Microsoft Command-Line Tools
Contents
Microsoft Command-Line Tools#
Microsoft’s Command-Line Tools provide users with a powerful and efficient way to navigate the file system, manage system information, and perform a wide range of tasks within the operating system environment. These tools are particularly valuable for users who prefer text-based interactions and want to perform tasks swiftly and effectively. In this article, we will explore an array of essential Microsoft Command-Line Tools, including navigation, system information retrieval, and various administrative tasks. We will provide examples of their usage along with the corresponding outputs.
cd#
The cd command, short for “change directory,” enables users to navigate the file system within the command-line interface. This command is crucial for switching between different directories. The syntax for using the cd command is:
cd [directory_path]
Here, [directory_path] represents the path of the directory you want to navigate to.
Example Usage and Output:
Assuming you are in the C:\Users directory and want to navigate to the Documents directory within it, you would use the following command:
C:\Users>cd Documents
C:\Users\Documents>
After executing the command, you will be within the C:\Users\Documents directory.
dir#
The dir command is employed to display the contents of a directory. It provides a list of files and subdirectories within the specified directory. The basic syntax for using the dir command is:
dir [directory_path]
If no [directory_path] is provided, the dir command will list the contents of the current directory.
Example Usage and Output:
If you are in the C:\Users\alice directory and wish to list its contents, execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>dir Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is ABCD-EFGH
Directory of C:\Users\alice
08/31/2023 10:00 AM
The command will produce an output displaying the files and subdirectories within the C:\Users\alice directory.
mkdir#
The mkdir command allows users to create new directories within the file system. This command is essential for organizing files and maintaining a structured hierarchy of directories. The syntax for using the mkdir command is:
mkdir [directory_name]
Here, [directory_name] is the desired name of the directory to be created.
Example Usage and Output:
Suppose you are in the C:\Users\alice directory and intend to create a new directory called NewDirectory. Execute the following command:
mkdir NewDirectory
The NewDirectory will be created within the C:\Users\alice directory.
copy#
The copy command is employed to duplicate files from one location to another. This command is useful for creating backups or transferring files between directories. The syntax for using the copy command is:
copy [source_file] [destination_path]
In this syntax, [source_file] is the file to be copied, and [destination_path] is the location where the copied file will reside.
Example Usage and Output:
Let’s assume you have a file named report.docx in the C:\Users\alice directory, and you want to make a copy of it in the C:\Users\bob directory. Execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>copy report.docx C:\Users\bob 1 file(s) copied.
The report.docx file will be duplicated in the C:\Users\bob directory.
move#
The move command enables users to move files from one location to another or rename files. When moving a file, it is removed from the source location and placed in the destination location. The syntax for using the move command is:
move [source_file] [destination_path]
Here, [source_file] is the file to be moved or renamed, and [destination_path] is the location where the file will be moved or the new name for the file.
Example Usage and Output:
Suppose you have a file named data.csv in the C:\Users\alice directory, and you want to move it to the C:\Users\bob directory. Execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>move data.csv C:\Users\bob 1 file(s) moved.
The data.csv file will be moved to the C:\Users\bob directory.
del and rmdir#
The del command is used to delete files from the file system, while the rmdir command is used to remove empty directories. It’s important to note that these commands permanently delete files and directories, and the action cannot be undone. The syntax for using the del and rmdir commands is:
del [file_path] rmdir [directory_path]
In this syntax, [file_path] is the path to the file to be deleted, and [directory_path] is the
path to the empty directory to be removed.
Example Usage and Output:
Suppose you have a file named obsolete.txt in the C:\Users\alice directory that you want to delete. Execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>del obsolete.txt
The obsolete.txt file will be permanently deleted.
If you have an empty directory named OldFolder in the C:\Users\alice directory that you want to remove, execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>rmdir OldFolder The directory is not empty.
C:\Users\alice>rmdir OldFolder /s /q
The OldFolder directory will be removed.
systeminfo#
The systeminfo command is used to retrieve detailed information about the computer’s hardware and software configuration. It provides a comprehensive overview of the system’s specifications, including the operating system version, installed updates, processor details, memory information, and more.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to retrieve system information:
C:\Users>systeminfo
Host Name: DESKTOP-ABC123 OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OS Version: 10.0.19043 N/A Build 19043 …
The command will generate an extensive output containing details about the computer’s configuration, software updates, and more.
fc#
The fc command is employed to compare the contents of two text files. This command is particularly useful when you need to identify differences between two versions of a file. The syntax for using the fc command is:
fc [file1] [file2]
In this syntax, [file1] and [file2] are the paths to the files you want to compare.
Example Usage and Output:
Assume you have two text files, old.txt and new.txt, in the C:\Users\alice directory. To compare the contents of these files, execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>fc old.txt new.txt Comparing files old.txt and NEW.TXT ***** old.txt this is the content of the old file. ***** NEW.TXT this is the content of the new file.
The command will display the differences between the contents of the two files.
ipconfig#
The ipconfig command is used to retrieve information about the network configuration of the computer. It provides details about the IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and more for all network interfaces.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to retrieve network configuration information:
C:\Users>ipconfig
Windows IP Configuration
Ethernet adapter Ethernet: Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : example.com IPv4 Address… … … . . : 192.168.1.2 Subnet Mask … … … . . : 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway … … … : 192.168.1.1 …
The command will display information about the network interfaces and their associated configuration.
netstat#
The netstat command provides information about network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, masquerade connections, and more. It is particularly useful for diagnosing network-related issues and monitoring network activity.
Example Usage and Output:
To view active network connections, execute the following command:
C:\Users>netstat -a
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address State TCP 0.0.0.0:80 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING TCP 0.0.0.0:135 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING …
The command will display a list of active network connections along with their status.
ping#
The ping command is used to test network connectivity between your computer and a target host. It sends ICMP echo request packets to the target and measures the response time.
Example Usage and Output:
To test connectivity to a website (e.g., www.google.com), execute the following command:
C:\Users>ping www.google.com
Pinging www.google.com [172.217.11.164] with 32 bytes of data: Reply from 172.217.11.164: bytes=32 time=10ms TTL=119 …
The command will display information about the ping requests and responses.
sfc#
The sfc (System File Checker) command is used to scan and repair corrupted or missing system files. It is a useful tool for maintaining the integrity of the Windows operating system.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to run the System File Checker:
C:\Users>sfc /scannow
Beginning system scan. This process will take some time.
Beginning verification phase of system scan. Verification 100% complete. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
The command will initiate a scan of system files and repair any detected issues.
attrib#
The attrib command is employed to view and modify file attributes such as read-only, hidden, archive, and system attributes.
Example Usage and Output:
To remove the “read-only” attribute from a file named file.txt, execute the following command:
C:\Users\alice>attrib -r file.txt
The command will modify the file’s attributes accordingly.
tree#
The tree command is used to display the directory structure of a specified path in a tree-like format. It provides a visual representation of folders and subfolders.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to display the directory structure of the C:\Users\alice directory:
C:\Users>tree C:\Users\alice Folder PATH listing Volume serial number is ABCD-EFGH C:\USERS\ALICE ├───Documents │ doc1.txt │ doc2.txt └───Pictures pic1.jpg pic2.jpg
The command will generate a hierarchical display of the directory structure.
ver#
The ver command is used to display the version number of the Windows operating system currently running.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to view the operating system version:
C:\Users>ver
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19043.1237]
The command will display the version number of the Windows operating system.
tasklist#
The tasklist command is used to list all currently running processes on the computer. It provides information about process names, process IDs (PIDs), memory usage, and more.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to list running processes:
C:\Users>tasklist
Image Name PID Session Name Session# Mem Usage ========================= ======== ================ =========== ============ System Idle Process 0 Services 0 24 K System 4 Services 0 528 K smss.exe 320 Services 0 1,160 K …
The command will display a list of active processes along with relevant details.
taskkill#
The taskkill command is used to terminate or end a running process based on its process ID or image name.
Example Usage and Output:
To terminate a process named notepad.exe, execute the following command:
C:\Users>taskkill /im notepad.exe /f SUCCESS: The process “notepad.exe” with PID 1234 has been terminated.
The command will forcibly terminate the specified process.
cls#
The cls command is used to clear the contents of the command prompt window, providing a clean slate for new commands and output.
Example Usage and Output:
Execute the following command to clear the command prompt window:
C:\Users>cls
The command prompt window’s contents will be cleared.
assoc#
The assoc command is used to display or modify file associations. File associations determine which program is used to open a specific file type.
Example Usage and Output:
To display the file association for .txt files, execute the following command:
C:\Users>assoc .txt .txt=txtfile
The command will display the associated program for opening .txt files.
Final Words#
Microsoft Command-Line Tools encompass a diverse array of utilities that empower users to efficiently navigate the file system, manage system information, and execute various tasks. These tools are indispensable for users who prefer text-based interactions and seek to streamline their workflow. Whether you are navigating directories, managing files, retrieving system information, or performing administrative tasks, these command-line tools offer a robust and flexible means to interact with your operating system. By understanding and utilizing these tools, users can enhance their efficiency, troubleshooting capabilities, and overall control over their computing environment.