Even on Windows, there are some activities that can only be done via the command prompt. Some of these tools lack graphical counterparts, while others are just quicker to use than their graphical counterparts. You’re losing out if you haven’t explored the command line in Windows. If you know what to enter, you can access a plethora of useful tools. We’ve compiled a list of the most important commands that every Windows user should be aware of.

1. Shutdown: Shutdown Shortcut for Windows

You may use the shutdown command to shut down or restart your PC. It’s more helpful in Windows 8 (in which the power-down option was more difficult to access), but it is still beneficial regardless of the version of Windows you are using. You may use the command to make your own shortcuts and save them to your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

In Windows 8 and 10, a specific button may even be used to restart your laptop into the advanced starting settings menu. Simply use one of the command prompts given below at the Command Prompt or when generating a shortcut to utilize the command:

shutdown /s /t 0: This command performs a standard shutdown.

shutdown /r /t 0: This forces the machine to restart.

shutdown /r /o: It reboots the machine into advanced mode.

2. Cipher: To Permanently Delete Files

Deleted files on a mechanical hard disk are not truly deleted. Instead, it indicates that the files are no longer functional and that the space they used is now free. The files can be recovered until the system erases them with fresh data, which might take a while.

The cipher command, on the other hand, deletes a directory by adding random data to it. To wipe your C storage, for example, use the cipher /w:d command, which will remove all empty space from the disk. Because the operation does not overwrite undeleted data, executing it will not remove the files you require. To use the command, indicate the drive that is to be wiped.

3. Assoc: To Change File Type Association

In Windows, most folders are linked with a certain application that is set to open the file by default. Maintaining these associations might be difficult at times. You may refresh your memory by using the command assoc, which displays a complete list of filename extensions and application affiliations.

The command can be extended to modify file associations. Assoc.txt=, for example, changes the file affiliation for text files to whichever program you specify after the equation. The assoc command will display both the extension and application names, which will assist you in correctly using this command.

In Windows 10, you can see a more user-friendly interface as well as the ability to alter file type associations on the fly. Navigate to Settings (Windows + I) > Apps > Default Apps. Select the default program based on the file type.

4. Driverquery: To Know What’s On Your Drive

Drivers are still among the most crucial pieces of software that can be loaded on a computer. Improperly configured, missing, or obsolete drivers in Windows may create all kinds of problems; so it’s useful to maintain a list of what is on your computer.

That is precisely what the driverquery command accomplishes. You may use driverquery -v to get further information, such as the directory where the driver is installed.

5.  sfc/ Scannow: To Scan System Files for Issues

Windows comes with a system file checker program that examines all Windows system files for issues. The system file scanner will fix any missing or damaged system files. This may resolve issues with some Windows systems.

To use this program, launch Command Prompt as Admin and type sfc /scannow.

6. Ipconfig: To Find Your IP Address

This command sends the IP address that your machine is presently utilizing to the server. However, if you’re behind a router (as most PCs are nowadays), you’ll get the router’s local area network address rather.

Nonetheless, ipconfig is helpful due to its extensions. The commands ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew might compel your Windows PC to request a new IP address, which is handy if your computer prompts that one isn’t available. To update your DNS address, run ipconfig /flushdns. These instructions are useful if the Windows network troubleshooter freezes, which does happen from time to time.

7. Netstat: To Find Related IP Addresses and Open Ports

Entering the command netstat-an will provide a list of presently open ports and their associated IP addresses. This function will also inform you of the port’s status, whether it is open, established, or closed.

This is a fantastic command to use when you’re attempting to troubleshoot devices that are connected to your PC. Alternatively, this is also useful when you suspect your system has been infected by a Trojan and you’re looking for a dangerous connection.

8. Ping: To Fix Network Connection Issues

Maybe you need to verify if packets are being delivered to a certain networked device. This is where ping enters.

When you type ping followed by an IP address or web domain, a sequence of test packets are sent to the given address. If they come and are relayed, you know the device is capable of connecting with your computer; if they miss, you know something is interfering with the connection between the device and your computer. This might assist you in determining if the source of the problem is an incorrect setup or a breakdown of network hardware.

9. Tracert: To Trace an Address

You can enter Tracert followed by the IP address or domain name to trace it. You will be informed about each step of the path between your PC and the location. Tracert, unlike pathping, also measures how long (in milliseconds) each bounce between sites or endpoints takes.

10. Powercfg: To Learn How Much Power Your PC Consumes

Powercfg is a highly effective tool for regulating and measuring how much energy your machine consumes. To handle hibernation, use the commands powercfg hibernate on and powercfg hibernate off; you may also use the command powercfg /a to explore the power-saving modes currently accessible on your PC.

Powercfg /devicequery s1 supported is another handy tool that provides a list of devices on your computer that enable linked standby. When activated, you may use these gadgets to wake up your computer, even remotely.