5 Useful Windows Commands

1. ipconfig: Quickly Find Your IP Address

2. ping and tracert: Troubleshoot Network Connection Issues

3. shutdown: Create Shutdown Shortcuts for Windows

To use the command at the Command Prompt or when creating a shortcut, just type one of the following:

• shutdown /s /t 0: Performs a regular shut down.
• shutdown /r /t 0: Restart the computer.
• shutdown /r /o: Restarts the computer into advanced options.

4. cipher: Permanently Delete and Overwrite a Directory

To use the command, specify the drive you want to wipe like so:

cipher /w:C:\

Notice that there is no space between the switch ( /w: ) and the drive ( C:\ )

5. netstat -an: List Network Connections and Ports

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This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the commands you might find useful, but we hope it’s given you some idea of the many powerful tools lurking under the surface. Have your own favorites we didn’t mention? Join in the discussion and let us know!