100+ run commands that can help you work efficiently on Windows

Windows 11 and 10 have intuitive interfaces, but sometimes, it can be too overwhelming to navigate to launch certain settings and apps. That's where run commands help. The run dialog box is one of the most underutilized Windows tools, but once you get used to it, there's no going back. Whether you're troubleshooting, managing files, or customizing your system, run commands can save you quite a lot of time and effort.

I heavily use run commands in my day-to-day work on Windows, and here are the ones that I find most useful.

10 To launch administrative tools

Manage your system like a pro

Windows administrative tools like Computer Management or Disk Management are often hidden deep within Settings or Control Panel, making them difficult to access. But by using run commands, you can easily launch such tools and continue your troubleshooting.

Here are a few commands I use:

• compmgmt.msc: Opens Computer Management for system tools.
• devmgmt.msc: Launches Device Manager for hardware management.
• diskmgmt.msc: Opens Disk Management for storage tasks.
• services.msc: Manages background services.
• eventvwr.msc: Opens Event Viewer for system logs.
• secpol.msc: Open Local Security Policy
• regedit: Open Registry Editor
• taskschd.msc: Open Task Scheduler
• gpedit.msc: Open Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise)

9 For system diagnostics and troubleshooting

Diagnose and fix issues quickly

On Windows, troubleshooting is usually a "task" and takes much of your time, especially if you are dealing with a slow computer or system crash. In such situations, run commands help you quickly access the required diagnostic tool to identify and fix the problem. These commands are useful for general users as well as IT professionals. Here are the common ones:

• msinfo32: Opens System Information for hardware and software details.
• dxdiag: Launches DirectX Diagnostic Tool for graphics and sound issues
• verifier: Opens Driver Verifier Manager
• resmon: Opens Resource Monitor to check system performance
• perfmon: Opens Performance Monitor
• mdsched: Runs Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM issues
• msdt: Opens Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool
• dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image
• sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs system files
• chkdsk: Run Check Disk (Use with /f or /r for fixes)
• winver: Check Windows Version
• cleanmgr: Opens Disk Cleanup

8 For file and storage management

Organize and manage files efficiently

If you have a large amount of data on your disk, you might struggle to manage it. With run commands, you can quickly access file and storage management tools like Disk Cleanup, Disk Management, Defragmenter, and more. You can also quickly launch various Windows folders.

Here are the quick file management run commands you can use:

• cleanmgr: Launches Disk Cleanup to free up space
• dfrgui: Opens Disk Defragmenter to optimize drives
• chkdsk: Checks and repairs disk errors
• diskpart: Opens Disk Partition utility
• onedrive: Open the OneDrive folder
• shell:AppsFolder: Open all apps folder
• wab: Open the Windows contacts folder
• explorer: Open the File Explorer
• recent: Open recent files and folder
• documents: Open Documents folder
• downloads: Open Downloads folder
• favorites: Open Favorites folder
• pictures: Open Pictures folder
• videos: Open Videos folder
• %AppData%: Open App Data folder
• debug: Access Debug folder
• backup: Opens backup folder
• %systemdrive%: Open system drive (usually C:)
• Type drive name followed by a colon or folder path: Open a specific drive or Folder location

7 For security and maintenance

Keep your system secure and running smoothly

With a few simple run commands, you can quickly launch the security settings and tools to maintain security on your Windows device. You can check the integrity of files, launch the file repairing tool, open the File Signature Verification tool, security tools, and more.

Here are some essential ones:

• firewall.cpl: Opens Windows Defender Firewall.
• wf.msc: Launches Firewall with advanced security.
• ms-settings:windowsdefender: Opens Windows Security.
• sigverif: Verifies file signatures for security.
• verifier: Checks driver integrity.
• msconfig: Opens System Configuration
• sfc /scannow: Runs system file checker
• dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image

6 To launch apps

Quickly access your favorite apps

Usually, to launch an app on Windows, you either look for its icon on the desktop or open the Start Menu and look for the app icon there. If you are in a hurry, this might take a lot of your time, especially when multitasking. Instead, you can launch apps directly by typing their run commands.

Not all apps are supported, but I found that all my useful apps have a working run command. Here are a few of them:

• notepad: Opens Notepad instantly.
• calc: Launches the Calculator app.
• snippingtool: Opens screenshot-taking app
• mspaint: Opens Microsoft Paint for quick edits
• winword: Starts Microsoft Word (if installed)
• excel: Opens Microsoft Excel (if installed)
• chrome: Launches Google Chrome (if installed)
• msedge: Opens Microsoft Edge
• control: Opens the Control Panel
• explorer: Opens File Explorer
• powerpnt: Open Microsoft PowerPoint (if installed)
• firefox: Open Mozilla Firefox (if installed)
• wmplayer: Open Windows Media Player
• msra: Open Windows Remote Assistance
• outlook: Open Microsoft Outlook (if installed)

5 To launch different settings

Navigate settings like a pro

Sometimes, finding the required settings to set up or configure something on your PC can be overwhelming. However, if you know the right run command, you can directly access the specific setting you are looking for instead of having to search for it. This is especially helpful for IT professionals who need to configure multiple devices quickly.

Here are a few run commands that would help you quickly change Windows settings:

• ms-settings: :Opens the main Settings app
• ms-settings:network : Takes you straight to network & internet settings
• ms-settings:display : Opens display settings for screen adjustments
• ms-settings:personalization : Customize your desktop with personalization settings
• ms-settings:windowsupdate : Check for updates in Windows Update settings
• ms-settings:network : Opens Network & Internet settings
• ms-settings:privacy : Opens Privacy settings.
• ms-settings:bluetooth : Opens Bluetooth settings.
• ms-settings:devices : Opens Devices settings.
• ms-settings:system : Opens System settings.
• ms-settings:accounts : Opens Accounts settings.
• ms-settings:timeandlanguage : Opens Time & Language settings.
• ms-settings:gaming : Opens Gaming settings.
• ms-settings:region : Opens Region settings.
• ms-settings:optionalfeatures : Opens Optional Features settings.
• ms-settings:storage : Opens Storage settings.
• ms-settings:notifications : Opens Notifications settings.
• ms-settings:taskbar : Opens Taskbar settings.
• ms-settings:start : Opens Start Menu settings.
• ms-settings:lockscreen : Opens Lock Screen settings.

4 For network and connectivity

Manage your network with ease

Network issues are incredibly frustrating to deal with, and what's more frustrating is finding the troubleshooting tools, which are usually buried under the Control Panel. However, with run commands, you don't need to dig through menus to access the network and connectivity troubleshooting tools. Simply running this command will help you resolve the issue quickly.

Here are some popular networking run commands you can remember:

• ncpa.cpl: Opens Network Connections for adapter settings
• ipconfig: Displays IP configuration in Command Prompt
• ping: Tests network connectivity
• control netconnections: Opens Network and Sharing Center
• ms-settings:network-wifi: Opens Wi-Fi settings
• ms-settings:datausage: View data usage
• ms-settings:network-vpn: Manage VPN
• ms-settings:network-proxy: Configures proxy settings

3 For display and appearance

Customize your display and desktop

Simple customization like display or appearance changes can sometimes enhance your productivity by making your PC look fresh. With run commands, you can quickly open such settings and make changes.

If you frequently change your system appearance, here are some run commands you should try:

• desk.cpl: Opens Display Settings
• control color: Customizes window colors
• dpiscaling: Opens display scaling settings
• ms-settings:personalization: Opens Personalization settings
• ms-settings:themes: Changes desktop themes
• ms-settings:display-advanced : Adjusts advanced display settings

2 For accessibility and ease of use

Make Windows more accessible

Accessibility features can make a significant difference for users with disabilities or those who prefer alternative input methods. Run commands provide quick access to these features, allowing you to enable or adjust them with ease. These commands make Windows more accessible.

Here are some popular ones:

• magnify: Opens Magnifier for screen zooming
• narrator: Launches Narrator for screen reading
• osk: Opens on-screen keyboard
• utilman: Opens ease of access center
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-display: Opens display accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-cursor: Opens cursor accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-mouse: Opens mouse accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-keyboard: Opens keyboard accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator: Opens narrator accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-magnifier: Opens magnifier accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-colorfilter: Opens color filter accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-highcontrast: Opens high contrast accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-closedcaptioning: Opens closed captioning accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio: Opens audio accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-eyecontrol: Opens eye control accessibility settings.
• ms-settings:easeofaccess-mousepointer: Opens mouse pointer accessibility settings.

1 For power management

Optimize power settings for better performance

Power management is crucial for laptops and desktops alike. Run commands give you quick access to power settings, allowing you to easily manage power, extend battery life, and reduce power consumption.

• powercfg.cpl: Opens Power Options
• ms-settings:powersleep: Adjusts power and sleep settings
• powercfg /batteryreport: Generates a battery report
• powercfg /energy: Creates an energy efficiency report
• powercfg /hibernate: Enables or disables hibernation
• powercfg /deviceenablewake: Enables a device to wake the computer.
• powercfg /devicedisablewake: Disables a device from waking the computer.

Master these run commands

Run commands are a game-changer for anyone looking to work efficiently on Windows 11. From launching apps to troubleshooting issues, these commands save time and ease your workflow. By including these run commands into your daily routine, you can unlock your system's full potential and become a Windows power user.

100+ run commands that would help you work efficiently on Windows