M7 Windows Tools (System Tools)¶

CMD - Parameter

CMD - Redirection

CMD - DIR

Dir - Displays a list of a directory's files and subdirectories

CMD - DIR

CMD - Dir to file

CMD – Commands for files and directories

Cd : Displays the name of the current directory or changes the current directory. cd [/d] [:][] cd [..] mkdir or md : Creates a directory or subdirector md [:] move : Moves one or more files from one directory to another directory. move [{/y|-y}] [] [] ren or rename : Renames files or directories ren [:][] rmdir or rd : Deletes a directory. rmdir [:] [/s [/q]]

CMD – COPY

Copies one or more files from one location to another

CMD - XCOPY

Copies files and directories, including subdirectories.

CMD – XCOPY examples

• To copy all the files and subdirectories (including any empty subdirectories) from drive E to drive F, type:
  • xcopy e: f: /s /e
• To update files in the \Reports directory with the files in the \Rawdata directory that have changed since December 29, 2023, type:
  • xcopy \rawdata \reports /d:12-29-2023
• To copy the \Customer directory and all subdirectories to the directory \Public\Address on network drive H:, retain the read-only attribute, and be prompted when a new file is created on H:, type:
  • xcopy \customer h:\public\address /s /e /k /p

CMD - DEL

Same command is erase

Delete Temp Files: del /q /f /s %temp%* del /s /q C:\Windows\temp*

Or some time in one line: del /q /f /s %temp%* && del /s /q C:\Windows\temp*

CMD - ECHO

Display messages

CMD – FIND

Searches for a text string in a file or files.

CMD – Pipe output

CMD – Copy to Clipboard

CMD – Run as administrator

CMD - commands

Command history can be found in the arrow buttons

Comparison with Linux¶

Powershell¶

PowerShell

PowerShell combines a powerful command-line interface (CLI) with a scalable scripting language, allowing you to perform complex administrative tasks easily and efficiently.

The same commands as in cmd works here.

But here are a lot of new commands that work better

PowerShell examples

PowerShell commands are small simple commands called cmdlets. They perform specific tasks and their syntax is in "Verb-Noun" form, such as Get-Process or Set-ExecutionPolicy.

PowerShell treats commands and their results as objects, not just text. This allows data to be passed between cmdlets while preserving their properties and methods.

PowerShell allows you to write scripts (.ps1 files) that can perform complex tasks and automate repetitive processes. Scripts can contain variables, loops, conditionals and functions.

PowerShell versus CMD

Comparison with CMD

PowerShell offers more versatile and powerful tools compared to CMD, especially for system management and automation tasks. It is designed for the modern IT environment where scalability and complex management are required.

RUN¶

Run command allows quickly open applications, documents, or web pages by typing their path or command name. It’s like a shortcut to access various features and settings without navigating through menu.

Here are a few ways to open the Run command in Windows 11:

• Keyboard Shortcut: Press Windows + R keys simultaneously.
• Start Menu: Right-click the Start Menu icon and select “Run” from the list.
• Search: Click the magnifier icon on the taskbar, type “run,” and select the best match.

RUN examples

Open System Configuration: Type msconfig and press Enter.
Access Device Manager: Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
Open Registry Editor: Type regedit and press Enter.
Launch Command Prompt: Type cmd and press Enter.
Open Control Panel: Type control and press Enter.
Access Network Connections: Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
Open Task Manager: Type taskmgr and press Enter.
Open Calculator: Type calc and press Enter.
Open Notepad: Type notepad and press Enter.
Open a Website: Type the URL (e.g., https://www.microsoft.com) and press Enter.

Custom Run commands

Create a Shortcut:
- Right-click on the Desktop: Select New > Shortcut.
- Enter the Location: In the “Type the location of the item” field, browse to the executable file of the application you want to create a shortcut for, or type the path directly.
- Name the Shortcut: Give your shortcut a simple name that you’ll use as the Run command.
- Move the Shortcut: Drag and drop the shortcut into the C:\Windows folder. You might need administrative rights to do this.

Print management¶

Print Management is a tool in Windows 11 for managing printers and print jobs. It’s not installed by default and needs to be added manually.

Here’s how to install Print Management:

• Open Settings: Press Windows + I.
• Navigate to Apps: Go to Apps > Optional features.
• Add Feature: Click on View features next to Add an optional feature.
• Search and Install: Type Print Management in the search box, check the box, and click Next, then Install
• Or run command: DISM /online /add-capability /CapabilityName:Print.Management.Console~~~~0.0.1.0

Print management New printer

Adding new printer… Printer can be in local port (LPT, COM, USB) or if it is network printer you will need its IP address

Print management Troubleshooting printer issues

Task Manager¶

The Task Manager in Windows 11 is a powerful tool that allows you to monitor and manage the applications, processes, and services running on your computer.

Open Task Manager:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then select Task Manager from the options.
• Press Windows + R, type taskmgr, and press Enter.
• Click the Start button, type Task Manager, and select it from the search results.
• Right-click the Start button or press Windows + X, then select Task Manager
• Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager (Note: This option might not be available in all versions of Windows 11).
• Open Command Prompt or PowerShell, type taskmgr, and press Enter.

Using Task Manager

• Monitor Processes: Running app and Background processes
• Monitor Performance: Check CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
• Manage Startup Programs: Enable or disable programs that start with Windows.
• End Tasks: Forcefully close unresponsive applications.
• View Services: Manage system services and see their status.

The Processes Tab:

• Name: Lists all running applications and background processes.
• CPU: Shows the percentage of CPU usage by each process.
• Memory: Displays the amount of RAM each process is using.
• Disk: Indicates the disk usage by each process.
• Network: Shows the network usage by each process.
• GPU: Displays the GPU usage by each process (if applicable).

Managing Processes:

• End Task: To terminate a process, right-click on it and select End task. This is useful for closing unresponsive applications.
• Expand/Collapse: Click the arrow next to an application to see its individual processes.
• Resource Values: Right-click on any column header to add or remove columns, such as Power usage or Power usage trend

• CPU: Shows the current CPU usage, speed, and the number of processes running. You can also see the number of threads and handles.
• Memory: Displays the amount of RAM being used, available memory, and memory speed. It also shows the number of memory slots used.
• Disk: Shows the disk usage, read/write speeds, and active time for each disk.
• Ethernet/Wi-Fi: Displays network usage, including send and receive speeds, and the network adapter’s name.
• GPU: Shows the GPU usage, including 3D, video decode, and copy engine usage. (not in this computer)

Task Scheduler¶

You can use Task Scheduler to create and manage common task that your computer will carry out automatically at the time you specify.

Using Task Scheduler Creating a task to message user. Note: You cannot create a message task as it is deprecated and will give you an error, but you can run program called msg with correct arguments to send a message.

Notepad¶

Purpose: A simple text editor for plain text entry.

Features:
- Basic text editing without formatting options. Has autosave and tab feature in Windows 11. - Ideal for writing code, scripts, or configuration files.
- Saves files in .txt format, which is lightweight and universally compatible.

Use Case: Best for tasks requiring minimal formatting, such as quick notes or coding