When you need to access a specific program quickly on Windows, one of the best methods for this purpose is the integrated “Run” feature. Using Run to execute commands and open apps is quite efficient. If you can remember some of the most useful and interesting Run commands, you can access many features faster than you normally would.
Run commands can also be useful for day-to-day usage. In case you want to be more productive with your work, we have listed some of the best Run commands and briefly elaborated on their functions. You can either memorize these or refer to this article whenever you need to use these commands.
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How to Use Run Commands in the Run Dialog?
Before you get started with the various Run commands listed here, you’d first need to access the Run dialog in order to enter the commands. There are two ways in which you can do so. First, you can search for “Run” from the Windows Search in your taskbar. Or, you could also press the keyboard shortcut “Windows+R” to bring up the dialog instantly.
The keyboard shortcut is generally much faster and is the usual method to access the Run dialog. Once you can use the Run dialog, you need to enter one of the commands listed below, and then tap on the “OK” button to run the command.
15 Best Run Commands in Windows
“msconfig” – Open System Configuration
Executing this command in the Run window opens up a new “System Configuration” dialog. Here, you can tweak various options regarding the OS and services on your PC. There are also options to manage boot settings, including turning on safe mode. This command can be quite convenient in case you want to need access to the aforementioned features.
“resmon” – A Comprehensive Resource Monitor
In case you want a more comprehensive report on resource usage, then this command can be quite important to use. Also, this command can be used to check the specifications of your PC and provide information on various processes on your Operating System.
“sdclt” – Open Backup and Restore Options
This command can allow you to easily access the native backup and restore options in Windows. You can restore old backups from your PC in a quick and easy manner. A new backup point can also be set up using this command from the Run window.
“main.cpl” – Access to Mouse Properties
This is one of the commands that can allow you to directly access the mouse pointer options in Windows. Several mouse variables can be directly defined from this dialog. This includes several mouse settings including pointer icons, mouse speed, and pointer precision options.
“regedit” – Access Windows Registry Editor
Registry Editor in Windows is one of the best options to edit the registry entries and other keys. There are several ways to open the registry editor, but this is perhaps the fastest way to do so.
“sysdm.cpl” – Open System Properties
This shortcut to the System Properties is quite useful when you need to change some settings or access hardware properties. There are also several performance related toggles here that you can change.
“powercfg.cpl” – Change Windows Power Settings
If you’ve ever accessed the Power management settings from the control panel, you should already know that it is quite cumbersome to do so. There are a lot of options insider the power management settings that you can change to make your device performance or battery oriented.
“optionalfeatures” – Access Windows Features
This command will open the optional features dialog in Windows. Here, you can enable or disable several advanced features in Windows that change the overall experience and usage of your Operating System.
“magnify” – Open Magnifier
You can also use the magnifier tool directly from the Run dialog. This tool can enlarge any text or content on the screen for easier reading. It also includes a text reader to read out any text on the screen.
“charmap” – Access the Character Map in Windows
This command can be handy in case you need to enter a special character on Windows. You can copy the Alt code or the entire symbol that you need directly from this app, and use it on any other app.
“ncpa.cpl” – Change Network Connection Settings
You can use this command whenever you need to change settings related to your device, and fix problems with your internet connection. This dialog offers a variety of options that you can use to bridge connections and see Wi-Fi passwords.
“mrt” – Malicious Software Removal Tool
This tool can help you to remove any malicious programs that may have infected your PC. the Malicious Software Removal Tool in integrated into the Windows Operating System, and can remove most of the malicious programs.
“devmgmt.msc” – Device Manager
This command will open the WIndows Device Manager that can allow you to update, repair or uninstall system drivers from your device. You can choose from a wide variety of drivers and check the condition of the connected devices to check if they are functioning properly or not.
“netplwiz” – Access User Account Control Options
You can manage any user accoutn associated with the device using this command. Also, the dialog opened by this command lets you create new users and change account privileges to manage the overall security and control of the device.
“Services.msc” – Access Windows Services
This command can open the Services dialog in Windows. From here, you can access all the different services on your PC from here, and change the startup types. The description of what the service does is also included beside the name of the service.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are the best Run commands that you can memorize to increase your productivity and access common Widows features faster than you normally would. Also, these commands can let you access some advanced features that can only be executed through the Windows Run Dialog.
