This article explains how to open Command Prompt, one of the command-line interface programs used to execute commands in Windows operating systems. These instructions apply to Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

There are several ways, but a quick way to open a command window is through the search bar on the taskbar.

Select the Start menu (the Windows icon) on the taskbar or press the Windows key.

Select Command Prompt from the list.