Tiffany Haney
If you're having trouble opening the Command Prompt on your Windows 10 PC, you're not alone. Many users have reported issues with the Command Prompt not working or opening at all. The Command Prompt is a valuable tool that offers unique features and keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency. While Microsoft is phasing out the Command Prompt in favour of PowerShell, you can still use the console and add the Open command window here option to the context menu. This article will provide troubleshooting methods and steps to bring back the option to launch the Command Prompt on Windows 10.
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What You'll Learn
- How to add 'Open command window here' to the context menu?
- How to add 'Open command window here' to the extended-folder context menu?
- How to add 'Open command window here' to the right-click menu?
- How to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges?
- How to fix the Command Prompt not working or opening?
How to add 'Open command window here' to the context menu
Microsoft has been phasing out the Command Prompt in Windows 10 in favour of PowerShell. This means that the "Open command window here" option is no longer available on the Power User menu (Windows key + X), on the File menu for File Explorer, or in the extended context menu (Shift + Right-click).
Although there is an option in the Settings app to add Command Prompt to the Power User menu, there is no option to bring it back to the extended context menu. However, it is still possible to re-incorporate the option in Windows 10, if you're comfortable modifying the Registry.
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type "regedit" and click OK to open the Registry.
- Browse the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\.
- Right-click the "cmd" (folder) key and click "Permissions".
- Browse the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\.
- Right-click the "cmd" (folder) key and click "Permissions".
- Follow the same steps to bring back the "Open command window here" option when you right-click the background of a folder.
Other ways to open the Command Prompt:
- Open the Start menu and type "cmd" into the search box.
- Click/tap on the microphone icon in Cortana's search field and say "Launch Command Prompt".
- Open the Windows System folder and click "Command Prompt".
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Double-click the "cmd.exe" file or right-click the file and choose "Run as administrator".
- Create a shortcut on your desktop.
- Use the Windows+X Power Users menu or search for it in the Start menu.
- Open Task Manager and select "Run New Task". Type "cmd" or "cmd.exe" and click "OK".
- Open Command Prompt from File Explorer, the Run box, or Task Manager.
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How to add 'Open command window here' to the extended-folder context menu
On Windows 10, Microsoft has been phasing out Command Prompt in favour of PowerShell. Although you can still use the console, the "Open command window here" option is no longer available on the Power User menu (Windows key + X), on the File menu for File Explorer, or in the extended context menu (Shift + Right-click).
However, it is still possible to re-incorporate the option in Windows 10, but it requires you to modify the Registry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Back up your PC
Before making any changes to the Registry, it is recommended that you make a full backup of your PC. Modifying the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if not done correctly.
Step 2: Open the Registry
Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command. Type "regedit" and click OK to open the Registry.
Step 3: Browse the following path
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\. Right-click the cmd (folder) key and click Permissions.
Step 4: Modify the Registry
Follow the instructions provided by your preferred guide or source. Different instructions may vary depending on your desired outcome.
For example, one set of instructions suggests that after completing the above steps, using the Shift + Right-click combo on a folder will display the "Open command window here" option. To see this option when using the Shift + Right-click combo on a folder background, you will need to follow some extra steps.
Another set of instructions provides a downloadable file that, once downloaded and merged, will add the "Open here" and "Open here as administrator" options to the context menu when right-clicking a folder or drive, and when right-clicking the background of a folder, drive, library background, or desktop.
It is important to note that you must be signed in as an administrator to add or remove the Command Prompt "Open here" context menus.
There are multiple ways to open the Command Prompt, such as using the Windows+X Power Users menu, searching for it in the Start menu, using Task Manager, File Explorer, the Run box, or by creating a shortcut on the desktop.
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How to add 'Open command window here' to the right-click menu
Microsoft has been phasing out Command Prompt in Windows 10 in favour of PowerShell. As a result, the "Open command window here" option is no longer available on the Power User menu (Windows key + X), the File menu for File Explorer, or in the extended context menu (Shift + Right-click). However, it is still possible to add the "Open command window here" option to the right-click context menu by modifying the Registry.
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type "regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\cmd.
- Take ownership of the "cmd" key and give yourself full permission to edit it.
- Right-click on the "HideBasedOnVelocityId" value and select "Rename".
- Add an underscore (_) at the beginning of the value's name.
- Exit the Registry Editor.
After completing these steps, you should be able to use the Shift + Right-click combo on a folder to see the "Open command window here" option.
Please note that editing the registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if not done correctly. It is recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding. Additionally, this technique will not remove the "Open PowerShell window here" option from the context menu. If you wish to remove this, you can follow similar steps by navigating to the PowerShell folder key in the Registry Editor and removing the appropriate DWORD.
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How to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges
There are several ways to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Here are the steps for each method:
Using the "Run" Box
- Press Windows+R to open the "Run" box.
- Type "cmd" into the box.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run the command as an administrator. Alternatively, you can type "cmd" and then click "OK" to open a regular Command Prompt, after which you can check the "Create this task with administrative privileges" option.
Using the Power User Menu
- Press Windows+X to access the Power User menu (or right-click the Start button).
- Choose "Command Prompt (Admin)."
Using the Start Menu
- Click Start.
- Type "cmd" into the search box.
- Right-click the result and then click "Run as Administrator." Alternatively, highlight the result with the arrow keys and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Using File Explorer
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
- Double-click the "cmd.exe" file or right-click the file and choose "Run as administrator."
Using Task Manager
- Open Task Manager.
- Open the "File" menu and then choose "Run New Task."
- Type "cmd" or "cmd.exe."
- Check the "Create this task with administrative privileges" option to open Command Prompt as administrator. Alternatively, hold the Ctrl key while clicking "Run New Task."
Using a Shortcut
- Create a shortcut to the "cmd.exe" file and store it in a convenient location.
- Right-click the shortcut and choose "Properties" from the context menu.
- Click the "Advanced" button and check the "Run as administrator" option.
- Double-click the shortcut to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Using the Registry (Advanced)
Note: This method involves modifying the Registry, which can cause irreversible damage if not done correctly. It is recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type "regedit" and click OK to open the Registry.
- Browse the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\cmd.
- Right-click the "cmd" (folder) key and click "Permissions."
- Follow similar steps to add the "Open command window here" option when right-clicking the background of a folder.
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How to fix the Command Prompt not working or opening
There are multiple ways to open the Command Prompt on Windows 10. If you are unable to open it, you can try the following troubleshooting methods:
Using the Start menu:
- Click on the Start menu and type "cmd" into the search box.
- Alternatively, you can click on the microphone icon in Cortana's search field and say "Launch Command Prompt."
Using the Run command:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
- Type "cmd" or "cmd.exe" and press Enter.
Using the Power Users menu:
- Press Windows key + X to open the Power Users menu.
- Look for the Command Prompt option in the menu and click on it.
Using Task Manager:
- Open Task Manager and go to the File menu.
- Choose "Run New Task" and type "cmd" or "cmd.exe".
- Click "OK" to open the Command Prompt.
Using File Explorer:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
- Double-click on the "cmd.exe" file to open the Command Prompt.
Creating a shortcut:
- Right-click on an empty spot on your Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
- Type "cmd.exe" into the box and click "Next."
- Now, you can double-click on the shortcut to open the Command Prompt.
If the Command Prompt is still not working or opening, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting methods:
Modifying the Registry:
- Warning: Editing the registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage if not done correctly. It is recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
- Type "regedit" and click "OK" to open the Registry.
- Browse the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\cmd.
- Right-click on the "cmd" folder key and select "Permissions."
System File Checker scan:
Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan to check for corrupted files or data.
Changing Startup Type:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command.
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter.
- Locate the "Performance Logs & Alerts" service in the list of services.
- Right-click on the service and choose "Properties."
- Change the Startup Type to "Automatic" in the dropdown box.
- Click "OK" and check if the issue is resolved.
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Frequently asked questions
Microsoft has started phasing out Command Prompt in favour of Powershell. If you have recently upgraded to Windows 10, this could be the reason why you cannot open the Command Prompt.
You can add the "Open command window here" option to the extended-folder context menu. However, this is a two-step process and involves modifying the Registry, which can cause irreversible damage to your installation if not done correctly.
First, bring back the option when you open the menu by right-clicking a folder. Second, use similar steps to return the option when right-clicking the background of a folder. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command. Type "regedit", and click OK to open the Registry.
Yes, there are multiple ways to open the Command Prompt, such as using the Windows+X Power Users menu or searching for it in the Start menu. Users can also open the Command Prompt from Task Manager, File Explorer, the Run box, or by creating a shortcut on the desktop.
