25 Run Commands in Windows You Should Memorize

Using Run commands in Windows is a very efficient way to access different Windows settings and apps directly.

If you memorize Run commands, you can access a particular app in just 2 steps instead of many clicks.

I personally don’t like frequently reaching out for the mouse; therefore, I have memorized all the required keyboard shortcuts and commands to minimize my interaction with the mouse. And Run commands are core for my day-to-day PC usage to accesses different Windows settings and apps efficiently.

If you are looking to be productive, then I will recommend you to memorize Run commands. To get you started, I will list some of the frequently used commands that I find most useful for day-to-day use.

How to open the Run dialog?

To use Run commands, you need to know how to open the Run dialog to enter the commands. There are two ways to access the Run dialog in Windows 10.

You can either press the Windows+R keys on the keyboard or right-click on the start menu and select Run from the menu.

I will recommend you to use the keyboard shortcut as it’s much faster and you won’t have to use the mouse. Once the Run dialog is open, enter any of the below mentioned commands and press the Enter key or click on the OK button to execute it.

#1. Access System Configuration — “msconfig”

Starting with my favorite command, the System Configuration window consists of multiple tabs to manage boot settings and background services.

If you have a dual boot setup or often need to access safe mode, you will often need to access these settings. Don’t forget to check its Tools section for convenient access to some of the most powerful Windows tools.

#2. Access Resource Monitor — “resmon”

A very powerful app to see real-time information about your system resources like CPU, RAM, disk, and network. For any computer hanging or performance-related issues, this is the best tool to get the information you need.

#3. Open System Information — “msinfo32”

System Information app offers extensive information about both the hardware and software of your PC. It’s a must-know command if you need to see the specs of any PC. The information is well laid out using dedicated categories, and you can export the information to a file to share with anyone — perfect for getting online tech assistance.

#4. Access Backup and Restore window — “sdclt”

It opens the backup and restores window where you can either set up a backup of your PC or restore it from an old backup if there is a problem with your PC.

#5. Access mouse properties — “main.cpl”

You can control all the settings related to your computer mouse here. This includes mouse speed, buttons, wheel, and pointer, etc.

#6. Open Windows Registry — “regedit”

If you ever need to access the Windows registry to tweak something, this is the easiest way to do it. I didn’t even know other ways to access the Registry until recently, and I often mess around in the Registry. Other ways are simply too cumbersome to use.

#7. Access System Properties — “sysdm.cpl”

Another powerful settings window to manage system protection and remote connection features. I personally access it often to manage the Performance settings under the Advanced tab. You can manage some interesting performance-boosting options there.

#8. Manage Windows Power options — “powercfg.cpl”

You will find all the options to manage your PC’s power options here. There are a plethora of options to both save power or get better performance. Check this guide to optimize the power options as you find best.

#9. Open Windows Features — “optionalfeatures”

Here you can disable/enable some of the most advanced features of Windows. I wouldn’t recommend you to mess around here if you don’t know what you are doing. You will need to use this window if you ever need to enable features like Telnet client or Hyper-V.

#10. Open Magnifier — “magnify”

This opens the Windows magnifier to magnify the content on the screen up to 1600% if needed. It also has a screen reader built-in to read aloud text on the screen.

#11. Open Character Map app — “charmap”

Windows Character Maps lets you access All the characters in the font of your choice to easily use anywhere you like. You can either copy the character or learn its Alt code to enter anywhere you like. Using the search bar is the easiest way to find the character you need.

#12. Access Network Connections — “ncpa.cpl”

Here you can manage your current network connection and fix any problem with the network device. You can enable/disable the network, check the current status, bridge connections, or see your Wi-Fi password.

#13. Run Malicious Software Removal Tool — “mrt”

It’s an on-demand virus removal tool provided by Microsoft to scan your PC and find any malicious software. If you think your PC got infected by a virus, you can quickly launch this tool to scan your PC.

You can also consider installing antivirus software to keep your Windows computer safe.

#14. Open Device Manager — “devmgmt.msc”

Device Manager is the go-to place to manage everything related to your hardware components and their drivers. You can enable/disable hardware components or manage their drivers, like uninstalling or updating them.

#15. Manage User Accounts — “netplwiz”

You can quickly manage user accounts here, such as adding a new account or user account types like Administrator or Standard. You can also change the user accounts password here and manage their security.

#16. Open Services app — “services.msc”

This app lists all the services that work in the background without an interface and make all the features work in Windows. Again, you shouldn’t mess with any services if you don’t know what you are doing. However, you can click on a service to learn what it does in the left panel. There are many services that you can enable/disable depending on your need. For example, I have disabled the Bluetooth service as I don’t use it.

#17. Access Programs and Features window — “appwiz.cpl”

Although Windows 10 has its own setting to uninstall an app, I still use this command as it only shows third-party apps. The default Windows uninstaller shows all apps, including built-in apps, which are 30+. It can be difficult to always go through so many apps to uninstall a recently installed app. This command makes the process a snap.

#18. Open Control Panel — “control”

This command didn’t hold much value in the older version of Windows as you could easily access Control Panel using different ways. However, in Windows 10, Microsoft promotes the new Settings over the old Control Panel, so it doesn’t offer an easy way to access the Control Panel. This simple command lets you easily access it.

#19. Open current user folder — “.” (period)

We have to access the user folder quite often in Windows, but going through the explorer to access it isn’t needed. Just type a period in the Run dialog, and the current user’s folder will open up.

#20. Open On-Screen Keyboard — “osk”

If you want to use the on-screen keyboard, then using the Run command is one of the quickest ways to do it.

#21. Open Snipping Tool — “snippingtool”

Snipping Tool is still the go-to tool for taking screenshots in Windows 10 without using a third-party app. If you use the Snipping Tool for taking screenshots, then this Run command will make it easier.

#22. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic — “mdsched”

If you think there is a problem with your RAM, this tool can check your RAM and possibly fix the problem or let you know there is an issue. If you start seeing sudden freezes or crashes, it could mean there is a problem with your RAM.

#23. Open any website — “Insert website URL”

You can also enter the URL of any website in the Run dialog, and it will open it in your default browser. For example, if you type www.geekflare.com in the Run command, it will open the Geekflare home page in your default browser.

#24. Open Remote Desktop Connection — “mstsc”

You can use this feature to remotely connect to another PC and take full control over it. You’ll have to set up both PCs for the remote connection first, though. This Run command just makes the process easier.

#25. Open Command Prompt — “cmd”

Unlike PowerShell, you can’t access the Command Prompt by right-clicking on the start menu anymore. If you prefer using the Command Prompt over PowerShell to execute commands, this is one of the easier ways to open the Command Prompt.

Wrapping up

The cool thing about Run is that it remembers all the commands you type in it. Therefore, you will only have to type the first letter to enter the command in the future.

I also believe Run commands are more important in Windows 10 as it heavily promotes the use of its default Settings app. Most of the settings and apps that I have mentioned above are more difficult to access Windows 10.

Next, explore some of the best NirSoft utilities for Windows.

How to add Run command to Start menu in Windows 10

• The Run command icon in Windows 10 is not available in the Start menu when you first install the operating system. Just press the Windows button and the R button to open it.
• If you’re not a fan of the keyboard shortcuts, learn how to pin the Run application to the Start menu in just a few easy steps. You can also create a Run window shortcut on your desktop if you want.
• If you want to learn more about the Start menu, you can read all our articles about Start menu problems and guides.
• We wrote plenty of guides on how to use different software, tools or devices. The How to guide category is at your discretion.

1. Pin Run to Start Menu
2. Create Run window shortcut on desktop
3. Pin Run to Windows 10 taskbar

The Run command icon in Windows 10 is not available in the Start menu when you first install the operating system. Don’t worry because there is a very easy workaround that you can use.

This guide will show you how to get the Run command in the Start menu in Windows 10. So follow the simple steps listed in this article and you should.

In the previous versions of Windows like Windows 7 or Windows 8, it was quite easy to add the Run command window in the Start menu.

If you are not a fan of the keyboard shortcut used to open Run, you will learn how to do this in Windows 10 in just a few minutes with the help of the guide below.

Note: The keyboard shortcut can be accessed by pressing and holding the Windows button and the R button.

How can I add the Run command to Windows 10 Start menu?

1. Pin Run to Start menu

1. Left-click or tap on the Start button to open the Start menu.
2. From within the Start menu, you will have to left click or tap on the All Apps button situated in the lower-left corner of the menu.
3. Search for the Windows System folder and left click or tap on it to open.
4. You can now see the Run icon in the above folder you opened.
5. Now right-click or hold tap on the Run icon.
6. From the menu that pops up, you will have to left click or tap on the Pin to Start feature.
7. Now close the Start menu and left click or tap again on it to open.
8. You will see the Run icon present on the right side of the Start menu.
9. Now, if you would like to move the Run icon to the left side of the menu, you will need to close the Start menu first.

2. Create Run window shortcut on desktop

1. On an open space in your desktop right-click or hold tap.
2. From the menu that shows, you need to left click or tap on the “New” feature.
3. From the menu that pops up, you need to left click or tap on the “Shortcut” feature.
4. Now double click to open the shortcut you made.
5. In the field that says : Type the location of the item you will need to write the following or just copy-paste it from here: explorer.exe shell. <2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0>.
6. Left-click or tap on the Next button situated in the lower right side of this window.
7. Now in the next window, you will have there a Type a name for this shortcut topic.
8. As a name, you should write Run without the quotes.
9. Left-click or tap on the Finish button to complete the process.
10. Now hold the left click on the shortcut and drag it to the left side of the Start menu.
11. Now, you have your Run icon on the left side of the Start menu as well.

3. Pin Run to Windows 10 taskbar

You can also pin your Run window to your taskbar. The steps to follow are similar to those you need to follow in order to pin Run to Star menu.

Go to Start > click on the Windows logo > go to Windows System > right-click on Run > select More > Pin to Taskbar, as shown in the screenshot below.

That is it, you have above a very simple way to get your Run icon back to your Start menu and use it as you wish in Windows 10.

Also, if you have any other questions related to this article, please let us know in the comments below. We will help you further as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I open the Run command?

Just press the Windows key and the R key at the same time. That will open the Run command box. It’s the fastest method and it works with all versions of Windows. Here’s a guide on how to add the Run command in Start menu.

How do you type a Run command?

If you don’t remember the key combination shortcut (Windows + R), you can also type Run in the Windows 10 Search box and click on the Run application in the results. If you can’t type in the Windows Search box use our expert guide to fix the problem.

What is Run command in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, the Run command is used to open apps and documents quicker. To open the Run app just press Windows + R keys. Next, type any application name or document in the Open text box.