Windows Command Line Advanced Tutorial

At first glance, the Windows Command Line may seem like a gimmick of techies, programmers, or hackers and something beyond the comprehension of us commoners. However, a closer inspection will reveal that gaining a fundamental understanding of the command line or command prompt may not be that hard. After all, it can ease our tasks and give further insight into our computers.

What is the Windows Command Line?

Command Line is a communication tool between you and your Windows computer. It uses a computer interface where you can input texts and symbols structured as commands or command lines. The computer then processes these commands to carry off the task requested through those commands.

Windows Command Line also uses the names Command Prompt, Command Screen, and Text Interface. Furthermore, performing these command lines will require access to the Windows Command Processor.

How to access the Windows Command Processor?

Executing a command line will require a separate interface or platform, better known as a command-line processor or interpreter. And to carry out the command lines, Windows provide a Command Prompt application.

You can access this program either through the folder of Windows System or by running a quick search on the tools bar in the following ways:

Opening the Windows System folder through Start Menu will lead you to the Command Prompt application.
Looking for Command Prompt application through the search box on the toolbar is a direct way to launch the command line processor as an administrator.
Another way is to select Windows + R to bring forward the Run box. Typing cmd and then pressing Enter in that box will allow access to Command Prompt. To perform the higher-level command lines, press down on the keys Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead to launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

An Advanced Tutorial on Windows Command Line:

Getting familiar with the syntax of the command line will become easier as you perform fundamental functions on the command line processor. It is a crucial step to learn before moving forward with advanced learning.

Advanced command lines move beyond the functions of a few menu boxes and enable you to perform advanced tasks, such as:

1. Finding or asking for a new IP address:

To find the IP address of your computer, type ipconfig/ all after the command line, C:\USERS\ACK>, and press Enter.

And to ask for a new IP address for your computer, type ipconfig/ release, follow it by ipconfig/ renew after the command line C:\USERS\ACK>. Select Enter afterward.

2. Freeing the deleted space on the hard drive:

To clear the space occupied by deleted files in the directory or C: drive, use the command cipher /w:d after the command line C:\USERS\User_name>. Follow this by pressing the Enter key.

3. Checking the Windows system files:

You can run automatic scans and repairs by launching the Command Processor as an administrator. You can type sfc / scannow following the command line C:\Windows\system 32>. Press down Enter once you finish.

4. Restoring system files in Windows:

You will require to launch the Command Prompt as an administrator to restore system files in your Windows to their previous state. Start by typing the command rstrui.exe following the C:\Windows\system 32>command line and selecting Enter later.

A basic understanding of the Windows Command line is an added advantage against clicking dialogue boxes and menu boxes and selecting options to perform rudimentary utility pieces of work. Besides, advanced learning may enable you to carry out complicated and urgent functions in a shorter period.

Other useful articles: