CMD Shortcut Key: Open Command Prompt Fast in Windows

Q: How do I open cmd as administrator?

In the Run box, type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Q: Can I bring back a command I typed earlier?

Yes. Up steps back through earlier commands, and F7 shows a list to pick from.

The cmd shortcut key is a short sequence: press Win + R to open the Run box, type cmd, and press Enter. Command Prompt opens at once. To open it with administrator rights, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead of Enter.

Windows 11 also offers Terminal, which hosts Command Prompt and PowerShell in tabs. Win + X followed by I opens it. Inside the black window, a handful of keys such as Up for the last command and Tab to complete names save a lot of typing.

Quick facts

Open cmd
Win + R, cmd, Enter
As administrator
Win + R, cmd, Ctrl + Shift + Enter
Terminal (Windows 11)
Win + X, then I
In a folder
Type cmd in the File Explorer address bar
Stop a command
Ctrl + C
Previous command
Up

CMD shortcut key and other ways to open it

Ways to start Command Prompt
Method	Keys
Run box	`Win` + `R`, cmd, `Enter`
Run box, as administrator	`Win` + `R`, cmd, `Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Enter`
Start search	`Win`, type cmd, `Enter`
Start search, as administrator	`Win`, cmd, `Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Enter`
Terminal in Windows 11	`Win` + `X`, then `I`
Terminal as administrator	`Win` + `X`, then `A`

Open Command Prompt in a folder

In File Explorer, open the folder you want, click the address bar (or press Alt + D), type cmd and press Enter. Command Prompt starts already pointing at that folder, so you do not need to type long paths. In Windows 11 you can also right click inside the folder and choose Open in Terminal.

Administrator mode is needed for commands that change system settings, such as sfc /scannow. Use it only when a guide or your IT team asks for it. Windows shows a permission prompt first; that is normal and confirms you really want full access.

Keys inside Command Prompt

Typing faster at the prompt
Keys	What it does
`Up`	Bring back the previous command
`F7`	List of earlier commands to pick from
`Tab`	Complete a file or folder name
`Ctrl` + `C`	Stop a running command
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste (Windows 10 and 11)
`Esc`	Clear the current line
cls, then Enter	Clear the screen
exit, then Enter	Close the window

Useful commands for everyday problems

Common commands
Command	Use
ipconfig	See your IP address and network details
ping 8.8.8.8	Check if the internet connection works
sfc /scannow	Check and repair Windows files (administrator)
shutdown /s /t 0	Shut down at once
dir	List files in the current folder

The shutdown command is also the basis for one key shutdowns; see the shutdown shortcut key guide.

When cmd does not open

Problems and fixes
Problem	Fix
Run box opens nothing	Check the spelling cmd and press Enter
Blocked by administrator	Work computers may block it; ask IT
Opens PowerShell instead	That is Terminal's default; open a Command Prompt tab with its drop down
Commands say access denied	Open it as administrator with Ctrl + Shift + Enter

A support technician guides a customer by phone: Win + R, cmd, Enter, then ipconfig. The customer reads out the address, and the problem is found in two minutes.

Terminal on a Mac

On a Mac, press Command + Space, type terminal and press Return. The Run box itself has more uses; see the Run command shortcut. Opening system tools such as Task Manager and Control Panel also has quick keys.

This site is not affiliated with Microsoft or Apple; this is an independent explanation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut key for Command Prompt?

Win + R, type cmd, then Enter.

How do I open cmd as administrator?

In the Run box, type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

What is the shortcut for Terminal in Windows 11?

Win + X, then I.

Can I bring back a command I typed earlier?

Yes. Up steps back through earlier commands, and F7 shows a list to pick from.

How do I stop a command that is running?

Press Ctrl + C.

How do I open cmd in a specific folder?

Type cmd in that folder's File Explorer address bar and press Enter.