You can open the Windows Run dialog and use Windows Run commands to quickly open many apps and settings on your Windows computer. This post presents 10 useful run commands and you can remember them.
If you want to be productive, I suggest you remember the run commands. To get you started, I’ll list some frequently used commands that I find most useful for everyday use.
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How To Open The Run Dialog?
To use the Run command, you need to know how to open the Run dialog to enter the command. There are two ways to access the Run dialog in Windows 10.
You can press the Windows+R key on the keyboard or right-click the Start menu and select Run from the menu.
I would suggest you use the keyboard shortcut as it is much faster and you don’t have to use the mouse. In the Run dialog that opens, type any of the following commands and press the Enter key or click the OK button to execute it.
20+ Useful Windows Run Commands You Should Remember
Basic Windows Run Commands
Opening Applications
In the Run dialog, entering commands like calc or notepad swiftly launches the Calculator or Notepad, respectively. It’s a quick way to access commonly used programs without navigating through menus.
Accessing System Utilities
Commands such as msconfig and regedit take you directly to essential system utilities, enabling you to configure startup programs or modify registry settings with ease.
File and Folder Management
Opening File Explorer
The command explorer opens File Explorer, providing instant access to your files and folders. This is particularly handy for those who prefer keyboard shortcuts over mouse clicks.
Navigating to Specific Folders
Commands like %appdata% take you directly to specific folders, saving time and effort compared to manual navigation.
System Information Commands
Checking System Information
Commands like dxdiag or systeminfo offer detailed information about your system’s hardware, software, and network settings.
Verifying Network Connectivity
The ipconfig command provides valuable information about your network configuration, aiding in troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Running Windows Update
The wuapp command opens the Windows Update utility, allowing you to check for and install the latest updates seamlessly.
Troubleshooting Tools
Commands like eventvwr and devmgmt.msc open Event Viewer and Device Manager, respectively, providing insights into system events and hardware configurations.
Customizing Windows
Changing System Properties
The sysdm.cpl command opens the System Properties window, enabling users to customize various system settings.
Personalizing Appearance
Using control desktop in the Run dialog allows you to personalize your desktop appearance quickly.
Power and User Account Commands
Shutting Down/Restarting
Commands like shutdown provide a faster way to shut down or restart your computer, bypassing the usual menu options.
Managing User Accounts
The lusrmgr.msc command opens the Local Users and Groups Manager, facilitating the management of user accounts on your system.
Task Management
Opening Task Manager
The taskmgr command swiftly opens the Task Manager, providing a detailed view of running processes and system performance.
Ending Specific Processes
With the taskkill command, you can terminate specific processes, handy for troubleshooting unresponsive applications.
Network Commands
Checking Network Connectivity
The ping command helps diagnose network issues by sending packets to a specified destination and measuring the round-trip time.
Viewing Network Connections
The ncpa.cpl command opens the Network Connections window, allowing you to manage and configure your network adapters.
Security and Privacy
Running Windows Defender
The WindowsDefender command quickly opens Windows Defender, providing a straightforward way to run antivirus scans and manage security settings.
Clearing Browsing History
The inetcpl.cpl command opens Internet Properties, where you can clear browsing history and adjust privacy settings.
Additional Productivity Commands
Accessing the Control Panel
Using the control command in the Run dialog provides direct access to the Control Panel, saving time for users who frequently tweak system settings.
Running Disk Cleanup
The cleanmgr command opens Disk Cleanup, allowing users to free up disk space by removing unnecessary files.
Advanced System Commands
Running System Restore
The rstrui command opens the System Restore utility, enabling users to revert their system to a previous state in case of issues.
Launching the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The dxdiag the command provides detailed information about the DirectX components installed on your system, useful for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
Hidden Gems in Run Commands
Easter Egg Commands
Commands like winver reveal hidden gems, such as the Windows version and build information, adding a touch of fun for users exploring beyond the basics.
Lesser-Known Commands for Advanced Users
Explore lesser-known commands that cater to advanced users, offering functionalities beyond the typical user’s needs.
Creating Custom Run Commands
How to Create and Use Custom Commands
Empower yourself by learning how to create custom-run commands tailored to your specific needs, further enhancing your Windows experience.
Increasing Efficiency and Productivity
Discover how custom Run commands can increase your efficiency and productivity, streamlining repetitive tasks and minimizing the need for extensive navigation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering Windows Run commands is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your computing experience. From basic tasks to advanced troubleshooting, these commands provide quick access to various
This post introduces the 30 useful Windows Run commands that allow you to easily open various Windows apps and settings. Hope it helps.
The nice thing about running is that it remembers all the commands you type. Therefore, you only need to type the first letter to enter future commands.