Command Prompt is an excellent tool to play with the Windows settings and perform many other tasks like advanced administrative functions and Windows troubleshooting using the run commands.
Though you might be using it regularly for various purposes, you would be unaware of the surprising number of the keyboard shortcuts it supports.
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Since Command Prompt is mostly keyboard-oriented, it would be more productive for you to get used to the keyboard shortcuts and minimize the mouse usage.
Let us list out the most useful Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts that would reduce your stress of using mouse repeatedly.
Shortcuts For launching and Closing Command Prompt
Windows 10 provides a number of ways to open the Command Prompt. Here are some of the ways to quickly launch it just using the keyboard.
| Windows and type ‘cmd‘ | open the Command Prompt |
| Windows+R, type ‘cmd’ and hit Enter | open the Command Prompt |
| Windows+X and press C | open the Command Prompt |
| Windows+X and press A | open the Command Prompt in Administrator mode |
| Alt+F4 | Close the Command Prompt |
| Alt+Enter | Switch to Full-Screen mode |
| Alt+F11 | Switch to Full-Screen Mode |
It is always recommended to launch Command Prompt with Administrative rights as most of the advanced options require that.
Shortcuts for Selecting Text
Command Prompt supports many keyboard options that would allow you to select a text, a word, a line, or a full screen at a time.
| Ctrl+A | Select all text in the current line |
| Shift+Right/Left Arrow | Extend to the right or left of the current selection |
| Shift+Ctrl+Right/Left Arrow | Extend by one word to the right or left of the current selection |
| Shift+Up/Down Arrow | Extend by one line up or down of the current selection |
| Shift+Home | Extend to the beginning of the command from the current selection. To include the path in the selection, again press Shift+Home |
| Shift+End | Extend the selection to the end of the line from the current position |
| Ctrl+Shift+Home | Extend to the beginning of the screen from the current selection |
| Ctrl+Shift+End | Extend to the end of the screen from the current selection |
| Shift+Page Up | Extend one page up from the current selection |
| Shift+Page Down | Extend one page down from the current selection |
Shortcuts to Text Action
In the previous section, you got to know how to select the text. In this section, you would learn how to perform manipulative action on the selected text.
| Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+ins) | Copy the currently selected text. (Only if the text is selected, otherwise it would abort the running command) |
| Ctrl+V | Paste the copied text or command |
| F2 + (a letter) | Copy the text from the currently selected point to the right of the letter you typed |
| Backspace | Delete the character to the left of the pointer |
| Ctrl+Backspace | Delete the word to the left of the pointer |
| Tab | Autocompletes the folder name |
| Escape | Delete the current line of text |
| Insert | ON/OFF the insertion mode. When insertion is ON anything you type would insert at the current location |
| Ctrl+Home | Delete text to the beginning from the current point |
| Ctrl+End | Delete text to the end from the current point |
Movement Shortcuts
| Home | Move the insertion point to the beginning of the line |
| End | Move the insertion point to the end of the line |
| Ctrl+Left Arrow | Move the pointer to the beginning of the previous word |
| Ctrl+Right Arrow | Move the pointer to the beginning of the next word |
| Ctrl+Up/Down | Scroll the Command page up and down without moving the insertion point. |
| Ctrl+M | Enter the mark mode that allows you to move the cursor all over the windows using up, down, left, and right arrow keys. |
Command History Shortcuts
You might be not aware of the fact that the Command Prompt keeps the history of all the commands you have typed during the current session. Following commands can be used to access those.
| F3 | Repeat the previous command |
| Up/Down Arrow | Scroll forward and backward at earlier commands you have entered |
| Right Arrow | Re-type the last command as it is |
| F7 | Provide the history of earlier commands. Use up and down arrow keys to select and press enter to execute that command. |
| Alt+F7 | Clear the command history |
| F8 | Move backward in history to the commands matching the current command |
| Ctrl+C | Stop executing the current command. If you have selected a command, then it would perform the copy function. |
Final Words
So these are the top command prompt keyboard shortcuts. Seeing them together, it may seem like a massive task to remember them all. Do not worry. If you are a regular Command Prompt user, you will get used to these commands if you frequently apply them. If you are not a regular user, then also learning some commands can fasten your work.
Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts FAQs
The shortcuts that are performed using the combination of Ctrl key plus the other keys are known as Ctrl Shortcuts. Like Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste, Ctrl+Z for undo, etc.
To launch Command Prompt using the keyboard, press Windows key + X, and press C if you want to open the Command Prompt normally or press A if you’re going to open Command Prompt with admin rights.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
Awesome information, as usual.
Thank you Shawn for all the good info you provide.
Bob Boysen
Nytt för mej 🙂