How to Use Windows Terminal and What It’s Useful For

Beneath the modern-day interface of Windows 11 lies a powerful, text-based command line console that many users may never explore. This command line harks back to the MS-DOS roots of Windows, offering a retro way to interact with your PC and execute a range of powerful commands. Whether you’re looking to troubleshoot your network, analyze system performance, or simply speed up your workflow, the Windows Terminal can be incredibly useful.

Here’s a guide to some of the most powerful commands you can run in Windows Terminal and what makes them so useful.

What is Windows Terminal?

Originally, Windows included the Command Prompt, a basic utility that allowed users to execute text commands. Over time, PowerShell was introduced as a more advanced tool. Now, Windows Terminal combines both Command Prompt and PowerShell into a single, robust interface. You can launch Windows Terminal by searching for "Terminal" in the Start menu, and to make sure all features are available, right-click and choose Run as Administrator.

Once inside, you can use a range of commands to control your PC more precisely than through the graphical user interface. Let’s dive into some of the most useful commands and how they can save you time.

1. Schedule a Timed Shutdown

Copy code - shutdown /s /t 600

Instead of manually shutting down your PC, you can automate the process. The above command shuts down your PC after 600 seconds (10 minutes). You can adjust the number as needed. For troubleshooting, the command shutdown -r -o will restart your PC and open the Advanced Startup Options menu.

2. Visualize Your Folders

Copy code - tree

Want to see a graphical representation of your directory structure? Typing tree will display all folders and subfolders. For a more specific directory, include the path (e.g., tree C:\Programs). To list the files within each folder, add the /f flag.

3. Fix Networking Problems

Copy code - ipconfig /flushdns

If websites aren’t loading correctly or you’re experiencing network issues, this command resets your DNS cache. Other useful variations include ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew, which refresh your IP address.

4. Get System Information

Copy code - systeminfo

With this command, you’ll receive a comprehensive overview of your system: your Windows version, CPU model, RAM, network connections, and even your boot time. It's a quick way to get all the information you need for system analysis or troubleshooting.

5. Check Your Drive for Errors

Copy code - chkdsk

One of the oldest and most reliable commands, chkdsk checks your disk for errors. To fix issues and recover lost data, append /r to the command (e.g., chkdsk /r). This can be a lifesaver if you’re having trouble accessing files or booting up your PC.

6. View Running Tasks

Copy code - tasklist

This command gives you a list of all running tasks, similar to Task Manager. Each task has a Process ID (PID), and if you need to terminate an application forcefully, use taskkill /pid [PID] /f.

7. Analyze Your Computer’s Power States

Copy code - powercfg /a

This command provides a list of all available sleep states on your PC, such as hibernate or fast startup. For more advanced analysis, use powercfg /batteryreport to get a detailed battery health report or powercfg /devicequery s1_supported to see which devices can wake your computer from standby.

8. Scan for System File Integrity Issues

Copy code - sfc /scannow

This command checks for corrupted system files and repairs them. If Windows is crashing or behaving erratically, this is often one of the first diagnostic tools you should use.

9. Get Detailed Network Information

Copy code - netstat

Running netstat gives you detailed information on your network connections, showing all active devices. You can enhance the command with the -b flag to see which applications are communicating with the internet, which is particularly useful for detecting suspicious activity.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your PC

Using Windows Terminal is a great way to gain more control over your computer. With these simple yet powerful commands, you can streamline your workflow, troubleshoot problems, and even discover hidden features of Windows 11 that you might never have noticed. So go ahead — fire up Windows Terminal, and give these commands a try!