How to Run a Batch File from the Command Line on Windows

Last Updated: March 8, 2019 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to run a batch file (.BAT) from the Windows command line. You can run the program from the “Run” dialog or by typing commands into a terminal window.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Run

1
Press ⊞ Win+R. This opens the Run dialog.
- If you need to run the batch file as an administrator, see this method instead.
2
Click Browse….

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3
Navigate to the folder that contains the batch file.
4
Click the batch file once to select it. The file is now highlighted.
5
Click Open. This pastes the full path to the batch file into the Run box.
6
Click OK. The batch file will open in a terminal window and run. When it’s finished running, you’ll see a line at the bottom of the window that says “Press any key to continue.”
7
Press any key. This closes the terminal window after the command runs.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Terminal Window

1
Click the
menu. It’s usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2
Type cmd into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear.
3
Right-click Command Prompt. A menu will expand.
4
Click Run as Administrator. A confirmation message will appear.
5
Click Yes. This opens the command line at an elevated (administrator) level.
6
Type cd followed by full path to the folder with the .BAT file. Here’s an example:
- If the batch file is on your desktop, type cd \Users\YourLoginName\Desktop.
- If it’s in your downloads folder, type cd \Users\YourLoginName\Downloads.
- If you don’t know what your login name is, type cd \Users and press ↵ Enter to go to the Users folder, and then type dir and press ↵ Enter to see a list of logins.
7
Press ↵ Enter. This will move you into the directory.
8
Type the name of the batch file. For example, if it’s called “program.bat,” type program.bat.
- If you don’t know the name, type dir and press ↵ Enter to view the files in the folder. You’ll find it there.
9
Press ↵ Enter. This runs the batch file.

Community Q&A

Question

It gives an error saying "The input line is too long. The syntax of the command is incorrect."

Community Answer

Double-check the code, as there's a command that was not correctly written. Ensure all spaces and special characters are in the proper places.