Since Windows 95, the Windows operating system allows you to start your computer in command line mode. You've probably seen a black screen with a text box when you turn on your computer. The screen is a command line window. If your computer is having problems, you can use command line mode to diagnose and manage files. The command line mode is very useful for managing your own computer, but it's one that few people know about. Although the command line is accessible in all versions of Windows, the way to open it varies. Luckily, if you're using a newer version of Windows (like 8 or 10), you'll be able to start your computer in command line mode easily.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Windows 8, 8.1 and 10
Step 1. Hold down Shift, then right-click the Restart button
In new versions of Windows, the way to access the command line interface has changed. To get started, open the Shut Down menu by hovering over the lower-left corner of the screen (Windows 8) or clicking the Start button (Windows 8.1/10). After that, hold down Shift, and right-click the Restart button. The Restart Options screen will appear.
Step 2. Click Troubleshoot -> Advanced Settings -> Startup Settings to enter command line mode
After holding down Shift and right-clicking the Restart button, you'll need to follow the prompts on some blue screens to access command line mode. Click the Troibleshoot button, then select Advanced Options on the next screen. After that, you will see a Startup Settings button. You will now be able to set your computer to enter command line mode on restart.
Step 3. Adjust startup settings
In the Startup Settings screen, you can select several startup options. These options will take effect once the computer restarts. Adjust startup options if needed, then click the Restart button in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Step 4. After the computer restarts and the screen display changes, press F6 to access command line mode
Use the command line window to enter commands and run diagnostics, just like an older operating system.
Step 5. Press Windows + X to access the command line menu if the computer is still operating normally
However, if you have a problem with your computer, you cannot use this shortcut to access the command line.
Method 2 of 3: Using Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
Step 1. Look for Command on the Start menu
One feature of the Start menu that is rarely used is the search menu. You can enter any keyword in the search box in the Start menu. To open a command line window, look for Command on the Start menu. Command Prompt options will appear on the screen.
You can also try the above steps to open a command line window in new versions of Windows, such as Windows 8.1
Step 2. Restart your computer via the Start menu
If your computer is having problems, you can access command line mode by restarting your computer, either through the Start menu or a physical button. When the computer restarts, press F8. The menu that appears will allow you to access the command line mode.
Step 3. When the computer restarts, press F8
You will see a startup options menu, which manages how your computer starts. Since you cannot use the mouse to navigate through the menus, use the arrow keys on the keyboard. To select an option, press Enter.
Method 3 of 3: Using Windows 95, 98, and ME
Step 1. Open the Start menu on your computer
Since Windows 95, all versions of Windows include a Start menu (except Windows 8). The fastest way to access the command line on older Windows computers is through the Start menu.
Step 2. Click Run, then find the Command command
If you're using an older version of Windows, look for the program file name for quick access. Click the Search option in the Start menu, then enter "command" in the text box. After that, you can access the command line window.
Step 3. Set your computer to start in command line mode every time it starts up
If you use the command line diligently, you can set your computer to start in command line mode every time it starts up. For Windows 95 users, press F8 when the Starting Windows 95 message appears, then select Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. Windows 98 users can access the same menu by holding down the Ctrl key while the computer starts.
Tips
- If your drive has problems, you can fix them with the built-in command line program called Check Disk. Enter the command "chkdsk /f", followed by the letter of the drive you want to repair. For example, if you want to repair drive C, enter the command "chkdsk /f C:".
- If you use the command line a lot, add a shortcut to the command line window in the Start menu to save time.
