Windows 10 Command Prompt Shortcut Keys

 Mar 08, 2016

In an earlier post, I mentioned how awesome the command prompt improvements in Windows 10 are. In this post, I'll dig a little deeper into some of the shortcut keys that make life a joy [finally] when working in the console!

Selecting Text

Shortcut Keys

What it does

SHIFT + UP ARROW

Selects text up one line, starting from the insertion point.

SHIFT + DOWN ARROW

Selects text down one line, starting from the insertion point.

SHIFT + LEFT ARROW

Selects text one character to the left.

SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW

Selects text one character to the right.

SHIFT + HOME

If the cursor is in the line being currently edited:

  • First press will extend the selection to the character immediately after the command prompt.
  • Second press will extend the selection to the left margin.

otherwise:

Selects the text form the current position to the left margin.

SHIFT + END

If the cursor is in the line being currently edited:

  • First press will extend the selection to the last character in the input line.
  • Second press will extend the selection to the right margin.

otherwise:

Selects the text from the current position to the right margin.

SHIFT + PAGE UP

Extends selection up one ‘screen’ height.

SHIFT + PAGE DOWN

Extends selection down one ‘screen’ height.

CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW

Extends the selection one word to the left.

CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW

Extends the selection one word to the right.

CTRL + SHIFT + HOME

Extend selection to the beginning of the screen buffer.

CTRL + SHIFT + END

Extend selection to the end of the screen buffer.

Editing Text

Shortcut Keys

What it does

CTRL + V

Paste clipboard contents into the command line.

SHIFT + INS

Paste clipboard contents into the command line.

CTRL + C

Copy the selected text to the clipboard.

CTRL + INS

Copy the selected text to the clipboard.

Wait, what?!

CTRL + C copies text? But I've been using CTRL + C as my BREAK keystroke. Not to worry, when no text is selected, CTRL + C will still send the BREAK. However, with text selected, the initial CTRL + C will copy and clear the selection and a subsequent will BREAK.

History Keys

Shortcut Keys

What it does

CTRL + UP ARROW

Moves to the previous line in the output history.

CTRL + DOWN ARROW

Moves to the next line in the output history.

CTRL + PAGE UP

Moves up one screen height in the output history.

CTRL + PAGE DOWN

Moves down one screen height in the output history.

As you can see, it's good that finally, we have a lot more control from the keyboard when working in a console! 

Happy pecking.

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About the Author:

Steve Wiggins  

Steve is a highly experienced technical trainer with over 10 years of specialisation in Software Application Development, Project Management, VBA Solutions and Desktop Applications training. His practical experience in .NET programming, advanced solution development and project management enables him to train clients at all levels of seniority and experience. Steve also currently manages the IT infrastructure for New Horizons of Brisbane, providing him with daily hands-on experience with SCCM, Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.

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