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    1 min read 5 stepsFebruary 13, 2026Verified February 2026

    How to Use Command Prompt Basics

    Get started with the Windows Command Prompt for powerful system management.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Windows Guides
    Difficulty
    Advanced
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    advanced
    windows
    command-prompt
    cmd
    terminal

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Open Command Prompt
    2. 2.Navigate folders
    3. 3.Network commands
    4. 4.System commands
    5. 5.PowerShell alternative
    1

    Open Command Prompt

    ~15s
    Search "cmd" in Start. Right-click → "Run as administrator" for commands that need elevated access.
    2

    Navigate folders

    ~15s
    Use "cd foldername" to enter a folder, "cd .." to go up, and "dir" to list folder contents.
    3

    Network commands

    ~15s
    Use "ipconfig" to see your IP address, "ping google.com" to test connectivity.
    4

    System commands

    ~15s
    "sfc /scannow" checks for corrupted system files. "chkdsk" checks your hard drive for errors.
    5

    PowerShell alternative

    ~15s
    Windows Terminal with PowerShell is a more modern option — search "Terminal" to use it.

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    advanced
    windows
    command-prompt
    cmd
    terminal

    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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