During the 1980s, the Disk Operating System was the most popular operating system on IBM PC compatible computers. Even though DOS has been replaced by modern operating systems, there is still a need for DOS environments, particularly among power users and IT professionals. Windows 10, despite being a major improvement over DOS, includes a DOS mode called the Command Prompt that allows users to enter text-based commands.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to accessing DOS mode on Windows 10.
Understanding DOS Mode on Windows 10
It is important to know that Windows 10 does not include the original DOS. The Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell are the DOS equivalents, providing a text-based interface for managing files and executing commands.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt, the direct successor to DOS, still uses the command-line system. You can interact with your computer using commands. Although it is not exactly the same as DOS, it executes many DOS-style commands. This is why it’s often referred to as “DOS Mode.”
Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell, a command-line utility built on the.NET Framework, is even more powerful. It allows for the automation and management of system tasks. Although it is more versatile and complex than Command Prompt for DOS-like functions, either tool will do.
Using DOS Mode on Windows 10
Let’s now explore the different ways to access DOS mode in Windows 10, i.e. Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Using the Run Box
- Open the Run box by pressing the
Windows key + R
at the same time. - Type
cmd
in the textbox and clickEnter
.
via the Start Menu
- Press the
Windows
orStart
keys. - Search for
cmd
andPowershell
. Select the application you want from the results.
Accessing Windows System Folder
- Select
Windows System
from theStart
Menu. - You will find PowerShell and
Windows System
under Command Prompt .
Using Task Manager
- Open the Task Manager by pressing
Shift + Ctrl + Esc
. - Click on
File
, thenLaunch new task
. - Click
OK
after typingcmd
andPowershell
.
Conclusion
Windows 10 offers Command Prompt, PowerShell and other robust options that provide command-line interfaces. These tools give you greater control of your system. They are also essential for troubleshooting and automating processes, as well as running batch files. These utilities are easy to access, as shown in the methods listed above. Using them effectively can be an asset when managing your system.