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In this article, we’ll explore essential Windows command-line utilities that every IT professional, sysadmin, or power user should know. These commands help manage system configurations, troubleshoot issues, and automate tasks efficiently.
Basic System Commands
1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator
powershell start cmd -v runAs
This opens an elevated Command Prompt window with administrative privileges.
2. List All Installed Drivers
driverquery
Displays a comprehensive list of drivers, including hidden ones not visible in Device Manager.
3. Change Directory
chdir (or cd)
Navigates to a specified directory. Example:
cd C:\Windows\System32
4. Display System Information
systeminfo
Shows detailed hardware and OS configuration, including installed updates.
5. View Environment Variables
set
Lists all environment variables configured on the system.
Customization & Utility Commands
6. Change Command Prompt Text
prompt [CustomText]$G
Example:
prompt HackerMode$G
7. Copy Output to Clipboard
dir | clip
Copies directory listing to the clipboard.
8. List File Associations
assoc
Displays programs linked to file extensions.
9. Change Window
title NewWindowTitle
10. Compare Two Files
fc "C:\file1.txt" "C:\file2.txt"
Security & Networking Commands
11. Wipe Free Space & Encrypt Data
cipher /w:C:
Securely erases deleted files from drive C:.
12. Check Open Ports & Connections
netstat -an
13. Ping a Host
ping google.com
14. Retrieve Wi-Fi Passwords
for /f "skip=9 tokens=1,2 delims=:" %i in ('netsh wlan show profiles') do @echo %j | findstr -i -v echo | netsh wlan show profiles %j key=clear
15. Network Configuration (IP/DNS)
ipconfig /all ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns
You Should Know:
- For scripting: Use `&&` to chain commands (e.g.,
ipconfig /release && ipconfig /renew). - Redirect output: Save command results to a file with `>` (e.g.,
systeminfo > sysinfo.txt). - Task automation: Schedule commands via Task Scheduler or batch files (
.bat).
What Undercode Say
Mastering command-line tools is crucial for IT efficiency. Here are additional Linux equivalents for cross-platform users:
– `ls` (Windows: dir)
– `ifconfig` (Windows: ipconfig)
– `grep` (Windows: findstr)
– `chmod` (Windows: attrib)
– `ssh` (Windows: use PuTTY or `ssh` in PowerShell)
For deeper Windows CLI mastery, explore:
– `wmic` (Windows Management Instrumentation)
– `schtasks` (Task Scheduler CLI)
– `bcdedit` (Boot Configuration Data Editor)
Expected Output:
A structured guide to Windows command-line utilities with practical examples for system management, security, and networking.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Enderson Dias – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
