How to Run Commands on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows 10 comes with powerful command-line tools that can help you manage your system efficiently. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will help you learn how to run commands using the Command Prompt and PowerShell, and even explore more advanced options like Cygwin and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

Introduction to Command Prompt and PowerShell

Windows 10 features two primary command-line interfaces: the Command Prompt and PowerShell. The Command Prompt is a legacy tool that has been around for decades, while PowerShell is a more modern, object-based shell and scripting language that is part of the .NET Framework.

Accessing Command Prompt and PowerShell

Accessing the Command Prompt and PowerShell is straightforward:

Command Prompt: Press the Win X keys, then click on 'Command Prompt (Admin)' or simply search for 'CMD' in the Start menu. PowerShell: Press the Win X keys, then click on 'Windows PowerShell (Admin)' or simply search for 'PowerShell' in the Start menu.

Note: For administrative tasks, it is recommended to run these tools in 'Admin' mode to gain elevated privileges.

Running Commands

Once you have accessed the Command Prompt or PowerShell, you can run various commands to manage files, devices, and services. Here are some examples:

Navigating to a directory: Use the 'cd' command followed by the path. For example, cd C:pathtodirectory. Listing files: Use the 'dir' command. For example, dir will list all files in the current directory. Installing software: Use the 'Visual Studio Installer' or 'Package Manager Console' to install software. Checking system information: Use the 'systeminfo' command. For example, systeminfo will display detailed information about the system.

Using the Path Environment Variable

If you find yourself using a particular program frequently, you can add it or its home directory to the Windows PATH environment variable. This allows you to run the program from any directory, without specifying the full path. Here’s how to do it:

Open the System Properties by pressing Win X and selecting 'System'. Click on 'Advanced system settings' in the left pane. In the 'System Properties' window, click on the 'Environment Variables' button. Under the 'System variables' section, find the Path variable and click 'Edit'. Click 'New' and add the path to the directory containing the executable file. Click 'OK' to save the changes.

Advanced Options: Cygwin and WSL

Cygwin and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) are powerful alternatives for Unix-like command-line interfaces on Windows 10.

Cygwin: Cygwin is a cross-platform emulation layer for UNIX tools under Windows. It provides access to a full range of UNIX tools and libraries for Windows. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): WSL allows you to run a genuine Linux shell and utilities directly on Windows 10. It is compatible with most popular Linux distributions and offers better integration with the Windows environment.

Note: WSL may not be installed by default. You can enable it in the Windows Features menu or through the Microsoft Store.

Conclusion

Command Prompt and PowerShell are essential tools for managing your Windows 10 system. By mastering these interfaces, you can perform a wide range of tasks more efficiently. Whether you are automating system management tasks or developing scripts, these tools are powerful and flexible.