Windows Command Prompt Shortcuts
Windows Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
Windows 11
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Windows Terminal | Win + X then I | Open Windows Terminal from the power menu |
| Open Terminal (Admin) | Win + X then A | Open Windows Terminal as administrator |
| Autocomplete (Tab) | Tab | Autocomplete file/folder names; press again to cycle through matches |
| History Search Up | Up | Recall the previous command from history |
| History Search Down | Down | Go forward through command history |
| Clear Screen | Ctrl + L | Clear the terminal screen (same as 'cls' command) |
| Interrupt / Cancel | Ctrl + C | Stop the currently running command |
| Copy in Terminal | Ctrl + C | Copy selected text in Windows Terminal |
| Paste in Terminal | Ctrl + V | Paste into Windows Terminal |
| New Terminal Tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Open a new tab in Windows Terminal |
| Close Terminal Tab | Ctrl + Shift + W | Close the current Windows Terminal tab |
| Move to Word Start | Ctrl + Left | Move cursor to the start of the previous word in the prompt |
| Move to Word End | Ctrl + Right | Move cursor to the end of the next word in the prompt |
| Delete to Start of Line | Ctrl + Home | Delete everything from the cursor to the start of the line |
Windows 10
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Command Prompt | Win + X then C | Open Command Prompt from the power user menu |
| Open PowerShell | Win + X then I | Open PowerShell from the power user menu |
| Autocomplete (Tab) | Tab | Autocomplete file/folder names at the prompt |
| History Up | Up | Recall the previous command from history |
| History Down | Down | Go forward through command history |
| Clear Screen | Ctrl + L | Clear the terminal display |
| Interrupt / Cancel | Ctrl + C | Stop the currently running command |
| Copy in Terminal | Ctrl + C | Copy selected text in Windows Terminal (modern terminal) |
| Paste in Terminal | Ctrl + V | Paste into the Windows Terminal |
| New Tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Open a new tab in Windows Terminal |
| Move to Word Start | Ctrl + Left | Move cursor to the previous word at the prompt |
| Move to Word End | Ctrl + Right | Move cursor to the next word at the prompt |