How To Open Files and Folders in Command Prompt on Windows

If you’ve ever seen someone quickly type commands instead of clicking through menus, they were probably using Command Prompt (often called cmd). Learning how to “open in Command Prompt” can save time, help with troubleshooting, and unlock tools that don’t even have a normal window.

This guide walks through what Command Prompt is, different ways to open it, and how to open specific folders or files from it—without assuming you’re a programmer.

What “Open in Command Prompt” Actually Means

People usually mean one of three things when they say “open in Command Prompt”:

1. Open the Command Prompt window itself
   For example, launching the black text window where you can type commands.

2. Open Command Prompt in a specific folder
   So when it opens, you’re already “inside” a folder like C:UsersYourNameDocuments.

3. Open a file, program, or folder from Command Prompt
   For example, launching Notepad, a .bat script, or File Explorer using commands.

All three are related, but they involve slightly different steps and depend on things like your Windows version and user permissions.

Ways To Open Command Prompt on Windows

1. Open Command Prompt from the Start Menu

This works on most recent versions of Windows (10, 11, and earlier).

Normal (non-admin) Command Prompt

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo).
2. Type cmd or command prompt.
3. Click Command Prompt in the results.

Administrator Command Prompt (elevated)

Some commands require administrator rights (for example, changing system settings).

1. Click Start.
2. Type cmd.
3. Right‑clickCommand Prompt.
4. Choose Run as administrator.
5. If asked, confirm or enter an admin password.

You’ll know it’s elevated if the window title includes “Administrator: Command Prompt”.

2. Open Command Prompt via Run Dialog

This is quick once you remember the shortcut.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.

2. In the Run box, type:

   cmd 

3. Press Enter or click OK.