How to Open Terminal on Windows

Opening the terminal on Windows enables you to take advantage of the command-line interface and leverage the power of various tools and commands. Whether you are a developer, sysadmin, or power user, the terminal provides a fast and efficient way to perform tasks and execute commands.

Method 1: Using the Run Dialog

The simplest way to open the terminal on Windows is by using the Run dialog. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.

In the Run dialog, type cmd or powershell and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt or PowerShell, depending on the command you entered.

Method 2: Using the Start Menu

You can also open the terminal using the Start menu. Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.

Type cmd or powershell in the search bar. Then, either press Enter or click on the respective program from the search results.

Method 3: Using the File Explorer

Another way to open the terminal on Windows is through the File Explorer. Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.

In the File Explorer address bar, type cmd or powershell and press Enter. The Command Prompt or PowerShell will open with the current directory set to the folder you were in.

Method 4: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can open the terminal directly without any additional steps. Press Win + X to open the Power User Menu and then press C to open the Command Prompt or press A to open PowerShell.

Once the terminal is open, you can start executing commands and performing various tasks.

The terminal provides a host of powerful commands and tools that can help you navigate your computer, manage files, troubleshoot issues, and much more. Take some time to explore the capabilities of the terminal and discover how it can enhance your productivity.