Making use of Run commands within Windows is an extremely effective way to gain access to various Windows settings and apps from within.
If you are able to memorize Run commands, you’ll be able to open a particular application with just two steps instead of a lot of clicks.
I personally do not like constantly using the mouse. Therefore, I’ve memorized all essential keystrokes on the keyboard and other commands in order to limit my use of the mouse. The Run commands are essential to my everyday PC usage to gain access to various Windows settings and apps effectively.
If you’re looking to increase your productivity, I would suggest that you learn Run commands. To help you get starting, I’ll provide some of the commonly executed commands that I consider to be to be the most efficient for daily usage.
How do I start Run dialog? Run dialog?
To make use of Run commands, you have be aware of how to open the Run dialog in order to use these command. Two ways are available to open the Run dialog within Windows 10.
You can press on the Windows + R keys on your keyboard or click on the Start menu and choose the Run option on the list.
I would suggest you use the keyboard shortcut because it’s much more efficient and you don’t need to make use of the mouse. When the Run dialog is opened simply type either of the below-described commands and then press to press the Enter button or click on the OK button to run the command.
1. Access System Configuration — “msconfig”
Beginning with my preferred command to start the System Configuration window has multiple tabs that manage the boot options and background services.
If you’re using dual boot or regularly need to switch to safe mode it is likely that you have to open these settings. Make sure to look over the tools section to gain access to the most efficient Windows tools.
2. Access Resource Monitor — “resmon”
An extremely powerful application that allows you that provides real-time information on the system’s resources, including RAM, CPU disk, network and. If your computer is experiencing any issues with its performance or performance issues This is the most effective tool to obtain the data you require.
3. Open System Information — “msinfo32”
System Information app offers extensive details about the software and hardware on your computer. It’s an essential command to know when you want to know the specifications of any computer. The data is presented using designated categories. You can also export the data to an image file that you can share with anyone you want — ideal to get online technical assistance.
4. Access Backup as well as Restore window — “sdclt “sdclt”
It will open the windows for backup and restores where you can either create an image computer backup, or recover it using an earlier backup in case of some issue with your PC.
5. Access properties of the mouse Access mouse properties — “main.cpl”
You can adjust all settings for your mouse on your computer here. This includes speed of the mouse and buttons, as well as the wheel and pointer, among others.
6. Open Windows Registry — “regedit”
If you need to gain access to the Windows registry to modify something then this is the most efficient method to accomplish it. I had no idea of different ways for accessing to the Registry prior to recently. I frequently play around with the Registry. Some methods are just too complicated to use.
7. Access System Properties — “sysdm.cpl”
Another window for setting up settings to control system security and remote connectivity features. I frequently use it to control the performance Settings on the Advanced tab. There are some fascinating options for boosting performance.
8. Management of Windows Power options — “powercfg.cpl”
There are a variety of choices to manage the power options of your PC here. There are many options to either save energy or improve performance. Take a look at the guide to optimize your power options in the way you like best.
9. Open Windows Features — “optionalfeatures”
You can disable or activate certain of the most sophisticated capabilities of Windows. I would not advise you to play around with this when you’re not sure of the basics of. It is necessary to open this tab if you require to enable features such as Telnet client or Hyper-V.
10. Open Magnifier — “magnify”
Then, you can open the Windows magnifier that can magnify the contents on the screen to up to 1600%, if required. Additionally, it has a screen reader that reads out loud text that appears on screen.
11. Open Character Map app — “charmap”
Windows Character Maps lets you access all the characters of the font you prefer to use wherever you want. You can take the character and copy it or discover the Alt code to use it wherever you’d like. Utilizing Search Bar is most efficient method of finding the character you require.
12. Access Network Connections — “ncpa.cpl”
You can control your current network connection , and resolve any issues that may arise with your network device. You can disable or enable the network, look up the status of your bridge connections or check your Wi-Fi password.
13. Run Malicious Software Removal Tool — “mrt”
It’s a on-demand virus removal tool that is provided by Microsoft to check your PC for harmful software. If you suspect that your PC was affected by viruses, you can swiftly launch this tool to check your PC for viruses.
It is also possible to install an antivirus program to help keep your Windows computer secure.
14. Open Device Manager — “devmgmt.msc”
Device Manager can be the best place to handle everything that is related the hardware parts as well as their drivers. You can turn off or disable hardware components, or control their driver, for example, installing or updating the drivers.
15. Manage User Accounts — “netplwiz”
You can manage user accounts in this area for example, creating a new account, or creating user account types such as administrators and Standard. You can also modify the password for user accounts here and control the security of their accounts.
16. Open Services app — “services.msc”
This application lists all services that operate behind the scenes without having any interface, and makes all the features function in Windows. It is important not to mess with any of the services if don’t know what you’re doing. But, you can click on a service and discover what it is doing on the left side. There are a variety of services that you can disable or enable based on the requirements you have. For instance, I’ve removed the Bluetooth service because I don’t need it.
17. Access Features and Programs window — “appwiz.cpl “appwiz.cpl”
While Windows 10 has its own option to remove an app I still use this option since it only displays applications from third parties. Windows’ default Windows uninstaller lists all the apps including built-in applications, which include 30+. It isn’t easy to go through the many applications to remove an app that was recently installed. This option makes the process easy.
18. Open Control Panel — “control”
This option didn’t have much significance in the earlier version of Windows since you were able to access the Control Panel using different ways. But it’s different in Windows 10, Microsoft promotes the new Settings feature over the older Control Panel which is why it’s not a simple method to access this Control Panel. This simple command allows you to effortlessly access the Control Panel.
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19. Open current user folder — “.” (period)
We need the need to access the user’s directory often in Windows However, having to use the Explorer to get there isn’t necessary. Simply type in a period into the Run dialog box, and the user’s current folder will be opened.
20. Open On-Screen Keyboard — “osk”
If you’d like to use the keyboard that is on screen, you can use the Run commands is among the fastest ways to do it.
21. Open Snipping Tool — “snippingtool”
Snipping Tool remains the most popular tool to take screenshots on Windows 10 without using a third-party application. If you are using the Snipping Tool to take photographs, then this Run commands will help you make it easier.
22. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic — “mdsched”
If you believe there’s some issue in your RAM, this program can test your RAM, and possibly resolve the issue or notify you know that there’s an issue. If you notice abrupt crashes or freezes It could be a sign that there’s an issue with your RAM.
23. Open any web page — “Insert website URL”
You can also type the URL of a website within the Run dialog and it will open within your preferred browser. For instance, if you enter www.geekflare.com
when you run the Run commands it will display the Geekflare home page within the default browser of your choice.
24. Open Remote Desktop Connection — “mstsc”
This feature allows you to connect via remote to another PC , and gain complete control of it. You’ll need to set up each PC for remote connection, however. The Run commands makes the process simpler.
25. Open Command Prompt — “cmd”
In contrast to PowerShell however, you aren’t able to access Command Prompt, unlike PowerShell. Command Prompt by right-clicking on the start menu any longer. If you prefer this Command Prompt over PowerShell to perform commands it is one of the simplest methods to access Command Prompt. Command Prompt.
Wrapping up
The best part that is unique about Run the most is it will remember all commands you type into it. So, you only need only type the initial word to type the commands later on.
I am also of the opinion that Run Commands are also more essential when using Windows 10 as it heavily recommends using the Standard Settings app. The majority of applications and settings I’ve mentioned are more difficult to access in Windows 10.