Windows 10 & 11 · Run dialog reference
Open any Windows tool
in two keystrokes,
without Search.
Press Win+R, type a short name, press Enter. That's faster and more predictable than the Start menu, and it reaches consoles the Start menu hides. This page lists the Run commands worth knowing — grouped by job, each one checked against current Windows 10 and 11. 👇
Or right-click Start → Run. The box remembers your history.
Instead of Enter or OK. You'll get a UAC prompt, then an elevated process.
Most commands also work in the Explorer address bar or a terminal.
Who this is for: developers and power users who spend their day in Windows and are tired of clicking through Settings to find Environment Variables or Services. Commands are case-insensitive; the .exe extension is optional.
02 · Before the list
🧭 How the Run box finds things
Knowing what Run accepts means you can open far more than any list covers. It hands your text to the Windows shell, which tries these in turn:
| You type | Run resolves it via | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A program name | The App Paths registry key, then folders on your PATH | notepad, devenv, code |
| A management console | .msc files in System32 | services.msc |
| A Control Panel applet | .cpl files in System32 | ncpa.cpl |
| A folder or file path | Opens it in Explorer or the default app; environment variables expand | %appdata% |
| A shell folder | Known-folder names | shell:startup |
| A URI | The registered protocol handler | ms-settings:display, https://example.com |
| A network path | SMB | \\server\share |
| A command with arguments | Runs it — a console window opens and closes when it finishes | cmd /k ipconfig /all |
🛡️ Elevate anything
Type the command, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. It works for cmd, powershell, notepad (handy for editing the hosts file) and most consoles.
📌 Keep console output visible
Console tools launched from Run close the moment they finish. Prefix with cmd /k to keep the window open: cmd /k ipconfig /all.
Two related shortcuts: Win+X opens the power-user menu (Device Manager, Terminal (Admin), Disk Management), and Win+Shift+S starts a screen snip. Neither is a Run command, but both save the same kind of time.
03 · Everyday
🖥️ System & settings
The commands most people end up using daily.
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cmd | Command Prompt | Ctrl+Shift+Enter for an admin prompt. |
| powershell | Windows PowerShell 5.1 | Built into Windows. |
| explorer | File Explorer | Same as Win+E. |
| taskmgr | Task Manager | Same as Ctrl+Shift+Esc. |
| control | Control Panel | Still present in Windows 11, though many pages now redirect to Settings. |
| ms-settings: | Settings app | Same as Win+I. Add a page name to jump straight there (below). |
| winver | About Windows | Exact version, edition and build number. |
| msinfo32 | System Information | Hardware, BIOS, drivers, environment — exportable as a report. |
| msconfig | System Configuration | Boot options and safe mode. Startup apps moved to Task Manager. |
| regedit | Registry Editor | Export a key before you change it. |
| sysdm.cpl | System Properties | Computer name, performance, remote settings, Environment Variables. |
| notepad | Notepad | |
| calc | Calculator | Has a Programmer mode for hex and bitwise maths. |
| mspaint | Paint | |
| snippingtool | Snipping Tool | Screenshots and, on Windows 11, screen recording. |
| charmap | Character Map | Find and copy special characters and their code points. |
| osk | On-Screen Keyboard | |
| magnify | Magnifier | Also Win++. |
| sndvol | Volume Mixer (classic) | Per-app volume. |
| netplwiz | User Accounts (advanced) | Also control userpasswords2. |
| useraccountcontrolsettings | UAC settings | The slider for how often Windows prompts. |
| optionalfeatures | Windows Features | Turn on Hyper-V, IIS, WSL, .NET 3.5, Telnet client. |
| shell:AppsFolder | Every installed app, including Store apps | The quickest way to find, pin or create a shortcut for an app like Teams. |
⚙️ Jump straight to a Settings page
| Command | Opens |
|---|---|
| ms-settings:windowsupdate | Windows Update |
| ms-settings:appsfeatures | Installed apps (uninstall, modify) |
| ms-settings:defaultapps | Default apps |
| ms-settings:display | Display, scaling and resolution |
| ms-settings:about | About — device name and specs |
| ms-settings:network | Network & internet |
| ms-settings:developers | For developers (Developer Mode, Terminal default, sudo on Windows 11 24H2+) |
| ms-settings:privacy | Privacy & security |
| ms-settings:troubleshoot | Troubleshoot |
04 · Administration
🧩 Management consoles (.msc)
Microsoft Management Console snap-ins. These are the tools the Start menu buries deepest. Most need admin rights to change anything, so Ctrl+Shift+Enter is a good habit here.
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| services.msc | Services | Start, stop and set startup type — SQL Server, IIS, Windows Search, Docker. |
| devmgmt.msc | Device Manager | Drivers, disabled devices, hardware errors. |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk Management | Partitions, drive letters, VHDs. |
| compmgmt.msc | Computer Management | Services, Event Viewer, Disk Management and more in one window. |
| eventvwr.msc | Event Viewer | Application crash logs live under Windows Logs → Application. |
| taskschd.msc | Task Scheduler | Scheduled jobs and what's running at logon. |
| perfmon.msc | Performance Monitor | Counters and data collector sets. |
| certmgr.msc | Certificates — current user | Where the ASP.NET Core dev certificate lives (Personal). |
| certlm.msc | Certificates — local machine | Machine-wide certificates, e.g. for IIS bindings. Needs admin. |
| wf.msc | Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security | Inbound and outbound rules per port and program. |
| fsmgmt.msc | Shared Folders | Shares, open sessions and open files. |
| comexp.msc | Component Services | COM+, DCOM config; also dcomcnfg. |
| tpm.msc | TPM Management | Check TPM status and version. |
| gpedit.msc | Local Group Policy Editor | Pro+ Not included in Home editions. |
| secpol.msc | Local Security Policy | Pro+ |
| lusrmgr.msc | Local Users and Groups | Pro+ On Home, use netplwiz. |
| printmanagement.msc | Print Management | Pro+ |
| rsop.msc | Resultant Set of Policy | Pro+ Which policies actually applied. |
| mmc | Empty Management Console | Build your own console from snap-ins and save it. |
Windows Tools: on Windows 11, control admintools opens the Windows Tools folder — the renamed "Administrative Tools" — with shortcuts to every console above.
05 · The classic applets
🎛️ Control Panel applets (.cpl and control)
Microsoft keeps moving these pages into Settings, but the classic dialogs are often still quicker and show more options. On Windows 11 a few of them now just open the matching Settings page — noted below.
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| appwiz.cpl | Programs and Features | Classic uninstall list; "Turn Windows features on or off" link. |
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections | Adapters, IPv4/DNS settings, disable/enable an adapter. |
| sysdm.cpl | System Properties | Advanced tab → Environment Variables. |
| powercfg.cpl | Power Options | Power plans. |
| mmsys.cpl | Sound | Playback and recording devices, the classic way. |
| main.cpl | Mouse Properties | Pointer speed, buttons, pointers. |
| intl.cpl | Region | Date, time and number formats; system locale for non-Unicode programs. |
| timedate.cpl | Date and Time | Time zones, internet time sync. |
| inetcpl.cpl | Internet Options | System proxy settings and certificates used by WinINet apps. |
| firewall.cpl | Windows Defender Firewall | Simple view; use wf.msc for rules. |
| wscui.cpl | Security and Maintenance | Reliability history link, maintenance status. |
| joy.cpl | Game Controllers | Test and calibrate gamepads. |
| desk.cpl | Display | Opens Settings → Display on Windows 10 and 11. |
| hdwwiz.cpl | Device Manager | Same as devmgmt.msc. |
| control printers | Devices and Printers | Newer Windows 11 builds redirect to Settings → Bluetooth & devices. |
| control folders | File Explorer Options | Show hidden files, file extensions. |
| control fonts | Fonts folder | Install or remove fonts. |
| control keyboard | Keyboard Properties | Repeat delay and rate. |
| control admintools | Windows Tools / Administrative Tools | |
| control userpasswords2 | User Accounts (advanced) | Same as netplwiz. |
| control /name Microsoft.CredentialManager | Credential Manager | Saved Git, RDP and network passwords. |
| control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter | Network and Sharing Center | |
| control srchadmin.dll | Indexing Options | Add or remove indexed folders; rebuild a broken search index. |
06 · Connectivity
🌐 Networking & remote access
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections | The fastest way to change an adapter's DNS servers. |
| ms-settings:network | Network & internet settings | |
| mstsc | Remote Desktop Connection | mstsc /v:server01 connects directly. |
| mstsc /admin | Remote Desktop, admin session | Connects to the console/admin session of a server. |
| msra | Windows Remote Assistance | Legacy "invite someone to help" tool. |
| \\server\share | A network share in Explorer | Also works with an IP: \\192.168.1.10\c$ (admin shares need admin credentials). |
| inetcpl.cpl | Internet Options | Connections → LAN settings for the system proxy. |
| wf.msc | Firewall advanced rules | Open a port for a local dev server. |
| rasphone | Remote Access Phonebook | Classic VPN/dial-up connection dialog. |
| cmd /k ipconfig /all | Full IP configuration | Adapters, DNS servers, MAC addresses, DHCP lease. |
| cmd /k ipconfig /flushdns | Clears the DNS resolver cache | After changing DNS or the hosts file. |
| cmd /k ping -t example.com | Continuous ping | Ctrl+C to stop. |
| cmd /k tracert example.com | Route to a host | |
| notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts | The hosts file | Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter so Notepad can save it. |
💡 Checking from the outside instead? The site's Ping Test, Traceroute and Port Checker run from our servers, which is useful for comparing against what your own machine sees.
07 · Get there fast
📁 Folders, environment variables & shell: locations
Anything that expands to a folder path opens in Explorer. Environment variables are wrapped in %; shell: names reach special folders that have no fixed path.
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| . | Your user profile folder | C:\Users\<you> |
| .. | The Users folder | C:\Users |
| %userprofile% | Your user profile folder | |
| %temp% | Your temp folder | Safe to clear out old files when disk space is low. |
| temp | C:\Windows\Temp | System temp; asks for permission the first time. |
| %appdata% | AppData\Roaming | App settings: VS Code user settings, NuGet config, npm. |
| %localappdata% | AppData\Local | Caches and per-machine app data. |
| %programdata% | C:\ProgramData | Hidden by default; machine-wide app data. |
| %programfiles% | C:\Program Files | |
| %windir% | C:\Windows | |
| shell:startup | Your Startup folder | Shortcuts here run when you sign in. |
| shell:common startup | Startup folder for all users | Needs admin to change. |
| shell:sendto | The Send to menu | Add a shortcut to VS Code here for right-click → Send to. |
| shell:downloads | Downloads | Follows the folder even if you moved it to another drive. |
| shell:desktop | Desktop | |
| shell:personal | Documents | |
| shell:recent | Recent items | |
| shell:programs | Your Start menu Programs folder | Where Start menu shortcuts live. |
| shell:fonts | Fonts | |
| shell:RecycleBinFolder | Recycle Bin | |
| shell:AppsFolder | All installed apps | Including Store apps that have no .exe you can find. |
08 · For developers
🧑💻 Developer-useful commands
Several of these only work if the tool is installed — they're resolved through App Paths or your PATH, so a "Windows cannot find…" message usually means it isn't installed or its folder isn't on PATH.
| Command | Opens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| wt | Windows Terminal | Built into Windows 11; installable on Windows 10. |
| pwsh | PowerShell 7 | If installed |
| wsl | Your default WSL distribution | If installed |
| code | Visual Studio Code | If installed code %userprofile%\source\repos opens a folder. |
| devenv | Visual Studio | If installed Registered in App Paths by the installer. |
| "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer\setup.exe" | Visual Studio Installer | Modify workloads, update, repair. Include the quotes. |
| ssms | SQL Server Management Studio | If installed |
| inetmgr | IIS Manager | After enabling IIS in optionalfeatures. |
| odbcad32 | ODBC Data Source Administrator | DSNs and installed ODBC drivers. |
| rundll32 sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables | Environment Variables dialog directly | Skips System Properties. Elevate to edit system variables. |
| SystemPropertiesAdvanced | System Properties → Advanced tab | One click from Environment Variables. |
| certmgr.msc | User certificates | Inspect the localhost dev certificate. |
| ms-settings:developers | For developers settings | Developer Mode, default terminal app. |
| resmon | Resource Monitor | Which process holds a file lock or a port (Network → Listening Ports). |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostic Tool | GPU and driver details. |
| cmd /k winget upgrade | List available app updates | winget ships with current Windows 10 and 11. |
| cmd /k dotnet --info | Installed .NET SDKs and runtimes | If installed |
Make your own: any folder you add to your user PATH becomes Run-able. Drop a .cmd or .lnk named api.cmd into it — say, one that does cd /d C:\src\api && code . — and Win+R → api opens your project.
09 · When things break
🩺 Troubleshooting & repair
Anything marked Admin must be launched with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
| Command | Does | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cmd /k sfc /scannow | Scans and repairs protected system files | Admin Takes several minutes. |
| cmd /k DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth | Repairs the Windows component store | Admin Run this first if sfc can't fix everything, then run sfc again. |
| perfmon /rel | Reliability Monitor | Timeline of crashes, failed updates and installs. Often the fastest diagnosis. |
| perfmon /report | System Diagnostics report | Admin Collects for about a minute, then shows a report. |
| eventvwr.msc | Event Viewer | Look under Windows Logs → System and Application. |
| resmon | Resource Monitor | What's using CPU, disk, network and memory right now. |
| mdsched | Windows Memory Diagnostic | Tests RAM on the next restart. |
| rstrui | System Restore | Only works if restore points exist — see SystemPropertiesProtection. |
| SystemPropertiesProtection | System Protection tab | Turn restore points on and create one. |
| cleanmgr | Disk Cleanup | "Clean up system files" removes old update files. |
| dfrgui | Optimize Drives | Defrag HDDs, TRIM SSDs. |
| msconfig | System Configuration | Boot tab → Safe boot. Remember to untick it afterwards. |
| shutdown /r /o /t 0 | Restarts into Advanced Startup (WinRE) | Startup Repair, Safe Mode, UEFI settings. Saves nothing — close your work first. |
| wsreset | Resets the Microsoft Store cache | When Store apps won't download or update. |
| mrt | Malicious Software Removal Tool | Delivered and updated through Windows Update. |
| control srchadmin.dll | Indexing Options | Advanced → Rebuild, when Windows Search returns nothing. |
| ms-settings:windowsupdate | Windows Update | Check for pending restarts before deeper debugging. |
| ms-settings:troubleshoot | Troubleshoot settings | Built-in troubleshooters (now via the Get Help app on Windows 11). |
🗑️ Removed or on the way out
These appear in many older lists but are gone, or going, on current Windows 11:
| Command | Was | Status |
|---|---|---|
| write | WordPad | Removed Removed in Windows 11 24H2; still present on Windows 10. |
| iexplore | Internet Explorer | Retired Opens Edge instead; IE mode in Edge covers legacy sites. |
| psr | Steps Recorder | Deprecated Shows a deprecation notice and is being removed from Windows 11. Use Snipping Tool's recording instead. |
| msdt.exe -id … | Legacy troubleshooters | Retired The MSDT troubleshooters were retired in favour of Get Help. |
| wmic | WMI command line | Deprecated Not installed by default on new Windows 11 24H2 installs. Use PowerShell's Get-CimInstance. |
Registry and policy changes are immediate and have no undo. Before editing with regedit or gpedit.msc, export the key or create a restore point with SystemPropertiesProtection. It takes thirty seconds and has saved many afternoons.