Complete Guide to Your Windows System Run Commands

Access parts of the operating system easily

By
Jason Rybka
Writer
Jason Rybka is a former Lifewire PC and Console gaming writer with expertise in gaming exploits. Jason was also the developer/owner of Xbox Solution and other web properties.
our editorial process
Jason Rybka
Updated January 06, 2020

Run commands can be used to access various aspects of your computer without going through the Control Panel or menus. If you're in the process of tweaking your system so it becomes more responsive, you may find these commands useful.

This guide applies to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Windows Run Commands

A person using a stylus with a Windows-based PC.
Adam Berry / Stringer / Getty Images 

To use any of these commands, go to Start > Run or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key+R. Then enter a command at the prompt and select OK. Before modifying any values within these utilities, however, be sure to read up on what they do.

The Run app is not case sensitive.

Command What It Does
Command Opens the command prompt.
Compmgmt.msc Opens the computer management console.
Devmgmt.msc Opens the device manager.
Dfrg.msc Opens the Windows disk defragmenter.
Diskmgmt.msc Opens the disk management tool.
Eventvwr.msc Opens the event viewer.
Fsmgmt.msc Opens shared folders.
Gpedit.msc Opens the group policy editor.
Lusrmgr.msc Opens the local users and groups.
Mailto: Opens the default email client.
Msconfig Opens the system configuration utility.
Msinfo32 Opens the system information utility.
Perfmon.msc Opens the performance monitor.
Regedit Opens the registry editor.
Rsop.msc Opens resultant set of policy.
Secpol.msc Opens local security settings.
Services.msc Opens services utility.
Sysedit Opens system configuration editor.
System.ini Windows loading information.
Win.ini Windows loading information.
Winver Shows current version of Windows.

Control Panel Access Run Commands

The following commands access various parts of the Control Panel directly:

Command What It Does
Appwiz.cpl Add/Remove Programs
Timedate.cpl Date/Time Properties
Desk.cpl Display Properties
Fonts Fonts Folder
Inetcpl.cpl Internet Properties
Main.cpl keyboard Keyboard Properties
Main.cpl Mouse Properties
Mmsys.cpl Multimedia Properties
Netcpl.cpl Network Properties
Password.cpl Password Properties
Printers Printers Folder
Mmsys.cpl sounds Sound Properties
Sysdm.cpl System Properties