How to Run Command Prompt Commands from a Windows Shortcut

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Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 7, 2025 Tested

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Creating a Desktop Shortcut

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Creating a Keyboard Shortcut

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Q&A

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Tips

To create a Windows shortcut that runs a command at the command prompt, right-click the desktop → select “Shortcut” → Enter the command (prefaced by “|%comspec% /k” → Click “Next” → Enter a name for the shortcut → click “Finish”.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

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3
Type %comspec% /k into the text box.
- The -k flag keeps the command prompt window open after the command is run. You can remove the flag if you prefer the window closes right away.
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Type the command you want to run. Whatever command you type after %comspec% /k is the one that will run when you double-click this shortcut. For example:^{[1]
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- %comspec% /k ping www.google.com will ping www.google.com when you double-click the shortcut.
- %comspec% /k sfc scannow will scan all protected system files when you double-click the shortcut.
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Enter a name for the shortcut. This is the text that will appear under the icon.
- For example, if the shortcut pings Google, you could type ping google.
The shortcut is now on your desktop.
The command prompt window will appear, and you’ll see your command running.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Creating a Keyboard Shortcut

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1
Create a desktop shortcut for the command. A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keyboard keys you press to run a command or program. To create one for a command line command, make sure you’ve already created a desktop shortcut.^{[2]
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- Keyboard shortcuts will follow the format Ctrl+Alt+[other key].
- You’ll be able to choose a letter, number, or punctuation key as the “other key.” For example, b, ., 3.
The “Shortcut” tab of the Properties screen will appear.
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Press a letter, number, or punctuation key. The text box will fill with the entire shortcut using the key you press.
- For example, if you press p, the text in the box will change to Ctrl + Alt + P.
- If you create multiple keyboard shortcuts, make sure not to use the same key twice.^{[3]
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You’ll now return to the desktop.
The command prompt window will appear, running the command you set up in the desktop shortcut.

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How do I make a shortcut for run command?

Community Answer

You can pin command prompt to your taskbar. Just open cmd and right click, then press "Pin to taskbar."

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Tips

Some apps have their own shortcuts (like Ctrl+Alt+I in Photoshop) that may match yours. Minimize open applications before using a keyboard shortcut so you don’t accidentally run it in an app.

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You can drag a desktop shortcut to the Windows taskbar if you’d prefer it not be on the desktop.

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