If you thought you were done learning Windows commands—think again. The Command Prompt (CMD) isn’t just a relic from a bygone computing era; it’s still packed with useful, powerful tools that can streamline your tasks, boost productivity, and even hide files like a digital magician.

Let’s dive into 35 powerful CMD commands and tips every user should know, with step-by-step instructions so you can follow along easily.

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1. Always Launch Command Prompt as Administrator

Tired of right-clicking to run CMD as admin? Set it to open in “beast mode” by default:

1. Hit Windows Key + S or click the Start menu.
2. Type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and click Open file location.
3. In File Explorer, right-click on the shortcut > Properties > Advanced.
4. Check Run as administrator, click OK, then Apply.

Now CMD will always run as admin!

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2. Hide Sensitive Files in an Image

Ever wanted to hide your journal or private files in plain sight? Here’s how:

1. Zip your private folder (e.g., journal or images).
2. Run:

   copy /b kitten.jpg + secrets.zip secret_kitten.jpg

3. Your zipped folder is now embedded in an innocent-looking image!

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3. Encrypt Files in a Folder

To protect files from snooping:

cipher /e

Run this inside the target folder to encrypt everything inside. Only your account can decrypt it.

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4. Hide Folders with Attributes

Want to completely hide a folder?

attrib +h +s +r FolderName

To unhide it:

attrib -h -s -r FolderName

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5. See Saved Wi-Fi Networks & Passwords

List all Wi-Fi profiles:

netsh wlan show profiles

To get the password for a specific network:

netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetwork" key=clear

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6. Export All Wi-Fi Passwords to a File

To save all your Wi-Fi passwords:

netsh wlan show profiles >> wifi-passwords.txt

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7. Create a Batch File for Commands

Never remember long commands again:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Paste the command (e.g., netsh command).
3. Save as wifi.bat with Save as type: All files.
4. Now run wifi.bat to execute.

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8. Get Full System Information

Quick glance at all system info:

systeminfo

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9. Securely Transfer Files with SCP

Copy files to remote servers:

scp yourfile.txt user@IP:/destination/path

Authenticate with password. Done.

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10. Open CMD in Any Folder from Explorer

In File Explorer’s address bar, type:

cmd

Boom—Command Prompt opens in that directory.

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11. Open Explorer from CMD

To launch the file explorer in current directory:

explorer .

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12. Map a Folder as a Drive Letter

Create a virtual drive:

subst S: "C:\Path\To\Folder"

To remove it:

subst S: /D

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13. Customize CMD Appearance

Change colors:

color 2F

Where first digit = background, second = text. Example: color 0A is black background, green text.

Set a fun prompt:

prompt [Hey Beautiful]$G

Reset prompt:

prompt

Set a custom title:

title Home Sweet Home

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14. Use Curl for Fun and Function

Modern Windows includes curl, a powerful networking tool.

• Check the weather:

  curl wttr.in

• Unshorten links:

  curl -I short.url | findstr "location"

• Website status:

  curl -Is https://example.com

• Get public IP:

  curl checkip.amazonaws.com

• Create QR Code in CMD:

  curl qrenco.de/yourwebsite.com

• Get latest tweets or video titles:

  curl -s https://nitter.net/username

• Use a dictionary:

  curl dict://dict.org/d:unexpected

• ChatGPT in CMD:
  Use API with curl to send and receive messages directly in CMD.

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15. Open Websites from CMD

Open any URL:

start https://yourwebsite.com

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16. Clean Up Temporary Files

Free up space with:

del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*

And also:

cleanmgr

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17. Enable Telnet and Have Fun

Enable Telnet:

1. Search Windows Features > enable Telnet Client.
2. Run:

   telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl

Watch Star Wars in ASCII!

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18. Use Function Keys (F1–F6) in CMD

• F1: Types last command one character at a time.
• F2: Repeats command up to a certain character.
• F3: Repeats entire previous command.
• F4: Deletes up to a specific character.
• F5: Cycles through command history.
• F6: Inserts EOF (End-of-file) marker.

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Final Thoughts

The Command Prompt might look basic, but it holds massive power for those who know how to use it. From networking tricks to file hiding magic, from system diagnostics to weather updates—it’s all there, just a few keystrokes away.

Use this article as your go-to cheat sheet and unlock the full potential of your Windows machine.

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Tags: windows tips, command prompt tricks, cmd commands, windows shortcuts, curl in windows, file encryption, network settings, system tools, hidden files, terminal customization

Hashtags: #WindowsTips #CMDCommands #CommandPrompt #WindowsHacks #TechTutorial #ProductivityTips #Cybersecurity #NetworkingTools #SystemAdmin #WindowsTricks

Rakesh Bhardwaj

Rakesh Bhardwaj is a seasoned editor and designer with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. He specializes in crafting visually compelling and professionally polished content, blending precision with creativity. Whether refining written work or designing impactful visuals, Rakesh brings a deep understanding of layout, typography, and narrative flow to every project he undertakes.

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