How to Run an EXE through CMD in Windows

Running software in Windows is usually as simple as double-clicking a .exe file. But what if you want to launch an executable using the Command Prompt (CMD)? Whether for automation, troubleshooting, or scripting, CMD offers a powerful way to run .exe files directly from the terminal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to navigate through CMD and run .exe files, including cases with spaces in file paths, administrator privileges, and common issues and solutions.

What is .exe in Windows

An .exe file (short for "executable") is a type of program file that runs directly when opened. These files are commonly used for:

• Software applications
• Installers and setup files
• System utilities

When you execute an .exe file, Windows loads the program into memory and starts running it.

How to Run .exe file through CMD

1. Open cmd using the Run window
2. Copy the file path from the Address bar.
3. Paste it after the cd command to move to the directory.
4. To open the executable use the command: start file_name.exe.

   start chrome.exe

Note: You can also use only the file_name the extension ".exe" is optional.

Your exe file will open instantly. Let's check out these steps with a proper demonstration.

Step 1: Open CMD Using the Run window

• Press Win + R to open the Run Dialog Box or Go to Start Menu and type "Run".
• Now type "CMD" or "Command Prompt" and hit Enter.

Step 2: Copy the File Path From the Address bar

• Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your .exe file is located.
• Now, make a right-click or hit Ctrl + C to copy the location on the Address bar.

Step 3: Navigate to the Directory in CMD

• Go to Command Prompt and use 'cd' command to navigate through the EXE file location and paste it along with the cd command (that you've copied)
• After entering the prompt location, now replace the file path or location with it's actual path to the folder which contains EXE file (that you want to run)
• Hit ENTER and the path will be redirected to your desired location.

Example: cd C:\Users\GFG0388\Desktop\My folder

Step 4: Run an EXE File with 'start' Command

• Now, use the start command to execute the required EXE file by providing the file name.
• Replace the filename.exe with your EXE file (ensure that it should match your program's file & name)
• The command instantly run the executable so beware of sudden change or window pop-up.
• Hit the ENTER key and your selected EXE file will start executing.

Example: start chrome.exe

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Running executable (.exe) files through the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows can sometimes present challenges. Here are common issues you might encounter and their potential solutions:

Issue 1: Executable Not Found

If you receive an error indicating that the executable isn't recognized, it might be due to the system not knowing where to find the file.

Solution: Navigate to the directory containing the executable using the cd command before running it. Alternatively, add the executable's directory to the system's PATH environment variable to allow it to be run from any location.

Issue 2: Corrupted File Association

Sometimes, .exe files might not open correctly due to corrupted registry settings or interference from third-party applications or malware.

Solution: Modify the registry to restore the default configuration for running .exe files. Detailed instructions can be found in Microsoft's support article.

Issue 3: Insufficient Permissions

Certain executables require administrative privileges to run.

Solution: Run the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the CMD shortcut and selecting "Run as administrator." Then, execute the .exe file.

Issue 4: Executable Opens and Closes Immediately

Some console applications might execute and close too quickly to read any output.

Solution: Run the executable directly within the Command Prompt to keep the window open and view the output. Alternatively, create a batch file that runs the executable followed by the pause command to prevent the window from closing immediately.

Issue 5: Command Prompt Not Working

If CMD itself isn't functioning correctly, it can hinder running executables.

Solution: Troubleshoot the Command Prompt by restarting your computer, checking for system file corruption using tools like SFC (System File Checker), or modifying environment variables. A comprehensive guide is available to address this issue.

Issue 6: System Conflicts or Malware

Malware or system conflicts can prevent executables from running properly.

Solution: Perform a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software. Additionally, consider restoring your system to a previous state using System Restore if the problem started recently.

Conclusion

Being able to run an exe through CMD gives you greater control over your applications and can simplify certain tasks that might be cumbersome through a graphical interface. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to confidently execute exe files using Command Prompt in various scenarios, whether you're running a setup program, launching a game, or automating a task.

Also Read

• How to Execute C# Program on cmd (command-line)?
• How to Abort a Command Execution in Command Prompt?
• How to Find the Wi-Fi Password Using CMD in Windows 11/10?