This document describes methods for accessing the command prompt in Windows 8.
Background:
Due to significant differences between the user interface in Windows 8 and the user interface in previous versions of Windows, new Windows 8 users may have difficulty locating tools including the Command Prompt. The instructions below describe how to access the Command Prompt from both the Start Screen and Desktop interfaces of Windows 8.
Directions:
Accessing the Command Prompt from the Start Screen Interface
Option 1
From the Start screen, begin typing cmd
A search menu should appear. The menu should display Command Prompt.
Left-click or tap the Command Prompt icon.
Option 2
From the Start screen, right-click or tap to display the App Bar.
Left-click or tap the icon labeled All Apps to continue.
On the Apps screen, scroll to the right until you reach a section of apps labeled Windows System.
Left-click or tap the icon labeled Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt.
Accessing the Command Prompt from the Desktop Interface
Move your mouse cursor to the lower left corner of the screen until you see a small image appear. If you are currently viewing the Desktop, this image should be a shortcut to the Start screen, and vice-versa.
Right-click on this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu. Click on Command Prompt to open a normal command prompt, or select Command Prompt (Admin) if you need to launch a command prompt with administrative rights.
Note: The same menu appears regardless of whether you open it from the Desktop or Start Screen interface.
