Description: Access the Windows Command Prompt (CMD) or Windows PowerShell with the below steps. In some instances, there are multiple ways you can access it.

Note: There may be variations of what you have access to based on your Windows user permissions. If you do not have these options, you will need to get your IT staff involved to gain access to these features.

Windows 7 

1. Click on the Start button.
   • This may just be the Windows logo instead of actually saying "Start."
   • Another method to bring up the Run box is using the Windows Key + R on the keyboard at the same time.
2. Click on Run. If there is no Run then look for the Search box.
3. Type in CMD into the Run/Search box.
4. Click OK.
5. This will take you to the Command Prompt which is a black screen waiting for a command to be typed in and executed.

Windows 8.1 & 10

Option 1

Right-click on the Start Button. This will be the Windows logo on the bottom left to populate a list of two options depending on your privileges, Command Prompt (Admin) or Command Prompt. Selecting either of these will take you to the Windows Command Prompt Screen which is a black screen waiting for a command to be typed in and executed.

 Option 2

Select the Windows Key + R on the keyboard at the same time. Type in "CMD" into the Run/Search box and click Enter.

Windows 10 PowerShell

Option 1

Right-click on the Start button which will be the Windows logo on the bottom left. A list will populate and you will see two options depending on your privileges, Windows PowerShell or Windows PowerShell (Admin). Selecting either of these will take you to the Windows PowerShell Screen which is a blue screen waiting for a command to be typed in and executed.

 Option 2

Select the Windows Key + R on the keyboard at the same time. Then, type in PowerShell into the Run/Search box and click Enter.