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In the course of using your computer, you often input commands in the Run dialog to operate more efficiently. However, it's challenging to remember all these Run commands. Follow this article to discover essential Run commands for Windows.
List of frequently used commands in the Run dialog
1. How to Open the Run Dialog
- Opening Run with shortcut keys:
Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open it
- Using the mouse to open Run:
Click the right mouse button on the Windows icon at the bottom left corner of the screen, then find and select Run to open it
- Search and open Run from the dialog box:
Click on the Windows icon at the left corner of the screen, then type run. When the app appears, simply select Open to launch it
2. Compilation of Useful Run Commands for Windows
- appwiz.cpl: Opens the Add/Remove Programs window.
- calc : Opens the calculator utility.
- charmap: Opens the Character Map with special characters not on the keyboard.
- chkdsk: Fixes errors in damaged files.
- cleanmgr: Cleans up the hard drive (selects specific drives to clean up).
- clipbrd: Views the Windows clipboard memory.
- control : Opens the Control Panel.
- cmd: Opens the command prompt window.
- control mouse: Opens the mouse control panel.
- dcomcnfg: Opens the Component Services window in Windows.
- debug : Assembly language programming tool.
- drwatson: Records and captures programs that encounter errors or crash on Windows.
- dxdiag : Views information about the computer's system.
- explorer : Opens Windows Explorer.
- fontview : Views fonts in graphic form.
- fsmgmt.msc: Opens shared folders.
- firewall.cpl : Edits and configures the firewall.
- ftp: Runs the FTP program.
- hostname: Views the computer's name.
- hdwwiz.cpl : Opens the Add Hardware window.
- ipconfig: Views network card-related information.
- logoff : Logoff command for the computer.
- mmc : Opens the Microsoft Management Console.
- mstsc : Remote desktop.
- mrc: Removes malicious software.
- msinfo32: Views system information from Microsoft.
- nbtstat: Displays statistics and current connections using NetBIOS protocol over TCP/IP.
- nslookup : Views the local DNS server.
- osk: Opens the on-screen keyboard.
- perfmon.msc: Configures monitor activity.
- ping : Sends data to a specific host/IP.
- powercfg.cpl: Configures power usage options in the computer.
- regedit : Edits the Registry.
- regwiz : Opens the Registration window.
- sfc /scannow: Checks system files.
- sndrec32: Opens Sound Recorder (Windows built-in audio recording tool).
- shutdown : Shuts down the computer.
- spider :: Opens the Spider game in the system.
- sndvol32: Adjusts the volume of the sound card.
- sysedit : Edits startup files.
- taskmgr :: Opens the Task Manager window.
- telephon.cpl: Configures the modem.
- telnet : Opens the telnet program.
- tracert :: Checks traces and displays the route to hosts on the internet.
- winchat : Opens Microsoft's chat tool.
- wmplayer: Opens Windows Media Player.
- wab : Opens the Windows address book window.
- winword : Opens the Word application in Windows.
- winipcfg : Displays IP configuration.
- winver : Checks the current version of Windows.
- wupdmgr: Configures Windows Update.
- write: Opens the WordPad text editor.
- Access.cpl:: Accesses the Control Panel.
- Accwiz: Opens the Accessibility Wizard tool.
- Control admintools: Opens Administrative Tools.
- Acrobat: Opens Adobe Acrobat (if installed).
- Formdesigner:
- Acrodist: Opens Adobe Distiller (if installed).
- Imageready: Opens Adobe ImageReady (if installed).
- Photoshop: Opens Adobe Photoshop (if installed).
- Wuaucpl.cpl: Automatic Update.
- Fsquirt: Opens Bluetooth settings - Bluetooth Transfer Wizard.
- Certmgr.msc: Opens certificate management - Certificate Manager.
- Charmap: Opens the character map - Character Map.
- Chkdsk: Opens the Check Disk Utility for drive check.
- Compmgmt.msc: In computer management - Computer Management.
- DirectX Settings: Opens DirectX Settings.
- Diagnostic Tool for DirectX: Opens Diagnostic Tool for DirectX.
- Disk Defragmenter: Opens Disk Defragmenter.
- Disk Management: Opens Disk Management.
- Disk Partitioning Tool: Opens Disk Partitioning Tool.
- Display Properties: Opens Display Properties.
- Display Settings: Opens Display Settings.
- Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Open): Opens Display Properties with the Appearance tab open.
- Display Properties (w/Background Tab Open): Opens Display Properties with the Background tab open.
- Display Properties (w/Screen Saver Tab Open): Opens Display Properties with the Screen Saver tab open.
- DxDiag: Opens DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- Eventvwr.msc: Opens Event Viewer.
- File Signature Verification Tool: Opens File Signature Verification Tool.
- Findfast: Opens Findfast.
- Firefox: Opens Firefox (if installed).
- Fonts: Opens Fonts.
- Font Management: Opens Font Management.
- FreeCell Game: Opens FreeCell Game.
- Joystick Settings: Opens Joystick Settings.
- Group Policy Editor: Opens Group Policy Editor.
- Hearts Game: Opens Hearts Game.
- Help Center: Opens Help Center.
- HyperTerminal: Opens HyperTerminal.
- Interactive Installer: Opens Interactive Installer.
- Certificate Information Viewer: Opens Certificate Information Viewer.
- Internet Connection Wizard: Opens Internet Connection Wizard.
- Internet Explorer: Opens Internet Explorer.
- Internet Options: Opens Internet Options.
- Internet Setup Wizard: Opens Internet Setup Wizard.
View All IP Configurations: Views all IP configurations.
System Drive (C:): Opens System Drive (C:).
- Flush DNS Cache: Flushes DNS cache.
- Release IP Address: Releases IP address.
- Renew IP Address: Renews IP address.
- Register DNS: Registers DNS.
- Set Class ID for IP Configuration: Sets Class ID for IP Configuration.
- Java Control Panel: Opens Java Control Panel.
- Manage Keyboard Settings: Manages keyboard settings.
- Local Security Policy: Opens Local Security Policy.
- Local Users and Groups Manager: Opens Local Users and Groups Manager.
- Microsoft Access: Opens Microsoft Access.
- Microsoft Excel: Opens Microsoft Excel.
- Microsoft FrontPage: Opens Microsoft FrontPage.
- Windows Movie Maker: Opens Windows Movie Maker.
- Microsoft Paint: Opens Microsoft Paint.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Opens Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Offline Files Synchronization: Opens Offline Files Synchronization.
- Windows Minesweeper: Opens Windows Minesweeper.
- Mouse Settings: Opens Mouse Settings.
- Nero Burning ROM: Opens Nero Burning ROM.
- Network Configuration: Opens Network Configuration.
- Network Connections: Opens Network Connections.
- Network Setup Wizard: Opens Network Setup Wizard.
- Text Editor: Opens Text Editor.
- NVIDIA Control Panel: Opens NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Object Packager: Opens Object Packager.
- ODBC Control Panel: Opens ODBC Control Panel.
- Audio Codec Filter Settings: Opens Audio Codec Filter Settings.
- Outlook Express: Opens Outlook Express.
- Microsoft Paint: Opens Microsoft Paint.
- Password Settings: Opens Password Settings.
- Performance Monitor: Opens Performance Monitor.
- Phone Dialer: Opens Phone Dialer.
- Manage Printers: Opens Manage Printers.
- Printer Settings: Opens Printer Settings.
- Private Character Editor: Opens Private Character Editor.
- QuickTime Control Panel: Opens QuickTime Control Panel.
- QuickTime Player: Opens QuickTime Player.
- Regional Settings: Opens Regional Settings.
- Removable Storage: Opens Removable Storage.
- Remote Access Phonebook: Opens Remote Access Phonebook.
- Remote Desktop Connection: Opens Remote Desktop Connection.
- Removable Storage Operator Requests: Opens Removable Storage Operator Requests.
- Local Group Policy Editor: Opens Local Group Policy Editor.
- Routing and Remote Access: Opens Routing and Remote Access.
- Run: Opens the Run dialog box.
- Scanners and Cameras: Opens Scanners and Cameras.
- Scheduled Tasks: Opens Scheduled Tasks.
- Security Center: Opens Security Center.
- Services: Opens Services.
- Shared Creation Wizard: Opens Shared Creation Wizard.
- Shared Documents: Opens Shared Documents.
- Shared Folder Synchronization: Opens Shared Folder Synchronization.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Opens Microsoft PowerPoint.
- System Properties: Opens System Properties.
- Windows Task Manager: Opens Windows Task Manager.
- Task Scheduler: Opens Task Scheduler.
- TeamViewer: Opens TeamViewer (if installed).
- Test Mode: Opens Test Mode.
- Tweak UI: Opens Tweak UI.
- Utilities Manager: Opens Utilities Manager.
- Virus Scan: Opens Virus Scan.
- Volume Control: Opens Volume Control.
- Volume Mixer: Opens Volume Mixer.
- Windows XP Tour: Opens Windows XP Tour.
- Windows Firewall: Opens Windows Firewall.
- Windows Update: Opens Windows Update.
- Windows Version: Views the version of Windows.
- WordPad: Opens WordPad text editor.
- Access.cpl: Accesses the Control Panel.
- Accwiz: Opens the Accessibility Wizard tool.
- Control admintools: Opens Administrative Tools.
- Acrobat: Opens Adobe Acrobat (if installed).
- Formdesigner: Opens Adobe Designer (if installed).
- Acrodist: Opens Adobe Distiller (if installed).
- Imageready: Opens Adobe ImageReady (if installed).
- Photoshop: Opens Adobe Photoshop (if installed).
- Wuaucpl.cpl: Automatic Update.
- Fsquirt: Opens Bluetooth settings - Bluetooth Transfer Wizard.
- Certmgr.msc: Opens certificate management - Certificate Manager.
- Charmap: Opens the character map - Character Map.
- Chkdsk: Opens the Check Disk Utility for drive check.
- Compmgmt.msc: In computer management - Computer Management.- Open DirectX Settings: Access DirectX settings through this control panel.- DirectX Diagnostic Tool: Launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool for system information.- Disk Defragmenter: Access the Disk Defragmenter for optimizing disk performance.- Disk Management: Open Disk Management to manage disk drives and partitions.- Diskpart: Command-line disk partitioning tool for advanced users.- Control Desktop: Customize desktop settings and appearance.- Display Settings: Access the Display Control Panel.- Color Settings: Open the Color Control Panel.- Drwtsn32: Windows Doctor Watson, a program crash debugger.- Verifier: Driver Verifier Manager for testing and monitoring drivers.- Event Viewer: Open the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) for event logs.- Migwiz: Windows Easy Transfer, a tool for transferring files and settings.- Sigverif: Windows File Signature Verification tool for checking file signatures.- Findfast.cpl: Open the FindFast control panel for searching files quickly.- Firefox: Launch the Mozilla Firefox web browser.- Folder: Open the File Explorer to navigate through folders.- Control fonts: Access the Font Control Panel to manage installed fonts.- Fonts: Open the Fonts folder to view and manage installed fonts.- Freecell: Launch the Freecell game in Windows.- Joy.cpl: Open the Game Controllers settings in the Control Panel.- Gpedit.msc: Access the Group Policy Editor to configure system settings and policies.- Mshearts: Launch the Hearts card game in Windows.- Helpctr: Open the Windows Help and Support Center.- Hypertrm: Start the HyperTerminal communication program.- iexpress: Run the IExpress Wizard for creating self-extracting archives.- Ciadv.msc: Open the Content Advisor settings in the Microsoft Management Console.- icwconn1: Launch the Internet Connection Wizard for configuring network connections.- iexplore: Start the Internet Explorer web browser.- inetcpl.cpl: Open the Internet Properties control panel.- inetwiz: Launch the Internet Connection Wizard for configuring network settings.- ipconfig /all: Display detailed information about all network interfaces.- c: Quickly navigate to the C drive in the command prompt.- ipconfig /flushdns: Clear and reset the contents of the DNS resolver cache.- ipconfig /release: Release the current IP address configuration for all interfaces.- ipconfig /renew: Renew the IP address configuration for all interfaces.- ipconfig /registerdns: Refresh all DHCP leases and re-register DNS names.- ipconfig /setclassid: Configure the DHCP class ID for a specified DHCP interface or all interfaces.- jpicpl32.cpl: Open the Java Control Panel for managing Java settings.- Control keyboard: Access the keyboard settings in the Control Panel.- Secpol.msc: Open the Local Security Policy management console.- Lusrmgr.msc: Open the Local Users and Groups management console.- Msaccess: Launch Microsoft Access application.- Excel: Start Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software.- Frontpg: Access Microsoft FrontPage if installed.- Moviemk: Launch Windows Movie Maker.- Mspaint: Open Microsoft Paint application.- Powerpnt: Start Microsoft PowerPoint.- Mobsync: Access the Synchronization Manager.- Winmine: Launch the Minesweeper game.- Main.cpl: Open the Mouse Properties window.- Nero: Start the Nero application.- Conf: Access the system configuration settings.- Control netconnections: Open the network connections control panel.- Netsetup.cpl: Access the network setup wizard.- Notepad: Launch the Notepad text editor.- Nvtuicpl.cpl: Open the NVIDIA control panel.- Packager: Open the Package Manager utility.- Odbccp32.cpl: Access the ODBC Data Source Administrator.- Ac3filter.cpl: Configure AC3 audio filter settings.- Msimn: Launch the Outlook Express email client.- Pbrush: Open the Paint application for image editing.- Password.cpl: Access the Password Control Panel.- Perfmon.msc/Perfmon: Launch the Performance Monitor utility.- Dialer: Open the Dialer for managing network connections.- Control printers: Access the Printer Control Panel.- Printers: Open the Printers folder.- Eudcedit: Launch the Private Character Editor.- QuickTime.cpl: Access QuickTime settings.- Quicktimeplayer: Launch the QuickTime player application.- Realplay: Open the RealPlayer application.- intl.cpl: Access Regional and Language Options.- Regedit32: Open the Registry Editor (32-bit version).- Rasphone: Open the Remote Access Phonebook.- Ntmsmgr.msc: Access the Removable Storage Manager.- Ntmsoprq.msc: Open the Removable Storage Operator Requests.- Rsop.msc: Access the Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) wizard.- Sound Control Panel: Access the Sound Control Panel.- Schedule Tasks: Manage and configure scheduled tasks.- Windows Security Center: Open the Windows Security Center.- Services Management Console: Access the Services Management Console.
Here, we've compiled essential Run commands in Windows that you should know. This provides you with a more comprehensive view, helping you memorize commonly used and practical Run commands.
