How-To Guides

50 Useful Windows Run Commands (Win + R Cheat Sheet)

Open almost any Windows tool in two seconds. Press Win + R, type the command, hit Enter. Corrected and tested list grouped by task.

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Press Win + R, type a command, press Enter. Commands marked Pro aren't available on Windows Home.

System and settings

  • msconfig – System Configuration (boot options, services)
  • msinfo32 – full System Information report
  • dxdiag – DirectX diagnostics (graphics, sound)
  • control – classic Control Panel
  • ms-settings: – modern Settings app
  • cmd – Command Prompt
  • powershell – Windows PowerShell
  • taskmgr – Task Manager
  • regedit – Registry Editor (back up before changing anything)
  • services.msc – Windows Services
  • devmgmt.msc – Device Manager
  • winver – shows your exact Windows version

Disk and files

  • cleanmgr – Disk Cleanup
  • diskmgmt.msc – Disk Management (partitions, drive letters)
  • dfrgui – Optimize Drives (defrag / TRIM)
  • %temp% – your temporary files folder (safe to clear)
  • explorer – File Explorer
  • shell:downloads – Downloads folder
  • shell:recent – recently opened files
  • shell:startup – your Startup folder

Programs and features

  • appwiz.cpl – Uninstall a program
  • optionalfeatures – turn Windows features on/off
  • control printers – Devices and Printers
  • firewall.cpl – Windows Defender Firewall

Network

  • ncpa.cpl – Network Connections (adapters)
  • inetcpl.cpl – Internet Options
  • cmd /k ipconfig – shows your IP address and keeps the window open
  • mstsc – Remote Desktop Connection

Admin tools

  • compmgmt.msc – Computer Management
  • eventvwr.msc – Event Viewer (crash logs)
  • gpedit.msc – Group Policy Editor (Pro)
  • secpol.msc – Local Security Policy (Pro)
  • lusrmgr.msc – Local Users and Groups (Pro)
  • netplwiz – User Accounts (auto-login settings)
  • mrt – Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Performance

  • perfmon – Performance Monitor
  • resmon – Resource Monitor (live CPU, disk, network)
  • sysdm.cpl – System Properties
  • SystemPropertiesAdvanced – virtual memory and performance options

Handy tools

  • notepad, calc, mspaint, snippingtool
  • osk – On-Screen Keyboard
  • magnify – Magnifier
  • narrator – screen reader
  • charmap – Character Map (symbols like ©, ™, °)

Power

  • shutdown /s /t 0 – shut down immediately
  • shutdown /r /t 0 – restart immediately