Command Prompt or CMD is a prominent command-line tool in Windows that allows you to execute and perform different commands and tasks. However, if you are unable to open it or if it is not working properly, it can prevent you from performing tasks through CMD. It can be really bothersome and annoying for the users who regularly use Command Prompt. Many users have reported being unable to launch Command Prompt or use it.
This issue can be caused due to different reasons. You might be dealing with some corrupted system files because of which you can’t open or use Command Prompt. It can also be caused due to a recent change on your PC. Some glitches or corruption with your current user profile can be another reason for the issue at hand. Now, if you are facing the same problem, this post is for you. In this guide, we are going to list down multiple fixes that will help you resolve the issue. So, let us check out!
How do I open Command Prompt in Windows 11?
There are multiple ways to open Command Prompt in Windows 11. You can simply type cmd in the taskbar search box and then open Command Prompt. Besides that, you can also open CMD from File Explorer, Task Manager, and a desktop shortcut.
Command Prompt not working or opening in Windows 11/10
Here are the fixes that you can try if Command Prompt is not opening or working on your Windows 11/10 PC: Let us discuss the above fixes in detail now!
1] Launch Command Prompt from File Explorer/
If you are unable to open Command Prompt from Start Menu, try launching CMD from File Explorer. You might be able to launch CMD from File Explorer as reported by some affected users. Here are the steps to open CMD from File Explorer: See if you are able to open Command Prompt from File Explorer. Alternatively, you can also create a shortcut to the Command Prompt application on your desktop and see if that works for you. In case Command Prompt still doesn’t open for you, try the next potential fix to resolve the issue.
2] Try opening Command Prompt from Task Manager
You can also try launching Command Prompt from Task Manager and check if it works for you. It is a workaround if you are unable to open CMD from Start Menu. Here are the steps to do that:
3] Edit PATH System Environment Variable for CMD to open
The next thing you can do to fix the issue is to edit the system environment variable to enable CMD to open. Here is how you can do that: If the problem persists, try the next potential fix to resolve the issue.
4] Run SFC scan using PowerShell
There are chances that you are unable to use Command Prompt due to corrupted or broken system files. So, if the scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the issue by performing an SFC scan. SFC or System File Checker is a command-based tool that comes with Windows. This built-in tool basically scans and repairs corrupted system files. However, as you are unable to open Command Prompt, you will have to use Powershell to run the SFC scan. Here is how to run an SFC scan using Powershell on Windows PC: In case you still get the same issue, try the next potential fix to resolve it.
5] Disable your third-party antivirus
If you are using a third-party antivirus, try disabling it for some time and then see if you are able to launch Command Prompt or not. Third-party antiviruses are known to interrupt the normal working of your applications. Hence, it is recommended to turn off your antivirus and then see if the issue is resolved. In case CMD still doesn’t open or work, try the next potential fix to resolve the issue.
6] Open Command Prompt in Safe Mode
You can also try booting your Windows PC in safe mode and then launch Command Prompt. It is a workaround and might work for you.
7] Make a new user account
The problem might be caused if there is some issue with your User Account or your user profile is corrupted. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, you can try creating a new user account and then check if the problem is fixed or not. Here are the steps to create a new user account on Windows 11/10: Try opening Command Prompt on your new user account and see if the problem is fixed or not.
8] Perform a system restore
If none of the above solutions worked for you, try performing a system restore. There might be some recent changes due to which CMD is not working properly on your PC. In that case, System Restore enables you to roll back your PC to a point where your system wasn’t affected by corruption and the Command Prompt was working fine. So, perform a system restore using the below steps: Hopefully, CMD will start working fine now.
Why is Command Prompt not opening?
The issue of Command Prompt not opening or working properly can be a result of corrupted system files on your PC. If there are damaged or broken system files on your PC, it can prevent CMD from opening or working normally. Hence, to fix the issue, you can try performing an SFC scan using Windows Powershell. It will repair the corrupted system files and enable Command Prompt to open properly.
What to do if Command Prompt is not opening in Windows 10?
If Command Prompt is not opening on your Windows PC, you can try alternative ways to launch CMD. You can try launching Command Prompt from File Explorer or Task Manager. If that doesn’t work, you can try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan to fix the corrupted system files and make CMD work. We have discussed some more fixes to resolve the issue that you can check out below in this post. Now read: PowerShell has stopped working and will not open.
