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Regardless of the Windows version you're using, Command Prompt remains an extremely useful tool. While typical office workers may not find much use for it, programmers, system engineers, or simply curious individuals who enjoy exploring computers frequently find themselves opening Command Prompt. The 5 Command Prompt tricks we're about to discuss will prove immensely beneficial to you.
Because Command Prompt or PowerShell (on Windows 10) lacks a graphical user interface and is purely text-based, it has its limitations. Implementing cmd commands in computer usage brings immense convenience; you can easily address daily issues using cmd commands in text format instead of relying on other software or tools. Therefore, incorporating these 5 Command Prompt tricks will streamline your Command Prompt usage or provide handy shortcuts for executing commands quickly.
5 lesser-known Command Prompt tricks
1. Quick ipconfig Parameter Copy
ipconfig is a swift Command Prompt command allowing you to check all network-related parameters. If you wish to save this information to a specific location on your computer, follow the command below:
Step 1: Instead of the usual copy and paste method, apply the Command Prompt trick ipconfig | clip then press Enter to execute. This command will help you copy all parameters when running the ipconfig command without displaying them on the Command Prompt screen.
Step 2: Then you paste it into a Notepad page to verify the result, and you'll see all the information recorded with just one extremely simple command.
2. Directly Open Command Prompt / PowerShell from a Folder
As usual, we would have to open Command Prompt and type a few command lines to access the folder you want to work with. Typically, right-clicking on a folder does not provide the option to open Command Prompt directly.
However, if you hold Shift and right-click again, you will see the text Open Command Prompt windows here right away.
Note: If you're using PowerShell on Windows 10, the command line will appear as Open PowerShell windows here.
Then you can manipulate as needed with the Command Prompt / PowerShell window you just opened.
3. Listing used commands on Command Prompt / PowerShell
During a session on Command Prompt, PowerShell, do you remember how many commands you've used? Well, here's a simple Command Prompt trick to list them immediately. Use the command doskey /history to display them.
Note: A session is counted from the moment you open Command Prompt until you close it; if you close it, there won't be any data to store.
4. Directly Open a Folder in Command Prompt / PowerShell
A Command Prompt trick enables quick access to a specific directory or swift manipulation of any designated folder or file.
To do this, you simply need to drag and drop the file or folder into the Command Prompt and PowerShell window.
Note: If Command Prompt is in Administrator mode, it won't be able to execute.
5. Running Multiple Commands Simultaneously on Command Prompt / PowerShell
In case you need to run more than one command at a time, whether it's 2 commands, 3 commands, or even more with just a single command execution. To perform this Command Prompt trick, see the steps below.
Step 1: For example, if you want to run 2 commands ipconfig and netstart simultaneously, how would you do it? It's simple, you just need to type ipconfig && netstart and then press enter.
Using the && character allows you to run 2 commands simultaneously, where the command preceding it will be displayed first on the screen. You can also apply 3 or more commands with this syntax.
The following 5 Command Prompt tricks will be essential for you when using cmd 1, PowerShell. Besides being practical, easy to use, and easy to remember, you'll also see its utility. During the writing process, two terms, Command Prompt and PowerShell, are mentioned. Essentially, they are similar tools but with differences. To learn more about the specific differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell, visit the article Comparing Command Prompt and PowerShell.
