Have you ever found yourself lost trying to find a way to open the Windows Terminal directly in the folder you're working in? If you're someone who frequently browses directories, moves files, programs scripts, or just likes to have absolute control over your PC, this has surely happened to you more than once. Conveniently access the symbol of the system or PowerShell right in the desired location can save you a lot of time and headaches.
In this article I will explain All the ways to open the Windows terminal (CMD or PowerShell) from any folder, additional tricks, essential commands to speed up your work, and a complete guide to becoming a terminal master. I compiled them here. all existing options so much for starters For both advanced users and beginners, each method is detailed and the most effective shortcuts are shown. If you're looking to go beyond the classic 'Windows + R', you'll find everything you need here.
Quick ways to open Terminal in a specific folder
Accessing the terminal from the folder of your choice is easier than it seems, and once you learn the different methods, you can choose the one that works best for you. Here's how. the most practical and well-known options:
- From the File Explorer address bar: Open any folder in Windows Explorer, click on the address bar (where the path appears), type cmd and hit Enter. A console window will immediately open with the path of that folder as the working directory., avoiding having to navigate manually with cd.
- Shift + Right Click Shortcut: hold down the key Shift and right-click on an empty space in the File Explorer window. An expanded context menu will appear with the option "Open command window here" o "Open PowerShell window here" (depending on your version of Windows). This will launch the terminal (CMD or PowerShell) directly in the current location. without further steps.
These two formulas are quick, require no installation, and work on all modern versions of Windows. There are also slight differences depending on whether you have PowerShell enabled by default or prefer CMD, but the mechanics are the same.
Changes in Windows 10 and 11: Open elevated or standard terminal
Windows has been evolving and what was once just CMD now coexists with PowerShell and the new Windows Terminal. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, opening the terminal from a folder includes additional options in the File menu or in the context menu:
- you can click Archive (at the top left of the browser) and search Open Command Prompt o «Open Windows PowerShell», depending on your version. When you hover over it, it often lets you choose between opening a normal console or a «high» (with administrator permissions).
- If you need advanced permissions, select the option to open as administrator. This way you can run commands that require advanced system management..
Remember open an overhead console allows you to perform tasks such as installing programs, modifying system files, or performing in-depth diagnostics.
Universal methods to open CMD or PowerShell from anywhere
In addition to shortcuts in the explorer, there are ways valid for any version of Windows that allow you to quickly launch the console:
- Windows+R: Press the keys Windows and R at the same time. The Run window will appear. Type cmd o powershell and hit Enter. It will open in the user's path, but then you can quickly navigate with cd.
- From the Start menu: Click on the Windows icon and type "symbol of the system" o "Cmd"Right-click and choose "Run as administrator" if you need elevated permissions.
- From any search engine in the system: In Windows 10 or 11, use the search bar to locate CMD, PowerShell, or the new Windows Terminal and open it directly.
These methods also allow you to create Shortcuts customized on the desktop or taskbar to access the terminal quickly.
Tips for Advanced Users: Scripts, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Customization
If you already have some experience with the terminal, you can take advantage of keyboard shortcuts and advanced features to increase your productivity:
- Useful combinations: ESC deletes the current line, up and down arrows navigate the command history, F7 displays the commands used, F3 repeats the last one, and F11 puts the window in full screen.
- Copy and paste: Usa Ctrl + C y Ctrl + V as in any editor, but remember that Ctrl + C It also cancels running commands.
- Route autocompletion: Write cd and press TAB to automatically complete folder and file names.
- View command history: Run doskey /history to list the commands used in the current session.
- Run multiple commands: Usa && o & to chain instructions, for example: cd folder && dir
These tricks and customizations will help you work faster and with fewer errors on administration or scripting tasks.
List of essential commands for working from the terminal
Mastering these essential commands allows you to manage the operating system using only the keyboard:
- cd: Change directory. For example, cd Downloads.
- dir: Displays files and folders in the current directory.
- md o mkdir: Create new folders.
- rd: Delete empty folders.
- copy y xcopy: They copy files or directories, being xcopy more powerful to copy an entire tree.
- move: Move files or folders to another location.
- of the: Deletes a specific file.
- ren o rename: Change file or folder names.
- type: Displays the contents of text files on the screen.
- tree: Displays the directory structure, with tree /f also the files.
- attrib: Query or modify file and folder attributes (read-only, hidden, system).
- help: Displays help on specific commands.
These commands make management easier direct and efficient of files, directories and system resources.
Advanced Management: Commands for Network, System, and Users
The terminal is also useful for network diagnostics, user management, and system monitoring. Some key commands:
- ipconfig: Displays IP configuration, with / all full details and / flushdns clears the DNS cache.
- ping: Checks if a host is responding on the network.
- tracert: Traces the route of packets to a destination, useful for detecting connection problems.
- getmac: Displays addresses MAC of network adapters.
- nslookup: Perform manual DNS queries to resolve domains.
- net user: Manage user accounts, create, delete or modify passwords.
- shutdown: Turn off or restart your computer, example: shutdown / s / t 60.
- taskkill: End processes by name or PID.
- sfc y Dism: Repair damaged Windows system files or images.
- format y chkdsk: Format drives or check for errors on disks.
With these commands you can resolve network problems, automate tasks, and keep your system in good condition.
Little-known tricks and features of the Windows Terminal
Outside of the traditional commands, there are little tricks and lesser-known utilities that improve efficiency:
- | clips: Add | clips to commands to copy the output to the clipboardas the ipconfig | clips.
- doskey /history: Reviews the history of commands executed in the session.
- Autocomplete routes: Uses Tab to complete long folder or file names.
- Remote operations: Many commands allow you to manage other computers if you have permissions and a connection.
- Run in sequence: Chain commands with && o &.
- Customize terminal: Change colors and the prompt with color y prompt.
Trying out these features will make your use of the device much more fluid and comfortable.
Differences and when to use CMD, PowerShell, and Windows Terminal
Although many use the terms interchangeably, They are different tools with different abilities:
- CMD: The classic symbol, present in all versions, useful for basic tasks and simple scripts.
- PowerShell: Much more powerful, allowing advanced scripting, background operations and complex administration, based on .NET.
- Windows Terminal: Modern interface that supports multiple tabs and different terminals (CMD, PowerShell, Azure, WSL). Highly customizable.
Choose based on your needs: for quick folder tasks, CMD is sufficient. For automation and advanced management, PowerShell will be your best option.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.