Windows start program from cmd

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Last Updated :
08 Mar, 2025

Running any software on Windows is quite easy, but what if you have to run any.exe file using the CMD? The Command Prompt in Windows is a powerful, versatile tool that grants users direct access to the operating system’s core functionalities. While graphical interfaces (GUIs) simplify many tasks.

In this guide, we will walk you through the fundamentals of navigating CMD, as well as learn how to run or .exe files through CMD. You’ll also learn how to handle common challenges, such as specifying file paths with spaces, running programs as an administrator, and integrating EXE commands into scripts for batch processing.

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What is .exe in Windows

In Windows, a file with the .exe extension denotes an executable file, which contains a program that the operating system can run directly. When you double-click an .exe file, Windows loads this program into memory and executes its instructions. This format is commonly used for software applications, installers, and system utilities.

How to Run .exe file through CMD

1. Open cmd using the Run window
2. Copy the file path from the Address bar.
3. Paste it after the cd command to move to the directory.
4. To open the executable use the command: start file_name.exe.

   start chrome.exe

Note: You can also use only the file_name the extension «.exe» is optional.

Your exe file will open instantly. Let’s check out these steps with a proper demonstration.

Step 1: Open CMD Using the Run window

• Press Win + R to open the Run Dialog Box or Go to Start Menu and type «Run».
• Now type «CMD» or «Command Prompt» and hit Enter.

Step 2: Copy the File Path From the Address bar

• Go to File Location from the file explorer and click on the Address bar.
• Now, make a right-click or hit Ctrl + C to copy the location on the Address bar.

Step 3: Type ‘cd’ Followed by File Path

• Go to Command Prompt and use ‘cd’ command to navigate through the EXE file location and paste it along with the cd command (that you’ve copied)
• After entering the prompt location, now replace the file path or location with it’s actual path to the folder which contains EXE file (that you want to run)
• Hit ENTER and the path will be redirected to your desired location.

Example: cd C:\Users\GFG0388\Desktop\My folder

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Step 4: Run an EXE File with ‘start’ Command

• Now, use the start command to execute the required EXE file by providing the file name.
• Replace the filename.exe with your EXE file (ensure that it should match your program’s file & name)
• The command instantly run the executable so beware of sudden change or window pop-up.
• Hit the ENTER key and your selected EXE file will start executing.

Example: start chrome.exe

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Issues and Troubleshooting

Running executable (.exe) files through the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows can sometimes present challenges. Here are common issues you might encounter and their potential solutions:

Executable Not Found: If you receive an error indicating that the executable isn’t recognized, it might be due to the system not knowing where to find the file.

Solution: Navigate to the directory containing the executable using the cd command before running it. Alternatively, add the executable’s directory to the system’s PATH environment variable to allow it to be run from any location.

Corrupted File Association: Sometimes, .exe files might not open correctly due to corrupted registry settings or interference from third-party applications or malware.

Solution: Modify the registry to restore the default configuration for running .exe files. Detailed instructions can be found in Microsoft’s support article.

Insufficient Permissions: Certain executables require administrative privileges to run.

Solution: Run the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the CMD shortcut and selecting «Run as administrator.» Then, execute the .exe file.

Executable Opens and Closes Immediately: Some console applications might execute and close too quickly to read any output.

Solution: Run the executable directly within the Command Prompt to keep the window open and view the output. Alternatively, create a batch file that runs the executable followed by the pause command to prevent the window from closing immediately.

Command Prompt Not Working: If CMD itself isn’t functioning correctly, it can hinder running executables.

Solution: Troubleshoot the Command Prompt by restarting your computer, checking for system file corruption using tools like SFC (System File Checker), or modifying environment variables. A comprehensive guide is available to address this issue.

System Conflicts or Malware: Malware or system conflicts can prevent executables from running properly.

Solution: Perform a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software. Additionally, consider restoring your system to a previous state using System Restore if the problem started recently.

Conclusion

Being able to run an exe through CMD gives you greater control over your applications and can simplify certain tasks that might be cumbersome through a graphical interface. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently execute exe files using Command Prompt in various scenarios, whether you’re running a setup program, launching a game, or automating a task.

Also Read

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To run a program from the Command Prompt (cmd), simply type the program’s executable name, followed by any necessary flags or arguments.

Here’s a code snippet illustrating how to run a program called `example.exe`:

C:\Path\To\Your\Program\example.exe

Understanding CMD Basics

What is CMD?

The Command Prompt, commonly referred to as CMD, is a powerful command-line interpreter in Windows. It allows users to execute commands that interact directly with the operating system. Unlike graphical user interfaces (GUIs), CMD requires the user to input text commands, making it a highly efficient tool for advanced users.

Why Use CMD to Run Programs?

Using CMD to run a program offers several advantages:

• Speed: Executing commands in CMD can be significantly faster than using a mouse to navigate through menus and icons.
• Automation: CMD allows users to create scripts to automate routine tasks, making it an essential tool for power users.
• Flexibility: CMD enables users to pass command-line arguments and customize how programs run, providing more control over the execution process.

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Preparing to Run Programs from CMD

Opening Command Prompt

Before you can run a program from CMD, you first need to open the command-line interface. There are several ways to access it:

• Using the Start Menu: Click on the Start button, type «cmd» or «Command Prompt» in the search bar, and select the application.
• Using the Run Dialog: Press Windows + R, type «cmd,» and hit Enter.
• Using the Search Bar: Type «cmd» directly into the search bar on the taskbar and select the Command Prompt from the results.

Navigating to the Program’s Directory

Knowing the location of the application you want to run is crucial. If you need to navigate to its installation directory, you can use the `cd` (change directory) command.

For example, if you need to navigate to a specific folder, you can type:

cd "C:\Program Files\Example Folder"

This command will change the current directory to the specified path, making it easier to execute the program from there.

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How to Run a Program Using CMD

Basic Syntax for Running a Program

To run a program or application, you can utilize the following general command structure:

start <path-to-program>

This format allows you to specify the application you want to launch.

Running a Program Directly

If the program’s executable is in your system’s PATH, you can run it simply by typing its name. For instance, to launch Notepad, you can enter:

start notepad.exe

Windows will automatically search for the executable and run it, showcasing how CMD can streamline the process of launching applications.

Specifying Full Path to a Program

In case you need to run a program that isn’t in the system PATH, providing the full path is necessary. For example:

start "C:\Program Files\ExampleApp\example.exe"

By inputting the complete path, you ensure that CMD knows exactly where to find and run the desired application.

Running a Program with Arguments

Many applications accept command-line arguments, which modify their behavior upon startup. For instance, if you want to open a specific text file in Notepad, you can include the file path as an argument:

start notepad.exe "C:\Users\Example\Documents\TextFile.txt"

By using arguments, you enhance CMD’s flexibility, allowing more customized application launches.

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Common CMD Commands for Running Programs

Using the `start` Command

The `start` command is one of the most versatile tools in CMD. Apart from launching programs, it can open documents or folders. Additionally, it allows for running processes in a new command window or even in the background.

For example, to run a program in the background without blocking your CMD window, you could use:

start /min "C:\Program Files\ExampleApp\example.exe"

Using the `call` Command

The `call` command is another useful option, primarily when you want to run a batch file or another executable while still being able to return control back to the original command prompt script.

call "C:\Program Files\ExampleApp\example.exe"

This allows you to execute a program and then continue executing subsequent commands without exiting the command-line session.

Running Programs as Administrator

Sometimes, you may need to execute a program with elevated privileges. Running CMD as an administrator is essential in such cases. To do this, right-click on the CMD icon and select «Run as administrator.»

If your application requires admin rights, you can run it using:

runas /user:administrator "C:\Program Files\ExampleApp\example.exe"

This command prompts for the admin password and runs the specified program with elevated rights.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Errors When Running Programs

While using CMD to run programs, you may encounter some errors. A common one is the «not recognized as an internal or external command» message. This typically indicates that your system cannot find the executable or that the command was typed incorrectly. To troubleshoot:

• Verify the program’s name and path.
• Ensure that you have permission to execute the application.

Checking If CMD Commands Worked

To confirm if a program opened successfully, you can check the Task Manager. Simply press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select «Task Manager.» Alternatively, you can utilize CMD to list running processes with the command:

tasklist

This will display all currently running applications, allowing you to verify your CMD command’s success.

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Automating Tasks with CMD

Creating Batch Files

Batch files are a simple way to automate the process of running multiple commands or applications in sequence. To create a batch file, open Notepad and type your commands. For example:

@echo off
start notepad.exe
start calc.exe

Save this file with a `.bat` extension. When you double-click the file, it will execute the commands inside it sequentially.

Scheduling Programs Using CMD

To automate tasks, you can also use Windows Task Scheduler to run programs at specific times. Using CMD, you can create a scheduled task with the following structure:

schtasks /create /tn "MyProgram" /tr "notepad.exe" /sc once /st 10:00

This command sets a task named «MyProgram» to run Notepad at 10:00 AM.

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Conclusion

Now that you understand how to run a program from CMD, you can utilize this powerful tool to enhance your productivity. The flexibility, speed, and automation capabilities of CMD make it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to streamline their workflow. Whether you’re launching a simple application or automating complex tasks, CMD offers countless possibilities. Embrace the command line and explore what you can achieve with it!

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