How to Open Terminal in Windows

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This wikiHow teaches you how to open the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal window, using a Windows PC. You can open the Command Prompt or PowerShell from your Start menu or from any folder in the File Explorer. You can also use the Windows Run feature.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Start Menu

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  1. Click the Windowsicon on the bottom-left corner of your desktop or press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
    • Alternatively, you can click the search or Cortana button next to the Start menu icon.
  2. After opening the Start menu, type this on your keyboard to search the menu items. Command Prompt or PowerShell will show up as the top result.
    • Alternatively, you can manually find Command Prompt or PowerShell on the Start menu.
    • Command Prompt or PowerShell is in the Windows System folder on Windows 10 & 8, and in the Accessories folder under All Programs on Windows 7, Vista & XP.
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  3. This will open the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal in a new window.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Right-Click Menu

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  1. You can find this button in the lower-left corner of your desktop. It will open your Power User Menu options in a pop-up. [1]
    • You can also just press ⊞ Win + X on your keyboard to open this menu.
    • Alternatively, you can right-click on any folder to start Command Prompt or PowerShell from a specific directory.
  2. It's usually located between "Computer Management" and "Task Manager" on the Power User Menu.
    • If you right-click on a folder instead of the Start menu, you will see Open command window here on the right-click menu.
  3. This will open the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal in a new window. [2]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Run Tool

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  1. Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard, and press the "R" button. This will open the "Run" tool in a new pop-up window.
    • Alternatively, you can find and click Run on the Start menu.
  2. This shortcut will open the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal.
  3. This will run your shortcut command, and open the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal in a new window.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I open terminal on Mac?
    Ken Colburn
    Tech Expert
    Ken Colburn is a Tech Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.
    Ken Colburn
    Tech Expert
    Expert Answer
    There's actually a terminal application in the Utilities folder that you can click out. Or, you can use the command space shortcut and type in the word "terminal," which essentially gets you to the command line. From there, type the word "terminal" to access the terminal application that way.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=13578
      2. ↑ https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=13578

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Start menu.
      2. Type "cmd".
      3. Click Command Prompt .

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