to Taskbar. Let's learn quick steps to do so:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

First of all, open cmd with the help of any given method.

Step 2: Make a "Right-click" on the icon

Now, right-click on the CMD icon in the taskbar (in the bottom) and select Pin to Taskbar

Note: From now on, you can open Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + [number] (the number corresponds to the position of the CMD icon on the Taskbar).

4. How to open command prompt using the "Context Menu"

The 'Context Menu" is suitable for Windows 10 and 11 and by using this method, you can directly open the command prompt from any folder in Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Click on the Windows button or go to Start Menu and type "File Explorer" and click to open it.

Step 2: Open the Context Menu from the File Explorer

Hold down Shift and right-click anywhere in the File Explorer window (in the white space or within a folder) and go to Context Menu and select "Open Command Windows here"

Note: In some versions, this option might show as Open PowerShell window here instead.

5. Custom Shortcut for all Versions

If you wish to create any specific keystroke toopen command prompt in your Windows PC, then you can create a custom shortcut using the following methods.

Step 1: Create a Shortcut

Go to "Desktop" and create a Shortcut first.

Step 2: Create Location Point for cmd.exe

Now, type cmd.exe as the location of the shortcut and name it as "CMD".

Step 3: Click on the "Shortcut key" field

Once you create the shortcut, make a right-click and choose Properties, and click on the "Shortcut Key" field and press your desired keystroke combination. Now, click "Apply > OK" to save it.

6. Use Windows + X to open CMD

The Windows + X menu provides quick access to system tools, including the Command Prompt in Administrator mode.

Step 1: Open Quick Access Menu

Press Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu.

In Windows 8, 10, or 11, you will see options to open either Command Prompt or Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2: Select CMD (Admin)

Select Command Prompt or Command Prompt (Admin) to open it immediately. Please keep this in mind that the newer versions of Windows will display PowerShell, but you can still switch it back to CMD through settings.

7. Third-Party Tools (Windows 7)

In older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, you can use third-party tools like AutoHotkey to create custom keyboard shortcuts for opening the Command Prompt.

Step 1: Download and install AutoHotkey.

Open Chrome Browser in Windows and go to AutoHotkey Official website.

Step 2: Create and Run Script

Create a new script with the following command:

#C::Run, cmd.exe

This will allow you to open CMD by pressing Windows key + C.

Conclusion

The Command Prompt is an invaluable tool for Windows users, and knowing how to quickly open it can make a big difference in productivity. Whether you're using Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, there are several ways to access CMD through keyboard shortcuts. From the classic Windows + R to customizing your own shortcut, you have multiple methods to choose from.

Also Read

• Most Useful CMD Commands in Windows
• Create a New Maven Project From Command Prompt
• How to Create a File in CMD

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