How to Open a Command Prompt at Boot in Windows 10
A command prompt is an entry point for typing computer commands in the Command Prompt window. By typing commands at the command prompt, you can perform tasks on your computer without using the Windows graphical interface.
This tutorial will show you how to boot to an elevated command prompt at startup in Windows 10.
Contents
- Option One: Open Command Prompt at Boot using Windows 10 Installation Media
- Option Two: Open Command Prompt at Boot using Advanced Startup Options in Windows 10
EXAMPLE: Command Prompt at Boot
You will not need to know the password of an administrator account using this option.
1 Boot from your Windows 10 installation USB, or ISO file if in a virtual machine.
2 Do step 3 or step 4 below for how you would like to open a command prompt at boot.
3 When you see Windows Setup, press the Shift + F10 keys.
OR
4 When you see Windows Setup, click/tap on Next. (see screenshot above)
You will need to know the password of an administrator account using this option.
1 Boot to advanced startup options
2 Click/tap on the Troubleshoot option. (see screenshot below)
If you came from Option One, you would skip step 3 and go directly to step 4 below instead.
3 Click/tap on Advanced options. (see screenshot below)
If you came from Option One, you would skip this step and go directly to step 4 below instead.
4 Click/tap on the Command prompt option. (see screenshot below)
5 If you booted to advanced startup from within Windows 10, then the computer will restart. Click/tap on a listed local administrator that you want to provide credentials for, type in the account's password, and click/tap on Continue. (see screenshots below)
If you came from Option One, you will not be required to select an administrator and enter its password.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Open a Command Prompt in Windows 10
- How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 10
- How to Add 'Open command window here' context menu in Windows 10