Command Prompt is a command line interpreter application available in all Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. It is used to run commands that automate tasks via scripts and batch files, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot or solve certain kinds of Windows issues.
Starting in 2020, Microsoft began replacing Command Prompt with Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal as the default command line interpreter application in Windows 10 and 11 devices.
This article will teach you how to open Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Terminal in Windows 10 and 11.
Note: Windows Terminal may not be available in all versions of Windows.
Windows search
A quick way to access Command Prompt is through the Windows search.
- Click on Start ⊞.
- In the search bar type “CMD” and select the command prompt app from the search results.
To access Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal:
- Click on Start ⊞.
- In the search bar type “Windows PowerShell” or “Windows Terminal” and select the app from the search results.
Run as Administrator
- Click on Start ⊞.
- In the search bar type “CMD”, “Windows PowerShell” or “Windows Terminal” and right click the app.
- In the context menu select Run as administrator.
Note: To run Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Terminal with full administrator permissions you must be a member of the Administrators group.
