36 Essential Windows Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts
The Windows Command Prompt, or CMD, is a powerful tool for users who need to execute commands to perform tasks or troubleshoot issues. While it might look intimidating at first, mastering a few keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency and productivity. Here’s a comprehensive list of 36 essential keyboard shortcuts for the Windows Command Prompt:
1. Basic Navigation
- Arrow Keys: Navigate through the command history.
- Up Arrow: Recall the previous command.
- Down Arrow: Scroll forward through the command history.
- Left Arrow: Move the cursor left within the command line.
- Right Arrow: Move the cursor right within the command line.
- Ctrl + Left Arrow: Move the cursor to the left one word.
- Ctrl + Right Arrow: Move the cursor to the right one word.
- Home: Move the cursor to the beginning of the command line.
- End: Move the cursor to the end of the command line.
2. Editing Commands
- Backspace: Delete the character to the left of the cursor.
- Delete: Delete the character to the right of the cursor.
- Ctrl + Backspace: Delete the word to the left of the cursor.
- Ctrl + Delete: Delete the word to the right of the cursor.
- Ctrl + A: Select all text on the command line.
- Ctrl + C: Copy selected text to the clipboard.
- Ctrl + V: Paste text from the clipboard.
- Shift + Insert: Also paste text from the clipboard.
- Ctrl + X: Cut selected text to the clipboard.
3. Working with Command History
- F7: Display a history of previous commands.
- F8: Cycle through previously used commands matching the current input.
- F9: Prompt to enter the number of the command from the command history.
4. Running and Managing Commands
- Enter: Execute the entered command.
- Ctrl + Enter: Execute the current command line (alternative method).
- Tab: Autocomplete file and folder names.
5. Using Mark Mode
- Ctrl + M: Enter Mark Mode to select text using the arrow keys.
- Shift + Arrow Keys: Extend the selection by one character/line in the specified direction.
- Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys: Extend the selection by one word in the specified direction.
- Shift + Home: Extend the selection to the beginning of the line.
- Shift + End: Extend the selection to the end of the line.
6. Clipboard Operations
- Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste text from the clipboard (alternative method).
- Alt + Space + E + P: Open the Edit menu and choose Paste.
7. Managing Command Prompt
- Alt + Enter: Toggle full-screen mode.
- Alt + F4: Close the Command Prompt window.
- Ctrl + C: Abort the current command.
- Ctrl + Break: Halt the execution of the current command.
- Ctrl + Z: Mark the end of the input.
- Esc: Clear the current line.
8. Special Characters
- Ctrl + ^: Insert a caret character (^).
- Alt + [num]: Insert special characters using their ASCII codes.
9. Enhanced Shortcuts for Windows 10 and Later
- Ctrl + Shift + Scroll: Scroll up or down one line at a time.
By integrating these shortcuts into your workflow, you can navigate, edit, and execute commands in the Windows Command Prompt more efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these keyboard shortcuts will save you time and enhance your command line experience.
Mastering these shortcuts will not only make you faster at the command line but also open up new possibilities for automation and scripting. Practice regularly, and soon, using these shortcuts will become second nature, transforming how you interact with the Windows Command Prompt.
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