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    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Useful Windows Command Prompt Commands

    Simple commands that help you diagnose problems, manage files, and control your Windows PC.

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.Open Command Prompt
    2. 2.ipconfig — check your network
    3. 3.ping — test connectivity
    4. 4.systeminfo — computer details
    5. 5.sfc /scannow — repair system files
    6. 6.shutdown — restart or shut down
    7. 7.tasklist and taskkill
    1

    Open Command Prompt

    ~15s
    Search "cmd" or "Command Prompt" in the Start menu. For commands needing admin access, right-click and "Run as administrator." You'll see a black window with a blinking cursor.
    2

    ipconfig — check your network

    ~15s
    Type "ipconfig" and press Enter. Shows your IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Use "ipconfig /all" for more detail. "ipconfig /release" then "ipconfig /renew" can fix network issues.
    3

    ping — test connectivity

    ~15s
    Type "ping google.com" to test if your internet works. If you get replies, your connection is fine. "Request timed out" means the connection failed. Great first step for troubleshooting.
    4

    systeminfo — computer details

    ~15s
    Type "systeminfo" for details about your PC: Windows version, install date, total RAM, network adapters, and more. Useful when someone asks for your system specs.
    5

    sfc /scannow — repair system files

    ~15s
    Run as admin. Type "sfc /scannow" to check and repair corrupted Windows system files. Takes 10-30 minutes. Fixes many random crashes and errors.
    6

    shutdown — restart or shut down

    ~15s
    "shutdown /r /t 0" restarts immediately. "shutdown /s /t 0" shuts down immediately. "shutdown /r /t 3600" restarts in 1 hour (useful for updates). "shutdown /a" cancels a pending shutdown.
    7

    tasklist and taskkill

    ~15s
    "tasklist" shows all running processes (like Task Manager). "taskkill /im notepad.exe /f" force-closes Notepad. Replace the program name as needed. Useful when Task Manager itself is frozen.

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    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

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

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    Useful Windows Command Prompt Commands — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure