This wikiHow teaches you how to open a Command Prompt terminal window on a Windows computer. You can open it via the “Start” menu or any folder in File Explorer. In addition, you can also use the Windows built-in “Run” feature.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the “Start” Menu
Step 1. Open the computer's "Start" menu
Click the Windows icon
in the lower-left corner of the desktop or press the Win key on the keyboard.
Alternatively, click the search or Cortana button next to the “Start” menu icon
Step 2. Type cmd or Command Prompt
After opening the “Start” menu, type the entry using your keyboard to search for menu options. Command Prompt will be shown as the top result.
- Alternatively, you can manually search for Command Prompt in the “Start” menu.
- Command Prompt is in the “ Windows System ” in Windows 10 and 8, and the folder “ Accessories ” under the “All Programs” section on Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
Step 3. Click app
Command Prompt on the menu.
A Command Prompt terminal will open in a new window.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Right Click Menu
Step 1. Right-click the “Start” menu icon
It's in the lower-left corner of the desktop. The “Power User” menu options will appear in a pop-up window.
- You can also press the shortcut Win+X on your keyboard to open the menu.
- Alternatively, you can right-click any folder to run Command Prompt from a specific directory.
Step 2. Search for "Command Prompt" on the right-click menu
This option is usually somewhere between " Computer Management " and " Task Manager " in the " Power User " menu.
If you right-click the folder instead of the “Start” menu, you will see the option “ Open command window here ” on the right-click menu.
Step 3. Click
Command Prompt on the right-click menu.
A Command Prompt terminal will open in a new window.
Method 3 of 3: Using the “Run” Tool
Step 1. Press Win+R on the keyboard
Hold down the Windows key on the keyboard, then press the "R" key. The " Run " tool will open in a new pop-up window.
Alternatively, you can search for and click on “ Run ” on the “Start” menu.
Step 2. Type cmd into the “Run” window
This shortcut works to open a Command Prompt terminal.
Step 3. Click OK on the “Run” window
The shortcut command will be executed and a Command Prompt terminal will be opened in a new window.
