70+ Useful Windows Run Commands for Windows 10 & 11 (Complete List)
Digging through the Start menu or clicking through five Settings pages just to open one tool gets old fast. The good news? You don't have to.
The Windows Run dialog box is still one of the quickest ways to launch built-in tools, Control Panel applets, and installed apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11 — no mouse required. Press Windows Key + R, type a short command, hit Enter, and you're there.
Below you'll find 70+ Windows Run commands, organized by category and starting with the ones you'll actually use the most, plus a printable-style quick reference list near the end.
Table of Contents
- How to Open the Windows Run Dialog Box
- Most Useful Windows Run Commands
- Windows Troubleshooting Run Commands
- Windows Settings & Control Panel Commands
- Windows Security & System Management Commands
- Windows Information Commands
- Windows Application Run Commands
- Microsoft Office Run Commands
- Network & Internet Troubleshooting Commands
- Old Run Commands You May Still See Online
- Active Directory & Windows Server Commands
- Quick Reference List
- How to Use Run Commands Safely
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Open the Windows Run Dialog Box
Windows Key + R
The Run dialog box appears in the bottom corner of your screen. Type the command you need and press Enter.
For example, typing devmgmt.msc and pressing Enter opens Device Manager immediately — no menu digging required.
Tip: Some commands open tools that require administrator privileges. If Windows shows a User Account Control (UAC) prompt, select Yes to continue.
Most Useful Windows Run Commands
If you only remember a handful of Run commands, make it these. They cover the tools most people reach for during everyday troubleshooting.
| Run Command | Opens | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| cmd | Command Prompt | Opens Command Prompt for running commands and troubleshooting Windows. |
| control | Control Panel | Opens the classic Windows Control Panel. |
| appwiz.cpl | Programs and Features | Lets you view and uninstall many traditional desktop applications. |
| devmgmt.msc | Device Manager | View, update, disable, enable, or troubleshoot hardware devices and drivers. |
| services.msc | Services | View and manage Windows services. |
| compmgmt.msc | Computer Management | Provides access to several Windows administrative tools. |
| eventvwr.msc | Event Viewer | Displays Windows and application event logs. |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk Management | Manage disks, partitions, volumes, and drive letters. |
| taskmgr | Task Manager | Monitor CPU, memory, disk, network, processes, and startup applications. |
| msconfig | System Configuration | Provides startup and diagnostic configuration options. |
| msinfo32 | System Information | Displays detailed hardware and Windows configuration information. |
| cleanmgr | Disk Cleanup | Helps remove unnecessary files and free disk space. |
| winver | About Windows | Shows the installed Windows version and build number. |
| rstrui | System Restore | Opens the System Restore wizard. |
| regedit | Registry Editor | Opens the Windows Registry Editor. |
Windows Troubleshooting Run Commands
1. cmd — Command Prompt
Opens Command Prompt, where you can run troubleshooting commands such as ipconfig, ping, sfc, DISM, and chkdsk. Commands that require administrator privileges should be run from an elevated Command Prompt.
2. devmgmt.msc — Device Manager
Opens Device Manager, where you can check hardware, spot driver problems, update drivers, disable or enable devices, and uninstall hardware. It's especially useful when troubleshooting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, USB, or graphics devices.
If your wireless connection isn't working, see our guide on Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Working: 15 Ways to Fix It.
3. services.msc — Services
Opens the Windows Services console, where you can view, start, stop, restart, or configure supported Windows services.
Be careful when changing services — disabling an important one can cause Windows features or applications to stop working.
4. eventvwr.msc — Event Viewer
Opens Event Viewer, where Windows records system and application events. It can help you investigate application crashes, driver problems, Windows errors, startup issues, and unexpected shutdowns.
5. compmgmt.msc — Computer Management
Opens Computer Management, which bundles several administrative tools — including Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, Services, and Task Scheduler — into one console.
6. diskmgmt.msc — Disk Management
Opens Disk Management, where you can view connected drives, manage partitions, format supported volumes, assign drive letters, and extend or shrink partitions.
Warning: Formatting or deleting a partition can permanently remove data. Always confirm you've selected the correct drive before making changes.
7. msconfig — System Configuration
Opens System Configuration, which provides options for Windows startup, diagnostic startup, services, and boot configuration. It's useful when troubleshooting startup problems.
For more, see our guide on How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 & 11.
8. msinfo32 — System Information
Opens System Information, which shows detailed data about your Windows version, processor, installed memory, BIOS/UEFI, hardware resources, components, drivers, and software environment.
9. cleanmgr — Disk Cleanup
Opens Disk Cleanup, which can help remove unnecessary files and free up storage space.
10. rstrui — System Restore
Opens the System Restore wizard, which can return system files and settings to an earlier restore point — useful after a problematic driver or app installation.
Windows Settings & Control Panel Commands
- control — Opens the classic Control Panel. Many settings have moved to the modern Settings app, but Control Panel still handles several traditional configuration tasks.
- appwiz.cpl — Opens Programs and Features for viewing and uninstalling desktop applications.
- control printers — Opens the classic Devices and Printers window.
- ncpa.cpl — Opens Network Connections, where you can view and manage Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and virtual adapters. Useful for network adapter troubleshooting — see our guide on How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11 & 10.
- inetcpl.cpl — Opens Internet Properties for legacy networking, security, and connection settings.
- sysdm.cpl — Opens the classic System Properties window (computer name, performance, user profiles, system protection, remote access).
- timedate.cpl — Opens Date and Time settings.
- powercfg.cpl — Opens Power Options.
- mmsys.cpl — Opens Sound settings for managing playback and recording devices — handy when troubleshooting audio problems.
- joy.cpl — Opens Game Controllers settings for viewing and testing supported controllers.
Windows Security & System Management Commands
- taskmgr — Opens Task Manager to monitor CPU, memory, disk, network, processes, and startup apps. It's usually the first tool to check when a PC becomes slow or unresponsive. See our guide on How to Fix Slow Windows 11 PC.
- regedit — Opens Registry Editor. Important: don't change registry values unless you know exactly what you're changing — incorrect edits can cause Windows or apps to malfunction.
- gpedit.msc — Opens the Local Group Policy Editor on supported editions (Pro, Enterprise, Education — not Home).
- lusrmgr.msc — Opens Local Users and Groups for managing local accounts, on supported editions.
- perfmon — Opens Performance Monitor for detailed system performance data.
- resmon — Opens Resource Monitor, useful when Task Manager doesn't give you enough detail on a performance issue.
- taskschd.msc — Opens Task Scheduler, which manages scheduled tasks Windows and apps use to run automatically.
Windows Information Commands
- winver — Quickly shows your installed Windows version and build number.
- dxdiag — Opens the DirectX Diagnostic Tool for graphics, audio, and driver information — useful for gaming, display, and audio troubleshooting.
- systempropertiesadvanced — Opens the Advanced tab of System Properties (performance settings, user profiles, startup and recovery, environment variables).
Windows Application Run Commands
You can also launch several built-in Windows apps directly from Run:
| Command | Application | Description |
|---|---|---|
| notepad | Notepad | Opens the Windows text editor. |
| mspaint | Paint | Opens Microsoft Paint. |
| calc | Calculator | Opens Windows Calculator. |
| explorer | File Explorer | Opens File Explorer. If it keeps freezing, see our Windows 11 File Explorer Not Responding: 9 Fixes guide. |
| osk | On-Screen Keyboard | Opens the virtual keyboard. |
| charmap | Character Map | Lets you find and copy special characters. |
| wmplayer | Windows Media Player | Opens Windows Media Player where available. |
Microsoft Office Run Commands
If the corresponding Office application is installed, these will launch it directly:
| Command | Application |
|---|---|
| winword | Microsoft Word |
| excel | Microsoft Excel |
| powerpnt | Microsoft PowerPoint |
| msaccess | Microsoft Access |
| outlook | Microsoft Outlook |
Network & Internet Troubleshooting Commands
| Command | Opens / Runs | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections | Manage network adapters. |
| inetcpl.cpl | Internet Properties | Access legacy Internet settings. |
| firewall.cpl | Windows Firewall | Open traditional firewall settings. |
| wf.msc | Windows Firewall with Advanced Security | Manage advanced firewall rules. |
Note: Commands such as ipconfig and ping are Command Prompt commands, not standalone Run utilities. Open cmd first, then run them from there.
Old Run Commands You May Still See Online
Older Run command lists often include commands that no longer apply to modern Windows. Here's what to skip:
- wordpad / write — WordPad was removed starting with Windows 11 version 24H2. Use Notepad for plain text or Word for rich text.
- ntbackup — Tied to the old Windows Backup utility; not a current backup solution.
- msmsgs — Associated with the discontinued Windows Messenger app.
- frontpg — Used to launch the discontinued Microsoft FrontPage.
Active Directory & Windows Server Commands
Commands like dsa.msc, dssite.msc, dhcpmgmt.msc, and dnsmgmt.msc belong to Windows Server and domain-admin environments. They aren't relevant for everyday Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home troubleshooting, so treat them as server admin tools rather than general-purpose commands.
Quick Reference List
Short on time? Bookmark this shortlist of the Run commands worth memorizing:
- cmd, control, appwiz.cpl, devmgmt.msc, services.msc
- compmgmt.msc, eventvwr.msc, diskmgmt.msc, taskmgr, msconfig
- msinfo32, cleanmgr, regedit, ncpa.cpl, sysdm.cpl
- mmsys.cpl, taskschd.msc, perfmon, resmon, dxdiag
- winver, rstrui, explorer, notepad, calc, mspaint
These cover the bulk of everyday tasks involving troubleshooting, hardware, drivers, services, storage, networking, system information, performance, and applications.
How to Use Windows Run Commands Safely
- Double-check the command before pressing Enter.
- Don't change settings you don't understand.
- Be especially careful with
regedit. - Be cautious when changing Windows services.
- Never format or delete a partition without confirming the correct drive.
- Some administrative tools require an administrator account.
- Some commands are only available in certain Windows editions.
- Older commands found in online lists may not work on current Windows 10 or 11 builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Windows Run command?
The Run dialog is a quick way to open Windows applications, administrative tools, Control Panel applets, and system utilities. Press Windows Key + R, enter a command, and press Enter.
What is the most useful Run command for troubleshooting?
There's no single best command for every problem, but devmgmt.msc, services.msc, eventvwr.msc, taskmgr, msconfig, compmgmt.msc, and cmd cover most everyday troubleshooting needs.
How do I open Device Manager from Run?
Press Windows Key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
How do I open Services in Windows?
Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
How do I open Event Viewer?
Press Windows Key + R, type eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.
How do I open Disk Management?
Press Windows Key + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Does WordPad still work in Windows 11?
No. WordPad was removed starting with Windows 11 version 24H2. For plain text, use Notepad; for rich-text documents, use Microsoft Word.
Can I use these commands in Windows 10?
Most commands in this guide work on Windows 10 as well, though availability can vary by Windows edition, installed applications, and system configuration.
Related Articles
Having trouble with your Windows PC? These ComputerDok guides may also help:
- Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Working: 15 Ways to Fix It — Troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection problems, missing adapters, driver issues, and network errors.
- How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 & 11 — Start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services for troubleshooting.
- How to Fix Slow Windows 11 PC — Common causes of slow Windows 11 performance and practical fixes.
- Windows 11 File Explorer Not Responding: 9 Fixes — Fix File Explorer freezes, crashes, and slow responses.
- How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11 & 10 — Troubleshoot DNS and internet connection problems.
- USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 10 & 11 — Fix USB devices that Windows cannot detect or recognize.
ComputerDok Tip: Bookmark this page so you can quickly find the Run command you need next time you're troubleshooting a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.