How To Open Command Prompt in Windows 8

The Command Prompt in Windows 8 is the command-line interface program that's used to execute commands. Some popular Windows 8 commands include ping, netstat, tracert, dir, attrib, and many more.

While Command Prompt isn't a tool you may use on a regular basis, you may encounter the need for it from time to time, maybe to troubleshoot a Windows 8 problem or to automate some kind of task.

Since it's the tool by which you execute most commands in Windows 8, you'll need to open Command Prompt before you can run a command.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Opening Command Prompt in Windows 8 will take you several seconds, and much less once you learn where it is.

Here's How:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the Start screen and then touch the All apps icon. If you have a mouse, right-click anywhere on the Start screen and then click on All apps.
   
   Note: If you're using a keyboard, see Tip #1 below for a really quick way to open a Command Prompt window in Windows 8.
   
   
2. Now that you're on the Apps screen, swipe or scroll to the right and locate the Windows System section heading.
   
   
3. Under Windows System, press or click on Command Prompt.
   
   A new Command Prompt window will open on the Desktop.
   
   
4. You can now execute whatever command you needed to run.
   
   See my List of Windows 8 Command Prompt Commands for a complete list of the commands available via Command Prompt in Windows 8, including short descriptions and links to more in-depth information if I have it.
   
   Note: See Tip #2 below if, after executing a command, you see any kind of error indicating the need for administrative rights or to run the command from an elevated command prompt.

Tips:

1. If you're using a keyboard with Windows 8, you can open Command Prompt via its shortcut on the Power User Menu, which you can access by pressing the WIN and X keys together.
   
   
2. Some commands require administrative privileges before they can be executed. See How To Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 8 for instructions on opening Command Prompt as an administrator so you can use those commands.
   
   
3. Not using Windows 8? See How Do I Open Command Prompt? for steps specific for your version of Windows.