Command Prompt/Open

The Command Prompt is the command line interface (CLI) provided with Microsoft operating systems. This activity will show you how to open a command prompt.

This web page is not a command prompt. The activities below must be completed on a computer running Microsoft Windows.

Readings

• Wikipedia: Keyboard shortcut
• Wikipedia: Start menu
• Wikipedia: Run command
• Wikipedia: Windows key

Preparation

To prepare for these activities:

1. Start Windows.
2. Log in if necessary.

Activity 1 - Open a Command Prompt

Two different methods for opening a command prompt are available. These include the Start menu and the Run command box.

Method 1 - Start Menu

To access a command prompt using the Start menu:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select All Programs.
3. Select Accessories.
4. Select Command Prompt.

Method 2 - Run Command

To access a command prompt using the Run command box:

1. Open the Start menu or press the Windows key + R.
2. Type cmd or cmd.exe in the Run command box.
3. Press Enter.

References

• Microsoft: Command Prompt: frequently asked questions