I started using computers in 1973 and purchased the first IBM 8088 computer for home using MS-DOS 2.0. I have always loved that computer, and the ability to manipulate files and directories from what is now the command line. I like the fact that most of the early MS-DOS system commands are still available in the modern operating system from the command prompt.
If you push the right arrow key the last keyboard entry is displayed one letter at a time. Push and hold the arrow key to re-enter the last line typed.
Thanks for posting this little manual on Line Commands. They are very useful especially when following a path in a directory tree.I “grew” up with MS-DOS but had forgotten some details of its syntax – so your article was like bringing me back to my youth.
I suspect one or more of my neighbors are latching on to my Wifi for their smart phones or Ipads and I would like them to stop. My service provider advises they are unable to see other users if they look at the IP address at their side. I’m sure the Command Prompt will be of good service to me. Thanks.
Excellent tutorial article. I have not used any DOS command for a long time. This tutorial is a great help for me to copy and rename files after downloading my videos/photos files from iCloud.
Here it is, February of 2020 and this article helped me add missing details to a set of instructions for how to use the command prompt in administrator mode in order to list and restore items quarantined by Windows Defender. I had to try many times to get the commands right but was finally successful. Your help was worth rubies. I should write an article on how to do it! Or, perhaps you should! Thank you!
“PowerShell 1.0 was released in November 2006” – even before this article was originally written 10 years ago, PowerShell was already available. Can’t think of a software professional who still uses Command Prompt in Windows these days, really.
We would prefer to share with them the link to this article. Give them some of its content and then recommend that they visit the article and read more.
When searching on the web I saw this link. The explanations with all details are very “formidable” . They are very understanding with all details. I cannot believe it ! How it is possible. It is the best explanations I could find. Thanks to these I could take part to some studies and following lessons. THANKS A LOT.
Thank you for creating this helpful guide to the basics – it’s proven very useful for me. I’ve tinkered with computers for about 20yrs….but in the days of GUI, the basics of DOS aren’t required for Joe Average any longer…until you occasionally DO have to use it…unstuck time!! Cheers
Hi,
Yes,article is so intresting with detailed information. Helpful during working on Windows 7 command prompt.
I hope,you share more information about programming on Windows 7. Tech Cluz
When you need to go to one folder up, use the “cd..” command. Let’s assume that you want to go back to the Windows folder. Type “cd..” and press Enter on your keyboard. You will notice that your current directory has changed to ”C:Windows”.
but whenver i use cd..
it says ‘cd..’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
This is possibly the best introduction I’ve seen to folks who’d like to learn more about the “intimidating” command prompt. Thank you for this valuable article!
Good intro. However, it would be less confusing if you added a space after your cd command. Instead of “cd..”, it should be “cd ..”. It’s a command and an argument. The fact that Windows handles it even without space is just weird.
A very interesting piece of writing, i learnt a lot by reading this. My gcsi i.t exam is in a cupple of weeks and this page has helped me learn alot on my skills with command prompt. I would like to thank the writer for a very descripted and intresting way to see and understand command prompt which prooves he is a very bright and and patient person.
i love your everything … in xcopy command “/i” doesn’t work for me. i thought it will create the same directory at the destination if doesn’t exist, unfortunately not. could you help me please !
thank you very much for the great tutorial, it was extremely informative and easy to follow, ive been looking for a tute on the command prompt that was directed at a lower level of understanding for ages. looking forward to reading the rest of the tutorials. keep up the good work.
Thank you very much, this article was very clear and easy to understand unlike many others ive tried and the pictures make it easier to understand incase we feel like we didn’t do something right.
hi! i’m new to this site and i scaned all its contents.I found everything very clear to me.Every command is discused in detail and it clarified all my doubts regarding commands i read.This info. is very helpful.
I’m looking forward to the next article.
How can I get full information of command prompt by using windows 7, Example How to shutdown computer, secure data; locking PC, encrypt and decryption data etc by using command prompt.
Thank You for Help!
The information was very good i was impressed. However, if you were looking at this and had no prior knowledge of command prompt, the whole idea of paths and drives would confuse you. A better explanation of terms would have made this even better than it already is.
Hi,
Yes,article is so intresting with detailed information. Helpful during working on Windows 7 command prompt.
I hope,you share more information about programming on Windows 7.
121 Responses to “CMD: 11 basic commands you should know (cd, dir, mkdir, etc.)”
I started using computers in 1973 and purchased the first IBM 8088 computer for home using MS-DOS 2.0. I have always loved that computer, and the ability to manipulate files and directories from what is now the command line. I like the fact that most of the early MS-DOS system commands are still available in the modern operating system from the command prompt.
Greate tutorial,
Thanks for these tutorials.
I learned many things from it.
If you push the right arrow key the last keyboard entry is displayed one letter at a time. Push and hold the arrow key to re-enter the last line typed.
Thanks for posting this little manual on Line Commands. They are very useful especially when following a path in a directory tree.I “grew” up with MS-DOS but had forgotten some details of its syntax – so your article was like bringing me back to my youth.
Kind regards
Frank
Very informative and useful, than you very much!
Very useful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
to go directly from one disk space to another disk space is not working
Hi, can you give more details?
Useful.
thank you very much
it is very useful for the beginner.
In number 2. we said that writing something like this /d terminates D drive and we write it when going to c, but in 3. we use d/ when going to D
helpful. thanks.
Very helpful, thank you!
How to move files and folders using CMD
Thanks, very clear!
very useful, thanks
I suspect one or more of my neighbors are latching on to my Wifi for their smart phones or Ipads and I would like them to stop. My service provider advises they are unable to see other users if they look at the IP address at their side. I’m sure the Command Prompt will be of good service to me. Thanks.
I dont know why a symple question like this in developers community becames so complex and even you got ridiculed for asking, thank you very much !!!
Excellent tutorial article. I have not used any DOS command for a long time. This tutorial is a great help for me to copy and rename files after downloading my videos/photos files from iCloud.
Learn a lot of thing ,thannk you.
This is great
thank you so much
Great tutorial, thnx 🙂
Here it is, February of 2020 and this article helped me add missing details to a set of instructions for how to use the command prompt in administrator mode in order to list and restore items quarantined by Windows Defender. I had to try many times to get the commands right but was finally successful. Your help was worth rubies. I should write an article on how to do it! Or, perhaps you should! Thank you!
learned a lot, thanks!
Nice wallpaper, can I have the source of your wallpaper, please? thank you
Thank you. Sure, here’s the link: Anime Girl Purple Flowers.
Thanks , specially for the simplicity
Bravo for this detailed/Clear/Well explained article….
It helps a lot in many situations to use CMD (for exp. when we need to mass rename some files)
Thank you
“PowerShell 1.0 was released in November 2006” – even before this article was originally written 10 years ago, PowerShell was already available. Can’t think of a software professional who still uses Command Prompt in Windows these days, really.
Thank you. It’s been so long that I’ve forgotten the basics.
How to do internet surfing using command prompt?
Try the Lynx browser.
Thanks!
Excellent tutorial! Can I save it as PDF files and let my students following your tutorial?
We would prefer to share with them the link to this article. Give them some of its content and then recommend that they visit the article and read more.
best command
This really helped me as I could not for the life of me get to my K: drive from my C: drive, so thank you!
It’s a really helpful article. Thanks
Thank You So Much! I fixed my problem!! 🙂
When searching on the web I saw this link. The explanations with all details are very “formidable” . They are very understanding with all details. I cannot believe it ! How it is possible. It is the best explanations I could find. Thanks to these I could take part to some studies and following lessons. THANKS A LOT.
Thank you for creating this helpful guide to the basics – it’s proven very useful for me. I’ve tinkered with computers for about 20yrs….but in the days of GUI, the basics of DOS aren’t required for Joe Average any longer…until you occasionally DO have to use it…unstuck time!! Cheers
Can you please make another article for all dos commands, because you explain in simple and easy way. Thanks and I appreciate your efforts
Hi,
Yes,article is so intresting with detailed information. Helpful during working on Windows 7 command prompt.
I hope,you share more information about programming on Windows 7.
Tech Cluz
We have other tutorials too about the Command Prompt. Just search for this term on our website.
useful article and also very clear explanation
thank you
Very nicely explained
Very nice article for a beginner to start..It was really helpful for me..
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Fantastic, straightforward tutorial. Thanks a lot! Exactly what I was looking for.
these triks are easy and early to use
CD was not given under CMD in keyboard shortcuts. I knew it from decades ago but needed to be reminded after all the insane W10 changes
helpful
Really a wonderful and easy to read article. Thank you so much !!
When you need to go to one folder up, use the “cd..” command. Let’s assume that you want to go back to the Windows folder. Type “cd..” and press Enter on your keyboard. You will notice that your current directory has changed to ”C:Windows”.
but whenver i use cd..
it says ‘cd..’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
thank you
so helpful
Without going into the ugly details, I’ll just say that you have saved me from a lot of grief!
Happy to help! 😉
thank you very much, your article helped a lot. I enjoyed learning.
This is possibly the best introduction I’ve seen to folks who’d like to learn more about the “intimidating” command prompt. Thank you for this valuable article!
Good article for head start.
Ren and rename command is not functioning in my command prompt.
Is there another command to rename a file?
Clear explanation and useful Information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, this helped a lot
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This is helpful! I’ve been wondering how to change the directory to another drive, such as an external USB drive. Thanks!
How to reboot by command promt
Read this article: 8 ways to shut down or restart a Windows 10 computer or device.
Thanx guys
Thank you for this clear and concise article. I bookmarked it because I’m trying to become a developer and need helpful texts like this.
Useful for freshers for quick learn.
Well job, great appreciate
thanks
For freshers who doesn’t know how to work in command prompt this tutorial will help a lot
Good for learning.
A handsome tutorial.i learn this in school but never grip on it because of GUI but now I am bit confident about CMD.
Happy to help. 🙂
hi, can you please help?
how can i go up in the cdm screen or scroll up, if i don’t have the bar on the side of the screen?
Well, this brings some great memories. I am old enough to remember good old MS DOS.
i appreciated it helped e a lot thanks
That was exelent and perfecr description for a new one like me…thank you…
I need to know how to recover memory card which is a raw type drive.please do the needful.
Good intro. However, it would be less confusing if you added a space after your cd command. Instead of “cd..”, it should be “cd ..”. It’s a command and an argument. The fact that Windows handles it even without space is just weird.
A very interesting piece of writing, i learnt a lot by reading this. My gcsi i.t exam is in a cupple of weeks and this page has helped me learn alot on my skills with command prompt. I would like to thank the writer for a very descripted and intresting way to see and understand command prompt which prooves he is a very bright and and patient person.
Very useful and clear article. Really nice.
xcopy doesn’t work on my windows 10…………
i got a error message such that not internal or external command provided……
Thank you for the guidance. It helps a lot 🙂
Immensely useful. Thanks
i love your everything … in xcopy command “/i” doesn’t work for me. i thought it will create the same directory at the destination if doesn’t exist, unfortunately not. could you help me please !
Helpful and right to the point. Thanks man!
okk i got it
how to change the drive i.e. from a c: drive to d: or e: drive??
thank you very much for the great tutorial, it was extremely informative and easy to follow, ive been looking for a tute on the command prompt that was directed at a lower level of understanding for ages. looking forward to reading the rest of the tutorials. keep up the good work.
yes! This is so intersting thing at all but here we have a problem i am not understanding the file copy system. plz help to more understandig……………
best tutorial so far…kudos!
Thank you so much.This post is very helpfull with me.
Thanks, very descriptive tutorial.
My question is how do i switch to desktop from C drive ?
Most interesting tutorial. I want to know about cmd. Now, this helped me very much. Thanks!
Thank you very much, this article was very clear and easy to understand unlike many others ive tried and the pictures make it easier to understand incase we feel like we didn’t do something right.
Thanks For the comprehensive tutorial about CMD
like to see command repair tools like regfix and sfc /scannow alternates for system repairs!
Thanks! I needed help in changing directory and your article helped a lot. Thumbs up 🙂
thank you!
Very good explanation. But need more commands of system32
Nice…………..
where to put the parameter /h in case for deleting the hidden files?? :/
what about the directories containing space within their name? :/
Excellent easy to understand even for a beginer.
hi! i’m new to this site and i scaned all its contents.I found everything very clear to me.Every command is discused in detail and it clarified all my doubts regarding commands i read.This info. is very helpful.
I’m looking forward to the next article.
Excellent tutorial,simple and amazing
incredible!!!!……..
Isn’t there any online guid teacher for this?
How can I get full information of command prompt by using windows 7, Example How to shutdown computer, secure data; locking PC, encrypt and decryption data etc by using command prompt.
Thank You for Help!
Can one use the command prompt for hacking purpose also. If yes, then how? what are the commands?
Use the ‘hack’ command.
Example: c:/>hack google.com
Works every time
so awesome
The information was very good i was impressed. However, if you were looking at this and had no prior knowledge of command prompt, the whole idea of paths and drives would confuse you. A better explanation of terms would have made this even better than it already is.
Hi
this is a very helpful information
Hi,
Yes,article is so intresting with detailed information. Helpful during working on Windows 7 command prompt.
I hope,you share more information about programming on Windows 7.
Maximilian,
As usual, an excellent article: very clear and exteremely detailed so one can easily follow along.
I sure hope you continue the series about the Command Prompt and then do a series on the command shell.
I am looking forward to the next article.
Thanks,
BRIAN