Windows Tools, Help & Guides

If you like to use shortcuts to get tasks done in the most efficient way, there is a large collection of commands you can run from the run dialog (XP/Vista/7/8) or the Start Menu (in Windows Vista/7/8.) In this guide, I’ll show you how to run the commands and what effect they have.

Where to Run Commands

Note: see below for an even quicker method for Windows Vista/7/8.

To run the commands, listed below, in Windows XP (can also be used in Windows Vista/7/8):

1. Click the Start button and click Run (or press Winkey+R):

2. Type the command in the Run dialog and click OK (or press Enter.)

To run the commands, listed below, in Windows Vista/7/8, you can also use the Start Menu search function:

Press the Start button (or press the Winkey), type the command, and press Enter.

If the command fails, use steps 1 & 2 above.

Environment Variables

Environment variables can be used to open common folders in Windows. You can even append strings to the end of an environment variable to go directly to a folder i.e. %UserProfile%\Music

Commands to Run

Most of the commands, listed below, will work; however, some commands such as QuickTime.cpl (requires Quick Time) or gpedit.msc (requires Business, Professional, or Ultimate Windows versions) may not run depending on installed components, Windows versions, Windows editions etc.

Command	Launches	XP	Vista/7/8
access.cpl	Accessibility Controls
hdwwiz.cpl	Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl	Device Manager
appwiz.cpl	Add/ Remove Programs
control admintools	Administrative Tools
wuaucpl.cpl	Automatic Updates
fsquirt	Bluetooth Transfer wizard
calc	Calculator
certmgr.msc	Certificate Manager
charmap	Character Map
chkdsk	Check Disk Utility
clipbrd	Clipboard Viewer
cmd	Command Prompt
dcomcnfg	Component Services
compmgmt.msc	Computer Management
control panel	Control Panel
timedate.cpl	Date and Time Properties
ddeshare	DDE Share
devmgmt.msc	Device Manager
directx.cpl	Direct X Control Panel
dxdiag	Direct X Troubleshooter
cleanmgr	Disk Cleanup Utility
dfrg.msc	Disk Defragment
diskmgmt.msc	Disk Management
diskpart	Disk Partition Manager
control desktop	Display Properties / Personalization
desk.cpl	Screen Resolution
control color	Window Color and Appearance
dn /vtsn32	Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
verifier	Driver Verifier Utility
eventvwr.msc	Event Viewer
sigverif	File Signature Verification Tool
findfast.cpl	Findfast
control folders	Folders Properties
fonts OR control fonts	Fonts Folder
freecell	Free Cell Card Game
joy.cpl	Game Controllers
gpedit.msc	Group Policy Editor (Select editions)
mshearts	Hearts Card Game
iexpress	Iexpress wizard
ciadv.msc	Indexing Service
inetcpl.cpl	Internet Properties
Iexplore	Internet Explorer
javaws	Java Control Panel (lf lnstalled)
toy.cpl	Joystick Properties
main.cpl keyboard OR control keyboard	Keyboard Properties
secpol.msc	Local Security Settings (Select versions)
lusrmgr.msc	Local Users and Groups (Select versions)
logoff	Logs You Out Of Windows
winchat	Microsoft Chat
winmine	Minesweeper Game
main.cpl OR control mouse	Mouse Properties
netsetup.cpl	Network Setup Wizard
notepad	Notepad
nvtuicpl.cpl	Nview Desktop Manager(If installed)
packager	Object Packager
odbccp32.cpl	ODBC Data Source Administrator
osk	On Screen Keyboard
ac3filter.cpl	OpensAC3 Filter(If installed)
password.cpl	Password Properties
perfmon	Performance Monitor
telephon.cpl	Phone and Modem Options
powercfg.cpl	Power Management
control printers	Printers and Faxes
printers	Printers Folder
eudcedit	Private Character Editor
QuickTime.cpl	Quicktime Preferences (lf installed)
intl.cpl	Regional Settings
regedit	Registry Editor
regedit32	Registry Editor
mstsc	Remote Desktop
ntmsmgr.msc	Removable Storage
ntmsoprq.msc	Removable Storage Operator Requests
rsop.msc	Resultant Set of Policy (Select versions)
sticpl.cpl	Scanners and Cameras
control schedtasks	Scheduled Tasks
wscui.cpl	Security Center
services.msc	Services
fsmgmt.msc	Shared Folders
shutdown	Shuts Down Windows
mmsys.cpl	Sounds and Audio
spider	Spider Solitare Card Game
cliconfg	SQL Client Configuration
sysedit	System Configuration Editor
msconfig	System Configuration Utility
sfc /scannow	System File Checker(Scan Immediately)
sfc /scanonce	System FC (Scan Once At Next Boot)
sfc /scanboot	System FC (Scan On Every Boot)
sfc /revert	System FC (Return to Default Setting)
sfc /purgecache	System FC (Purge File Cache)
sfc /cachesize=x	System FC (Set Cache Size to size x)
sysdm.cpl	System Properties
Taskmgr	Task Manager
nusrmgr.cpl	User Account Management
utilman	Utility Manager
explorer	Windows Explorer
firewall.cpl	Windows Firewall
magnify	Windows Magnifier
wmimgmt.msc	Windows Management lnfrastructure (WMI)
syskey	Windows System Security Tool
wupdmgr Windows 7: wuapp	Windows Update Launches
winver	Windows Version
tourstart	Windows XP Tour Wizard
Write	Wordpad

Which commands did I miss? Let us know in the comments.

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

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