Windows is a very diverse operating system. Most users restrict themselves to simple aspects such using Microsoft Office apps and the VLC media player app. However, there some command prompt tricks and hacks that can unleash so much more in your use of the computer. Here, we focus on a few of the hacks you can put to use with your CMD. There are as many CMD tricks as one can imagine, I will just highlight a few of them.
Command prompt tricks and Hacks
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Shutdown computer with CMD prompt
Did you know that you do not need the Windows start button to shut down, restart or log off your computer? Well, now you do. With the CMD trick we will show you here, you can do that. To perform this, do the following;
- Hit the Window key and the R key at the same time to get the command prompt log.
- Type in CMD then hit the enter key.
- For shutting down, type in Shutdown -s then press enter.
- For a restart, type Shutdown -r then press enter.
- For logging off, type Shutdown -l then press enter.
In this case, the -s, -r and -l stand for shutdown, restart and log respectively.
2. Display a message before shutting down
Ever kept forgetting about something so many times just because you are busy? With this new trick, you can be sure that you are getting reminded each time you shutdown your computer. Simply follow these steps;
- Press the combination of the Windows and R keys to bring up the command prompt log.
- Type in CMD then hit the enter key.
- Type in the command Shutdown -s -t 500 “message”
- If you want to water the garden after shutting down the computer, you will write Shutdown -s -t 500 “water the garden” and you will see the message when shutting down the computer.
3. Shutdown computer after a specified time with CMD
Say you want your computer to shut down after downloading a specific file. You can use one of the simplest CMD tricks and hacks in our store. Do the following;
- Hit the Windows and the R key to launch the CMD prompt dialog.
- Type in CMD then hit the enter key.
- Type in Shutdown -s – (time) then press enter. Say you want the time to be 3 minutes. Type in Shutdown -s -t 180. After three minutes from the time you press the enter key.
Read Also: How to Fix Laptop Overheating and Shutting itself down
4. Other Command Prompt tips, tricks and hacks
There are much more cmd tricks and hacks such as;
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- Hiding a folder with attrib +s +h D:filename
- You can unhide it using attrib +s +h D:filename where filename is the name of the file and D is the drive. If the folder is in another drive, replace D with the name of the drive.
- Know all the installed drivers by typing in driverquery
- Watch Star Wars (yes you got that right with) telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl with telnet enabled on your computer.
Read Also: Use Android Phone to Control Computer or Laptop through Bluetooth
You have many CMD prompt tricks and hacks you can try out to explore what your computer is capable of. Command prompt it by far the most powerful administrative tool on your computer. Keep it technology sage for more tips and tricks.
