How to Run a Batch File from the Command Line on Windows

Method 1 of 2:

Press ⊞ Win+R. This opens the Run dialog.
- If you need to run the batch file as an administrator, see this method instead.
Click Browse….
Navigate to the folder that contains the batch file.
Click the batch file once to select it. The file is now highlighted.
Click Open. This pastes the full path to the batch file into the Run box.
Click OK. The batch file will open in a terminal window and run. When it's finished running, you'll see a line at the bottom of the window that says 'Press any key to continue.'
Press any key. This closes the terminal window after the command runs.

Method 2 of 2:

Click the

menu. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Type cmd into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear.
Right-click Command Prompt. A menu will expand.
Click Run as Administrator. A confirmation message will appear.
Click Yes. This opens the command line at an elevated (administrator) level.
Type cd followed by full path to the folder with the .BAT file. Here's an example:
- If the batch file is on your desktop, type cd UsersYourLoginNameDesktop.
- If it's in your downloads folder, type cd UsersYourLoginNameDownloads.
- If you don't know what your login name is, type cd Users and press ↵ Enter to go to the Users folder, and then type dir and press ↵ Enter to see a list of logins.
Press ↵ Enter. This will move you into the directory.
Type the name of the batch file. For example, if it's called 'program.bat,' type program.bat.
- If you don't know the name, type dir and press ↵ Enter to view the files in the folder. You'll find it there.
Press ↵ Enter. This runs the batch file.

This wikiHow teaches you how to run a batch file (.BAT) from the Windows command line. You can run the program from the 'Run' dialog or by typing commands into a terminal window. Press . This opens the Run dialog.