Cmdkey Command in Windows: A Practical Guide

Cmdkey Command in Windows is easier to understand when the core ideas are paired with practical examples. The sections below explain the topic clearly, highlight useful steps, and point out details that can prevent common errors.

Applies to: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012.

The cmdkey command creates, lists and deletes stored usernames and passwords or stored login information.

Syntax cmdkey command

 cmdkey [{/add:|/generic:}] {/smartcard|/user: [/pass:]} [/delete{:|/ras}] /list:

Parameters

Parameter Description / add:

Add a username and password to the list.

Parameter request identifies the computer or domain that this entry will be linked to.

/ generic:

Add general login information to the list.

Parameter request identifies the computer or domain that this entry will be linked to.

/ smartcard Retrieve authentication information from smart card. / user: Specify the username or account to store with this entry. If the UserName entry is not filled, it will be requested. / pass: Specify a password to store with this entry. If the Password item has not been filled, it will be requested. / delete {: | / ras} Delete the username and password from the list. If TargetName is specified, that entry will be deleted. If / ras is specified, the stored remote access entry will be deleted. / list: Displays a list of stored username and login information. If the TargetName is not specified, all stored username and login information will be listed. /? Show help at the command prompt.

Note

If multiple smart cards are found on the system when the / smartcard command line option is used, cmdkey will display information about all available smart cards and then prompt the user to specify which smart card to use.
The password will not be displayed when they are stored.

For instance,

To display a list of all stored usernames and login information, enter:

 cmdkey /list

To add a username and password to Mikedan users to access Server01 computer with password Kleo, enter:

 cmdkey /add:server01 /user:mikedan /pass:Kleo

To add a username and password to Mikedan users to access the Server01 server and prompt the password whenever Server01 is accessed, enter:

 cmdkey /add:server01 /user:mikedan

The bootcfg addsw command in Windows
The bootcfg timeout command in Windows
The bootcfg rmsw command in Windows

FAQ

What should you know about syntax cmdkey command cmdkey [{/add:|/generic:}] {/smartcard|/user: [/pass:]} [/delete{:|/ras}] /list: Parameters Parameter Description / add: Add a username and password to the list. Parameter request identifies the computer or domain that this entry will be linked to. / generic: Add general login information to the list. Parameter request identifies the computer or domain that this entry will be linked to. / smartcard Retrieve authentication information from smart card. / user: Specify the username or account to store with this entry. If the UserName entry is not filled, it will be requested. / pass: Specify a password to store with this entry. If the Password item has not been filled, it will be requested. / delete {: | / ras} Delete the username and password from the list. If TargetName is specified, that entry will be deleted. If / ras is specified, the stored remote access entry will be deleted. / list: Displays a list of stored username and login information. If the TargetName is not specified, all stored username and login information will be listed. /? Show help at the command prompt. Note If multiple smart cards are found on the system when the / smartcard command line option is used, cmdkey will display information about all available smart cards and then prompt the user to specify which smart card to use. The password will not be displayed when they are stored. For instance,?

To display a list of all stored usernames and login information, enter:

What is Cmdkey Command in Windows?

Applies to: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012.

Why is Cmdkey Command in Windows important?

A clear understanding of Cmdkey Command in Windows helps you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and use the relevant tools or techniques more effectively.