How to Run Command Prompt Commands from a Windows Shortcut

This updated guide examines How to Run Command Prompt Commands from a Windows Shortcut and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

1. Right-click a blank area of the desktop. ^[1]
2. ClickShortcut.
3. Type%comspec% /kinto the text box.
   • The-kflag keeps the command prompt window open after the command is run. You can remove the flag if you prefer the window closes right away.
4. Press thespacebar.
5. Type the command you want to run. Whatever command you type after%comspec% /kis the one that will run when you double-click this shortcut. For example:^[2]
   • %comspec% /k ping www.google.comwill ping www.google.com when you double-click the shortcut.
   • %comspec% /k sfc scannowwill scan all protected system files when you double-click the shortcut.
6. ClickNext.
7. Enter a name for the shortcut. This is the text that will appear under the icon.
   • For example, if the shortcut pings Google, you could typeping google.
8. ClickFinish. The shortcut is now on your desktop.
9. Double-click the shortcut to run the command. The command prompt window will appear, and you'll see your command running.

Method 2of 2:

Creating a Keyboard Shortcut

1. Create a desktop shortcut for the command. A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keyboard keys you press to run a command or program. To create one for a command line command, make sure you've already created a desktop shortcut.^[3]
   • Keyboard shortcuts will follow the formatCtrl+Alt+[other key].
   • You'll be able to choose a letter, number, or punctuation key as the 'other key.' For example,b,.,3.
2. Right-click the desktop shortcut.
3. ClickProperties. The 'Shortcut' tab of the Properties screen will appear.
4. Click into the 'Shortcut Key' box.
5. Press a letter, number, or punctuation key. The text box will fill with the entire shortcut using the key you press.
   • For example, if you pressp, the text in the box will change toCtrl + Alt + P.
   • If you create multiple keyboard shortcuts, make sure not to use the same key twice.^[4]
6. ClickOK. You'll now return to the desktop.
7. PressCtrl+Alt+[other key]to run the command. The command prompt window will appear, running the command you set up in the desktop shortcut.