Cut down on repetitive typing in Command Prompt windows

By Ed Bott

Windows experts know that using the command line is often the fastest way to get things done. The more you use a Command Prompt window (Cmd.exe), in fact, the more likely you are to reuse commands or to copy complex command syntax (complete with switches) to avoid tedious retyping.

The easiest way to reuse a command is with the help of the command buffer, which stores all the commands you've entered in the current session. Press the Up and Down arrow keys to scroll through the buffer. When you find a previous command, edit it as needed and then press Enter.

If you've found a useful command in a support article and want to avoid retyping it, copy it to the Clipboard. When you switch to the Command Prompt window, you can, of course use the familiar Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut to paste it, but there's no need to take your hand off the mouse. Just right-click in the Command Prompt window to paste that command. Edit it as needed and then press Enter to execute it.

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