[Ultimate Guide] Windows 11 Run Commands List

The Windows Run command box is a easy way to access Windows settings, tools and apps. It’s a built-in feature in Windows OS since Windows 95. Through the Windows Run command box, you can easily open any Windows settings, tools or apps in just 2 steps. Once you’re familiar with these Run commands, you’ll be more productive when working on a Windows 11 computer.

This post collects a complete list of Run commands that you can use in Windows 11. Most of them can also be used on Windows 10, 8.1 and even Windows 7.

How to access the Run command box

There are more than one way to access the Run command box. Here I’ll introduce three different methods to access it:

1. Use the keyboard combination

The easiest way to open the Run command box is use the keyboard combination. Simply press the Windows logo key and R at the same time on your keyboard, the Run command box will pop up.

2. Right-click on the Start menu

You can also access the Run command box via the Start menu. Just right-click on the Start menu, then select Run.

3. Search for Run

You can also simply press the Windows logo key on your keyboard and type run. Then select the top result to open the Run command box.

Most-used Run commands for Windows 11

Below is the list of most frequently used Run commands that can help you access the most popular apps and settings in Windows 11 in just 2 steps.

Action	Run command
Open Command Prompt	`cmd`
Open Control Panel	`control`
Open Registry Editor	`regedit`
Open File Explorer	`explorer`
Open Services utility	`services.msc`
Open Local Group Policy Editor	`gpedit.msc`
Open the System Configuration dialog box	`msconfig`
Open the Temporary files folder	`%temp% or temp`
Open Device Manager	`devmgmt.msc` or `hdwwiz.cpl`
Shuts down your computer	`shutdown`
Manage Windows Power options	`powercfg.cpl`
Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool	`dxdiag`
Open Resource Monitor	`resmon`
Open Performance Monitor	`perfmon.msc`
Open Computer Management console	`compmgmt.msc` or `compmgmtlauncher`
Access Network Connections	`ncpa.cpl` or `control netconnection`
Open the current user profile directory	`.`
Open the Users folder	`..`
Open Remote Desktop Connection	`mstsc`
Access File Explorer Options	`control folders`
Turn Windows Features On/Off	`optionalfeatures`
Check Windows Version	`winver`
Open Disk Partition Manager	`diskpart`
Open Disk Defragmenter utility	`dfrgui`
Open Windows Mobility Center (available only on laptops)	`mblctr`
Access Mouse Properties	`main.cpl` or `control mouse`
Access Windows Defender Firewall	`firewall.cpl`
Open System Properties window	`sysdm.cpl`
Open any website	Enter Website URL
Open Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool	`mrt`

Control Panel Run commands

Here is the list of Run commands that can help you access different part of Control Panel or control applets directly:

Action	Run command
Access Sound properties	`mmsys.cpl`
Access Devices and Printers properties	`control printers`
Open Add a Device Wizard	`devicepairingwizard`
Open Time and Date properties	`Timedate.cpl`
Open Region properties – Language, Date/Time format, keyboard locale	`intl.cpl`
Open Fonts Control Panel folder	`Fonts`
Open Internet Properties	`Inetcpl.cpl`
Open Keyboard Properties	`main.cpl keyboard`
Open Mouse Properties	`control mouse`
Open Administrative Tools (Windows Tools) folder in Control Panel	`control admintools`
Access Security and Maintenance Control Panel	`wscui.cpl`
Control Display settings (in Windows Settings)	`desk.cpl`
Control Personalization settings (in Windows Settings)	`Control desktop`
Manage current user account	`control userpasswords` or `control.exe /name Microsoft.UserAccounts`
Open User Accounts dialog box	`control userpasswords2`
Create a System Repair Disc	`recdisc`
Create A Shared Folder Wizard	`shrpubw`
Open Shared Folders window	`fsmgmt.msc`
Create a System Repair Disc	`recdisc`
Open Task Scheduler	`Control schedtasks` or `taskschd.msc`
Access Windows Firewall with Advanced Security	`wf.msc`
Open Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature	`systempropertiesdataexecutionprevention`
Access System Restore feature	`rstrui`
Access Performance Options	`systempropertiesperformance`
Access Pen and Touch options	`tabletpc.cpl`
Control Display Color Calibration	`dccw`
Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings	`UserAccountControlSettings`
Open Microsoft Sync Center	`mobsync`
Access Backup and Restore control panel	`sdclt`
View and Change Windows Activation settings	`slui`
Open Windows Fax and Scan utility	`wfs`
Open Ease of Access Center	`control access.cpl`
Install a program from the network	`control appwiz.cpl,,1`

Windows 11 Settings Run commands

In this part, you’ll find a complete list of Run command that helps you access the settings in the Windows 11 Settings app.

Windows 11 Settings – System

Action	Run command
Open Settings app home page	`ms-settings:`
Open Display settings	`dpiscaling` or `ms-settings:display`
Open Sound settings	`ms-settings:sound`
Manage Sound Devices(Input/Output Devices)	`ms-settings:sound-devices`
Open Sound Mixer settings	`ms-settings:apps-volume`
Open Sound Mixer dialog box	`sndvol`
Adjust Sound Mixer settings	`ms-settings:apps-volume`
Open Notifications settings	`ms-settings:notifications`
Open Focus assist settings	`ms-settings:quiethours`
Change Power & Battery settings	`ms-settings:batterysaver-settings` or `ms-settings:powersleep`
Open Storage Settings	`ms-settings:storagesense`
Configure Storage Sense	`ms-settings:storagepolicies`
Open Nearby Sharing options	`ms-settings:crossdevice`
Configure Multitasking	`ms-settings:multitasking`
Open Windows Activation settings	`ms-settings:activation`
Open Windows Troubleshoot Settings	`control.exe /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting` or `ms-settings:troubleshoot`
Open Recovery settings	`ms-settings:recovery`
Open Projecting to this PC settings	`ms-settings:project`
Open Remote Desktop settings	`ms-settings:remotedesktop`
Open Clipboard settings	`ms-settings:clipboard`
Open About settings page	`ms-settings:about`
Adjust Graphics preference settings	`ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics`
Change the Night light settings	`ms-settings:nightlight`
Change where new content is saved	`ms-settings:savelocations`

Windows 11 Settings – Bluetooth & devices

Action	Run command
Open Devices settings	`ms-settings:connecteddevices` or `ms-settings:bluetooth`
Open Printers & Scanner settings	`ms-settings:printers`
Open Touchpad settings	`ms-settings:devices-touchpad`
Open AutoPlay settings	`ms-settings:autoplay`
Open Cameras Settings	`ms-settings:camera`
Open Pen and Windows Ink settings	`ms-settings:pen`
Open Your Phone settings	`ms-settings:mobile-devices`
Open USB settings	`ms-settings:usb`
Open Mouse settings	`ms-settings:mousetouchpad`

Windows 11 Settings – Network & internet

Action	Run command
Open Network & Internet settings panel	`ms-settings:network`
Connect and manage WiFi settings	`ms-settings:network-wifi`
Manage known Wi-Fi networks	`ms-settings:network-wifisettings`
Manage Ethernet Network settings	`ms-settings:network-ethernet`
Add, connect, and Manage VPN	`ms-settings:network-vpn`
Open Mobile Hotspot settings	`ms-settings:network-mobilehotspot`
Set up a dial-up internet connection	`ms-settings:network-dialup`
Open Proxy settings	`ms-settings:network-proxy`
View Network Status	`ms-settings:network-status`
Open Airplane mode (Wireless/Bluetooth) settings	`ms-settings:network-airplanemode` or `ms-settings:proximity`
View data usage	`ms-settings:datausage`

Windows 11 Settings – Personalization

Action	Run command
Open all Personalization settings	`ms-settings:personalization`
Customize Background settings	`ms-settings:personalization-background`
Customize Color settings	`ms-settings:personalization-colors` or `ms-settings:colors`
Customize Start Menu	`ms-settings:personalization-start`
Choose which folders appear on Start next to the Power button	`ms-settings:personalization-start-places`
Customize Lock Screen	`ms-settings:lockscreen`
Add or change Fonts	`ms-settings:fonts`
Open Taskbar settings	`ms-settings:taskbar`
Change Themes	`ms-settings:themes`
Open Device Usage settings	`ms-settings:deviceusage`

Windows 11 Settings – Apps

Action	Run command
Open Apps and Features settings	`ms-settings:appsfeatures`
Open Default apps settings	`ms-settings:defaultapps` or `computerdefaults`
Open Offline maps settings	`ms-settings:maps`
Configure Optional features	`ms-settings:optionalfeatures`
Open Apps for websites settings page	`ms-settings:appsforwebsites`
Download Offline maps	`ms-settings:maps-downloadmaps`
Open Video playback settings	`ms-settings:videoplayback`
Configure Startup Apps	`ms-settings:startupapps`

Windows 11 Settings – Accounts

Action	Run command
View all Accounts settings	`ms-settings:accounts`
View Your Accounts Info	`ms-settings:yourinfo`
Access Email & app accounts settings	`ms-settings:emailandaccounts`
Open Family & other users account settings	`ms-settings:family-group` or `ms-settings:otherusers`
Set up a kiosk	`ms-settings:assignedaccess`
Open Windows Sign-in Options	`ms-settings:signinoptions`
Access Work or School accounts	`ms-settings:workplace`
Open Windows backup (Sync) settings	`ms-settings:sync` or `ms-settings:backup`
Open Dynamic lock settings	`ms-settings:signinoptions-dynamiclock`
Open Windows Hello setup	`ms-settings:signinoptions-launchfaceenrollment`
Open Windows Hello Fingerprint setup	`ms-settings:signinoptions-launchfingerprintenrollment`
Open Windows Hello Security Key setup	`ms-settings:signinoptions-launchsecuritykeyenrollment`

Windows 11 Settings – Time & language

Action	Run command
Open Date & Time settings	`ms-settings:dateandtime`
Open Language and Region settings	`ms-settings:regionformatting`
Open Typing and keyboard settings	`ms-settings:typing`
Open Speech settings (Speech language, Microphone, Voices)	`ms-settings:speech`

Windows 11 Settings – Accessibility

Action	Run command
Open Accessibility settings	`utilman`
Open Text size settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-display`
Change Text Cursor settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-cursor`
Open Visual Effects settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-visualeffects`
Open Mouse Pointer and Touch settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-mousepointer`
Open Magnifier settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-magnifier`
Open Color Filters settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-colorfilter`
Change Contrast settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-highcontrast`
Open Narrator settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator`
Start Narrator after/before sign-in	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator-isautostartenabled`
Open Accessibility Audio settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio`
Access Closed Captioning options	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-closedcaptioning`
Open Keyboard settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-keyboard`
Open Mouse settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-mouse`
Change Speech recognition settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-speechrecognition`
Open Eye Control settings	`ms-settings:easeofaccess-eyecontrol`

Windows 11 Settings – Privacy & security

Action	Run command
Open Privacy settings	`ms-settings:privacy`
Open Windows Security settings	`ms-settings:windowsdefender`
Mange Activity history across devices and accounts	`ms-settings:privacy-activityhistory`
Open Find My Device options	`ms-settings:findmydevice`
Open developers options	`ms-settings:developers`
Access General Windows permissions	`ms-settings:privacy-general`
Open Online Speech recognition settings	`ms-settings:privacy-speech`
Open Feedback & diagnostics settings	`ms-settings:privacy-feedback`
Open Inking & Typing personalization settings	`ms-settings:privacy-speechtyping`
Open Search Permissions settings	`ms-settings:search-permissions`
Open Windows Searching settings	`ms-settings:cortana-windowssearch`
Open Automatic online file downloads permissions setting	`ms-settings:privacy-automaticfiledownloads`
Open File System access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-broadfilesystemaccess`
Open Calendar access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-calendar`
Open Phone Call access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-phonecalls`
Open Call history access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-callhistory`
Open Contacts access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-contacts`
Open Unpaired devices access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-customdevices`
Open Documents Library access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-documents`
Open Email access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-email`
Open App Diagnostics access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-appdiagnostics`
Open Location access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-location`
Open Messaging access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-messaging`
Open Microphone access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-microphone`
Open Notifications access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-notifications`
Configure Account info access for apps	`ms-settings:privacy-accountinfo`
Open Pictures library access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-pictures`
Open Radio control access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-radios`
Open tasks access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-tasks`
Open Videos library access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-videos`
Open Voice Activation access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-voiceactivation`
Open Camera Access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-webcam`
Open Music Library access settings	`ms-settings:privacy-musiclibrary`

Windows 11 Settings – Windows Update

Action	Run command
Open Windows Update settings	`ms-settings:windowsupdate` or `ms-settings:windowsupdate-action` or `control update`
Open Windows Update Advanced options	`ms-settings:windowsupdate-options`
View Windows Update History	`ms-settings:windowsupdate-history`
View Optional updates	`ms-settings:windowsupdate-optionalupdates`
Schedule the restart	`ms-settings:windowsupdate-restartoptions`
Open Delivery Optimization settings	`ms-settings:delivery-optimization`
Join the Windows Insider Program	`ms-settings:windowsinsider`

Run commands for folder locations

The Run commands below can help you quickly visit various Windows folders:

Action	Run command
Open Recent files Folder	`recent`
Open Documents Folder	`documents`
Open Downloads Folder	`downloads`
Open Favorites Folder	`favorites`
Open Pictures Folder	`pictures`
Open Videos folder	`videos`
Open Specific drive or Folder location	Type Drive name followed by a colon (e.g. `D:`) or Folder path (e.g. `E:\Bin\Books`)
Open OneDrive folder	`onedrive`
Open all Apps folder	`shell:AppsFolder`
Open Windows Address Book	`wab`
Open App Data folder	`%AppData%`
Access Debug Folder	`debug`
Open current user directory	`explorer.exe .`
Open Windows Root Drive	`%systemdrive%`

IP config commands

ACTION	RUN COMMAND
Display information about IP configuration and the address of every adapter.	`ipconfig/all`
Release all local IP addresses and loose connections.	`ipconfig/release`
Renew all local IP addresses and reconnect to the internet and network.	`ipconfig/renew`
View your DNS cache contents.	`ipconfig/displaydns`
Delete DNS Cache contents	`ipconfig/flushdns`
Refresh DHCP and Re-register your DNS Names and IP Addresses	`ipconfig/registerdns`
Display DHCP Class ID	`ipconfig/showclassid`
Modify DHCP Class ID	`ipconfig/setclassid`

Other useful Run commands

Action	Run command
Update Group Policy Settings	`gpupdate`
Switch Projector display	`displayswitch`
Open Gaming mode settings	`ms-settings:gaming-gamemode`
Access Presentation Settings	`presentationsettings`
Control Windows Script Host Settings	`wscript`
Connect to a wireless display	`ms-settings-connectabledevices:devicediscovery`
Open Event Viewer	`eventvwr.msc`
Open Certificate Manager	`certmgr.msc`
Launch Driver Verifier Utility	`verifier`
Open Local Security Policy Editor	`secpol.msc`
Configure Game Controllers	`joy.cpl`
Open File Signature Verification Tool	`sigverif`
Backup and restore user names and passwords	`credwiz`
Open System Properties (Advanced Tab)	`systempropertiesadvanced`
Open System Properties (Computer Name Tab)	`systempropertiescomputername`
Open System Properties (Hardware Tab)	`systempropertieshardware`
Open System Properties (Remote Tab)	`systempropertiesremote`
Open System Properties (System Protection Tab)	`systempropertiesprotection`
Open Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management tool	`tpm.msc`

That’s it! The Run box remembers all the commands you executed. So, the next time you want to use the Run command, you only need to type the first letter to select the command.

Abstract vector created by vectorjuice – www.freepik.com

Techzone Online