There are moments when you want to perform a quick task on your PC — open a hidden setting, check system resources, jump into disk management, or even shut down instantly. Normally, you would click through multiple menus, search for the right option, and navigate through a chain of windows.
But Windows has a secret superpower many users forget: Run commands.
These short commands take you directly to powerful tools, deep system settings, and everyday utilities — all within seconds. If you master even half of these commands, your speed and productivity instantly level up.
Before we jump in, let’s learn how to open the Run box itself.
How to Open the Run Command Box
Before using any command, you need to access the Run dialog.
You can do this in two ways:
- Method 1 (Shortcut):
Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
This instantly opens the Run box. - Method 2 (Right-click Menu):
Right-click the Start menu → click Run.
Both methods lead to the same tool, so use whichever feels convenient.
Now that the Run box is open, let’s explore every powerful command you can launch from it.
Open Any Drive Instantly (C:, D:, E:)
Let’s start with the simplest but very practical command.
Whenever you want to open a drive, you don’t need File Explorer. Just type the drive letter followed by a colon:
C:→ Opens the C DriveD:→ Opens the D DriveE:→ And so on…
This is especially useful when you’re working quickly and don’t want to click around.
Quickly Open the Calculator (calc)
Sometimes you need to calculate something quickly — maybe storage size, percentage, or simple math. Instead of searching for the Calculator app:
Open Run → Type calc → Enter.
Done. The calculator opens instantly.
Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)
If you ever connect to another computer remotely, this command saves time. Just type:
mstsc
And Windows will open the Remote Desktop Connection window where you can enter the remote computer details.
Launch Step Recorder (psr)
Here’s a tool many users don’t even know exists.
psr
This opens Step Recorder, which captures every click, window, and step you perform — useful when you need to show someone a problem or create a step-by-step instruction guide.
Open Task Manager (taskmgr)
Yes, we all know Ctrl + Shift + Esc, but Run gives you another method:
taskmgr
Enter → Task Manager opens instantly.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (mrt)
If your PC feels slow or suspicious, use:
mrt
This opens Microsoft’s built-in malware removal tool. You can choose:
- Quick scan
- Full scan
- Custom scan
It checks for dangerous software and helps remove it.
Open Display Settings (desk.cpl)
Instead of navigating through settings to adjust brightness, resolution, or display scaling:
desk.cpl
This directly opens Display Settings on Windows 10/11.
Open Registry Editor (regedit or just reg)
If you ever need advanced modifications:
regedit
orreg
Press Enter → Registry Editor opens.
(Use carefully — changes here affect system behavior.)
View All Services (services.msc)
Every background function on Windows is controlled through Services.
To open it quickly:
services.msc
You can start, stop, and configure Windows services from here.
Log Out Instantly (logoff)
If you’re in office, college lab, or sharing a system and want to log out quickly:
logoff
No confirmation — it logs out immediately.
Use it carefully!
Shut Down Your PC (shutdown /s)
To shut down instantly using Run:
shutdown /s
Press Enter → shutdown begins.
To restart instead:
shutdown /r
Open Performance Monitor (perfmon.msc)
This tool gives deep insights into CPU, disk, memory, and more:
perfmon.msc
It is helpful for advanced performance analysis and troubleshooting.
Start Display Color Calibration (dccw)
If your monitor colors look off, use:
dccw
This opens the Display Color Calibration tool where you can adjust gamma, contrast, and color accuracy.
Open Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr)
When your PC is full of junk files:
cleanmgr
Select your drive → Select unwanted files → Clean them with one click.
Open Resource Monitor (resmon or resmon.exe)
If your system feels slow, this tool shows which app uses CPU, RAM, Disk, or Network.
Run → Type:
resmon
Open Network Connections (ncpa.cpl)
To modify your network adapters, IP settings, DNS, or troubleshoot connectivity:
ncpa.cpl
This directly opens the classic network adapter window.
Open “Add or Remove Programs” (appwiz.cpl)
To uninstall apps instantly:
appwiz.cpl
This opens Programs & Features — faster than going through Settings → Apps.
Open Windows Firewall Settings (firewall.cpl)
To manage Windows Firewall:
firewall.cpl
You can allow apps, block apps, or configure security settings.
Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)
This one is crucial for storage management:
diskmgmt.msc
From here, you can:
- Create partitions
- Shrink or extend volumes
- Format drives
- Assign drive letters
Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc)
If a hardware device is not working or you want to update drivers:
devmgmt.msc
A must-know command for troubleshooting.
Open Control Panel (control)
Even in Windows 11, some settings exist only in Control Panel.
To open it instantly:
control
Open On-Screen Keyboard (osk)
If your physical keyboard stops working or you need accessibility features:
osk
The on-screen keyboard appears instantly.
Open Character Map (charmap)
When you need special characters while writing:
charmap
This tool provides symbols, foreign characters, arrows, currency symbols, etc.
Open System Configuration (msconfig)
This powerful tool helps you:
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Disable startup apps
- Manage system services
- Configure boot options
Run → Type:
msconfig
View Full System Information (msinfo32)
To check complete hardware and system specs:
msinfo32
You’ll find details like:
- OS version
- BIOS version
- RAM info
- Virtualization
- Drivers
- Hardware components
This is essential for troubleshooting, upgrades, and system analysis.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Run commands safe?
Yes — as long as you use them for standard system tasks. Commands like regedit or msconfig should be used carefully because they modify system behavior.
2. Will these commands work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. Almost all 26 commands are universal across both versions.
3. Do Run commands replace normal navigation?
Not completely. They simply shortcut the process, helping you work faster.
4. Why should I learn Run commands?
Because they save time, improve productivity, and give you deeper control over your system.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Windows is full of hidden tools and shortcuts, and Run commands are among the most powerful. Once you get comfortable with even a few of these commands, everyday tasks become noticeably faster. Whether you’re managing storage, troubleshooting performance, adjusting settings, or opening apps — these commands help you reach your destination instantly.
Feel free to bookmark this page and explore each command slowly. With consistent use, these shortcuts will become second nature.
#Windows10 #Windows11 #RunCommands #TechTips #DtpTips #WindowsProductivity #ComputerHacks #PCTricks
