3 ways to open Command Prompt in Windows 10, 11 and previous versions

 Command Prompt was launched in 1987 as part of Windows NT to run batch scripts. It has been the default command line interpreter for Windows since before PowerShell was managed.

Open a command prompt

If you are a Windows user, you may have come across Command Prompt, one of the Windows Command Line tools. While you may not use the program, knowing how to open Command Prompt in Windows is useful for performing general troubleshooting, automation, or administrative functions.

However, even though Command Prompt has been around in Windows for several years, it is not that easy to access. In this article, we show you 7 ways to open Command Prompt in Windows 11, 10 and earlier versions. Let's start with the best.

The fastest way to open the command line in any version of Windows

This is the most commonly used way to open Command Prompt in Windows. It works on all, whether you're running on Windows 11, 10, or lower.

Step 1: Click Start

Step 2: Type Command Prompt in the search bar.

Step 3: Now click on Run as administrator option in program options.

Step 4: Select Yes in the prompt that appears.

Now you will see Command Prompt on your screen.

Use the shortcut menu to open the command prompt

This is another option to access the Command Prompt. If you are a Windows 11 user, you need to follow a few extra steps to access the app. Here's how to do it in each version of Windows.

For Windows 10 and earlier

Step 1: Press Win + X to open the quick access menu.

Step 2: Click on Command Prompt (Admin).

You may also see Windows PowerShell and Windows PowerShell (Admin) options.

Step 3: Select Yes in the prompt that appears.

For Windows 11

Step 1: Press Win + X to open the quick access menu.

Step 2: Click on Windows Terminal (Admin).

Step 3: Select Yes.

Step 4: This is the new Windows Terminal program. Now click on the drop down arrow.

Want a shortcut to open Command Prompt? Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 here. This will directly open the Command Prompt without any further steps.

Step 5: Click on Command Prompt.

Another method

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.

Step 2: Type CMD (you can type in lowercase or uppercase letters).

Note: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt (Admin). If you don't want to open Command Prompt (Admin), click OK and skip step 3 to open Command Prompt.

Step 3: Click Yes on the prompt.