34 Essential Windows Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts (2025 Guide)
Mastering the Windows Command Prompt can significantly boost your productivity, especially when you learn the right keyboard shortcuts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned IT professional, these Windows CMD shortcuts will help you navigate and execute tasks more efficiently. Below is a complete list with explanations and usage tips.
Tip: Many of these shortcuts are supported only in newer versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Make sure you’ve enabled “Quick Edit Mode” in your Command Prompt settings.
Table of Contents
✅ 1. Ctrl + C – Copy Selected Text
Use this to copy highlighted text in the Command Prompt to your clipboard. Works in Quick Edit or Mark mode.
✅ 2. Ctrl + V – Paste Text
Paste text from your clipboard directly into CMD. This is extremely helpful when working with long commands.
✅ 3. Ctrl + A – Select All Text
Selects everything inside the CMD window. Ideal for copying entire outputs quickly.
✅ 4. Ctrl + F – Search Text
Brings up the find dialog. Useful when searching for specific keywords or error codes.
✅ 5. Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow – Scroll Through Commands
Scroll up or down through previously run commands in the buffer window without executing them again.
✅ 6. F1 – Repeat Last Command (Character by Character)
Inserts the last command into the prompt, one character at a time. Useful for precise command editing.
✅ 7. F2 – Paste Up to a Specific Character
Repeats the last command up to the character you specify. Great for modifying previous commands.
✅ 8. F3 – Paste Entire Last Command
Inserts the entire previous command instantly. Saves time when reusing long commands.
✅ 9. F4 – Delete Up to Character
Deletes text from the current cursor location up to the specified character in the input.
✅ 10. F5 – Show Command History
Cycles through past commands without displaying the list (similar to Up Arrow).
✅ 11. F6 – Insert End-of-File Marker (^Z)
Used when inputting files or simulating EOF input in command scripts.
✅ 12. F7 – Show Command History Menu
Displays a list of all previously used commands. Use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to reuse.
✅ 13. F8 – Cycle Through Command History (Auto-match)
Types partial command and press F8 to cycle through history entries that match the input.
✅ 14. F9 – Run Specific Command from History
Executes a command from your history by entering its corresponding number.
✅ 15. Tab – Auto-Complete File/Folder Name
Start typing a file or folder name and hit Tab to auto-complete it. Keep pressing Tab to cycle through options.
✅ 16. Alt + Enter – Toggle Fullscreen Mode
Switch between windowed and fullscreen modes. Not supported in Windows 11 CMD.
✅ 17. Alt + F4 – Close Command Prompt
Closes the active CMD window quickly, just like in any other Windows application.
✅ 18. Alt + Spacebar – Open CMD System Menu
Gives access to the standard window options like minimize, maximize, and properties.
✅ 19. Ctrl + Break – Stop Running Command
Terminates the current executing process or script in the CMD window.
✅ 20. Ctrl + Shift + C/V – Copy/Paste in Mark Mode
Allows you to copy/paste while text selection mode (Mark Mode) is active.
✅ 21. Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys – Select Text (Mark Mode)
Use Shift and arrow keys to highlight specific text blocks for copying or deletion.
✅ 22. Ctrl + Page Up/Page Down – Scroll View
Quickly scroll the view without affecting the cursor. Useful for reading long outputs.
✅ 23. Shift + Page Up/Down – Select and Scroll
Scroll and select text at the same time, allowing you to capture large sections of output.
✅ 24. Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Select by Character
Allows you to select text one character at a time. Works in Mark Mode.
✅ 25. Shift + Home/End – Select to Beginning/End of Line
Quickly highlight from your cursor position to the start or end of the current command line.
✅ 26. Ctrl + Home/End – Scroll to Top/Bottom
Moves the scroll window to the top or bottom of the output, ideal for long sessions.
✅ 27. Esc – Clear Command Line
Erases everything you’ve typed without executing. Very useful when correcting a mistyped command.
Final Thoughts on CMD Shortcuts
Learning these Command Prompt shortcuts helps you take full control of Windows’ most powerful tool. Whether you’re debugging, coding, or managing files, memorizing and utilizing these key combinations will save you time and effort. As Microsoft continues to improve Windows Terminal and CMD, expect even more efficient shortcut options in the future.
Pro Tip: Consider using Windows Terminal for an even richer command-line experience — it supports tabs, PowerShell, WSL, and enhanced customization.