Sometimes it becomes very easy to use a shortcut in Windows rather than following manual method for a particular operation. It saves our time and work also. So it is good to use a shortcut for direct access to feature using commands.

Today I am going to share some useful commands and shortcuts for newly released Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Public Beta). Most of these commands needs administrative privileges. It is worth noticeable here that some commands may vary due to device manufacturer differences.

You can run these commands using Run program (Windows Key + R) or using Command Prompt.

100+ Useful Commands

1. appwiz.cpl: Programs & Features

2. calc: Calculating Machine

3. certmgr.msc: Certificate Management utility

4. charmap: Start Character Map

5. chkdsk.exe: Chkdsk disk check (Run as administrator command prompt)

6. cleanmgr: Open the Disk Cleanup tool

7. cliconfg: SQL SERVER Client Network Utility

8. cmstp: Connection Manager configuration file installer

9. cmd.exe: CMD command prompt

10. Automatic shutdown commands =

Shutdown-s-t 600: Off automatically after 600 seconds

the shutdown-a: To cancel the Sleep timer

Shutdown-r-t 600: 600 seconds after the automatic restart

11. colorcpl: Color Management

12. CompMgmtLauncher: Computer Management

13. compmgmt.msc: Computer Management

14. credwiz: Backup or restore the stored user name and password

15. comexp.msc: Open system components

16. control: Control Panel

17. dcomcnfg: Open system components

18. Dccw: Display color calibration

19. devmgmt.msc: Device Manager

20. desk.cpl: Screen resolution

21. dfrgui: Optimization of the drive Windows 7 (dual boot)

22. dialer: Phone Dialer

23. diskmgmt.msc: Disk management

24. dvdplay: DVD player

25. dxdiag: Check the DirectX information

26. eudcedit: Characters and procedures

27. eventvwr: Event Viewer

28. explorer: Open Windows Explorer

29. Firewall.cpl: Windows Firewall

30. FXSCOVER: Fax cover page editor

31. fsmgmt.msc: Shared Folder Manager

32. gpedit.msc: Group Policy

33. hdwwiz.cpl: Device Manager

34. inetcpl.cpl: Internet Properties

35. intl.cpl: Regional

36. iexpress: Trojan bundled tools, the system comes

37. joy.cpl: Game controller

38. logoff: Logout command

39. lusrmgr.msc: Local Users and Groups

40. lpksetup: Language pack installation / remove wizard, the installation wizard will be prompted to download a language pack

41. lusrmgr.msc: Native users and groups

42. main.cpl: Mouse properties

43. mmsys.cpl: Sound

44. magnify: Magnifying glass utility

45. mem.exe: Memory usage (can be run only as administrator command prompt, invalid if run directly)

46. MdSched: Windows Memory Diagnostic

47. mmc: Open console

48. mobsync: Synchronization command

49. mplayer2: The simple Windows Media Player

50. msconfig.exe: System Configuration Utility

51. msdt: Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool

52. msinfo32: System Information

53. mspaint: Paint

54. Msra: Windows Remote Assistance

55. mstsc: Remote Desktop Connection

56. NAPCLCFG.MSC: Client configuration

57. ncpa.cpl: Network connection

58. narrator: Screen Narrator

59. Netplwiz: Advanced user account control panel, set the login security-related options

60. netstat: An (TC) command to check interface

61. notepad: Open Notepad

62. Nslookup: IP address detection

63. odbcad32: ODBC Data Source Administrator

64. OptionalFeatures: Open “to turn on or off Windows features” dialog box

65. osk: Open the on-screen keyboard

66. perfmon.msc: Computer Performance Monitoring

67. perfmon: Computer Performance Monitoring

68. PowerShell: To provide a powerful remote processing capacity

69. printmanagement.msc: Print Management

70. powercfg.cpl: Power Options

71. psr: Problem Steps Recorder

72. Rasphone: Network connection

73. Recdisc: Create a system repair disc.

74. Resmon: Resource Monitor

75. Rstrui: System Restore

76. regedit.exe: Registry Editor

77. regedt32: Registry Editor Utility

78. rsop.msc: Group Resultant Set of Policy

79. sdclt: Backup status and configuration, is to check whether the system has been backed up

80. secpol.msc: Local Security Policy

81. services.msc: Local Service Settings

82. sfc / scannow: Scan error recovery and / the Windows file protection

83. sfc.exe: System File Checker

84. shrpubw: Create a shared folder

85. sigverif: File signature verification process

86. slui: Windows Activation, view activation information

87. slmgr.vbs-dlv: Display detailed license information

87.a. slmgr.vbs-dli: Display license information

87.b. slmgr.vbs-xpr: Current license deadline

87.c. slmgr.vbs-the dti: Display Installation ID for offline activation

87.d. slmgr.vbs-the ipk: Product Key to install the product key

87.e. slmgr.vbs-ato, or: Activate Windows

87.f. slmgr.vbs-cpky: Clear product key from the registry (to prevent disclosure of the attack)

87.g. the slmgr.vbs-ilc: (License file) to install the license

87.h. the slmgr.vbs-upk: Uninstall product key

87.i. slmgr.vbs-skms: (name [Dort]) Volume Licensing

88. snippingtool: Screenshot tool, supports irregular Screenshot

89. soundrecorder: Recorder, recording time constraints

90. StikyNot: Memo

91. sysdm.cpl: System Properties

92. sysedit: System Configuration Editor

93. syskey: System encryption, the encryption can not be answered, and double password protection system

94. taskmgr: Task Manager (old)

95. TM: Task Manager (new version)

96. taskschd.msc: Task Scheduler

97. timedate.cpl: Date and Time

98. UserAccountControlSettings: User Account Control (UAC) Settings

99. utilman: Utility Manager

100. wf.msc: Advanced Security Windows Firewall

101. WFS: Windows Fax and Scan

102. wiaacmgr: Scanner and Camera Wizard

103. winver: About Windows

104. wmimgmt.msc: Open windows management architecture (WMI)

105. write: WordPad

106. wscui.cpl: Operations center

107. wscript: Windows Script Host Settings

108. wuapp: Windows Update

 Windows 8 Shortcuts

• Windows Key – Brings up the Metro start screen. You can start typing to search for an app, just like the Win7 start menu.

• Windows Key + B – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and select the tray notification area.

• Windows Key + C – Brings up the Charms menu, where you can search, share, and change settings.

• Windows Key + D – Brings up the old Windows desktop.

• Windows Key + E – Launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.

• Windows Key + F – Brings up the Metro File search screen.

• Windows Key + H – Opens the Metro Share panel.

• Windows Key + I – Opens the Settings panel, where you can change settings for the current app, change volume, wireless networks, shut down, or adjust the brightness.

• Windows Key + J – Switches focus between snapped Metro applications.

• Windows Key + K – Opens the Devices panel (for connecting to a projector or some other device)

• Windows Key + L – Lock PC and return to Lock screen.

• Windows Key + M – Minimize all Windows on the desktop

• Windows Key + O – Locks device orientation.

• Windows Key + P – Choose between available displays.

• Windows Key + Q – Brings up the Metro App Search screen.

• Windows Key + R – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box.

• Windows Key + U – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.

• Windows Key + V – Cycles through toasts.

• Windows Key + W – Brings up the Metro Settings search screen.

• Windows Key + X – Launch Start Menu.

• Windows Key + Y – Temporarily peek at the desktop.

• Windows Key + Z – Opens the App Bar for the current Metro application.

• Windows Key + Page Up / Down – Moves tiles to the left / right.

• Windows Key + Tab – Opens the Metro application switcher menu, switches between applications.

• Windows Key + , (comma) – Aero Peek at the desktop.

• Windows Key + . (period) – Snaps the current Metro application to one side of the screen. (Right side)

• Windows Key + Shift + . (period) – Snaps the current Metro application to the other side of the screen. (Left side)

• Windows Key + Space – Switch input language and keyboard layout.

• Windows Key + Shift + V – Cycles through toasts in reverse order.

• Windows Key + Enter – Launches Narrator

• Windows Key + Arrow Keys – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and enable Aero Snap

That’s it for now guys! If you know some other shortcuts or commands feel free to share us…

If you enjoyed this article, you can share it on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Reddit. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed or free newsletter to get all new articles directly in your Inbox.

Recommended Articles

[FIX] Unable To Use Drag & Drop In Windows 8 [TIP] Registry Hack To Disable Hot Corners For Dual Screen In Windows 8 [TIP] Registry Trick To Disable “AutoPlay” In Windows 7 & 8 [How To] Prevent Users From Accessing Registry Editor In Windows 8 [TIP] Collection Of Advanced Parameters, Logical Operators, Wildcards To Filter Search Results In Windows 7 & 8 [How To] Create “System Restore Point” Using Desktop Context Menu In Windows [TIP] Registry Trick To Change Temporary Files Target Folder Location In Windows Vista, 7, 8 [How To] Save Or Print The List Of Hidden Files From A Folder Or Drive In Windows Vista, 7, 8 [FIX] Unable To Use Network Sharing In Windows 8 Due To IPv6 Issues [How To] Add Accessories To Desktop Context Menu In Windows 7, 8

[How To] Enable / Disable “Safe Mode With Networking” In Windows 7 [FIX] Getting Black Screen / Missing Desktop After Logging In Windows 7 Using Registry Editor [How To] Disable Annoying Notification Balloons In Windows 7 & 8 [How To] Prevent Themes From Changing Your Icons & Cursors In Windows 7 [How To] Reduce The Hard Disk Space Reserved For Restore Points In Windows 7 [FIX] Microsoft Fixed Windows 7 SP1 Installation Errors "0x8004a029, 0×80004005 – E_FAIL" [How To] Fix Irrelevant Search Results In Windows 7 & Windows Server 2008 R2 Fix Error “0xc000000f – The Boot Selection Failed Because A Required Device Is Inaccessible” [SOLVED] Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications In Windows 7 & Windows Vista Fix Windows Application Error “0xc0000135″ For Google Chrome Start Up Crash In Windows 7

8 Comments

1. LEO

   Good list for beginners!

   let me add one more-

   ALT + F4 = Close app

2. Kevin

   @LEO that has been in Windows forever.

3. Shekar56

   hello sir, thanks for posting this. very helpful . looking for similar posts.

4. fuergz

   thank you for commands ;)

5. Lqyuogo1

   Can u plz. write abt CMD properties in a GROUP POLICY in a seperate articles pleaseeeeee

6. Patrick Selon

   WINDOWS DEFENDER COMMAND PLZ!!

7. Kapil Arya

   ^^ MpCmdRun.exe (Run from administrative command prompt)

   @ Lqyuogo1

   http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ee663280%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

8. vishal dixit

   thanks alot Kapil, u r good blogger indeed!

Join The Discussion

Name [Required]

Mail [Never Shared] [Required]

Website Or Blog

Notify Me Of Follow-Up Comments Via Email.