MS-DOS most common commands list
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is an OS for x86-based personal computers. After having been the head OS for IBM PC-compatible computers in the 1980s, it was gradually replaced by operating systems with a graphical user interface. Today, there are many MS-DOS games available online for retro games fans.
What are the most common commands in MS-DOS?
Here is a list of the most common MS-DOS commands:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| dir | lists the contents of a folder |
| cd | changes folder |
| cd .. | parent folder |
| cls | clears the window |
| md or mkdir | creates a new folder |
| deltree | deletes a folder and all sub-folders |
| copy, xcopy | copies a file |
| call | calls one batch program file from another |
| chkdsk | checks a disk and displays a status report. |
| chkntfs | displays or modifies the checking of disk at startup. |
| assoc | displays or modifies filename extension associations. |
| move | moves a file |
| del | deletes a file |
| type | displays the contents of a file |
| more | displays file contents page by page, pausing after each page |
| help | help for the given command |
| prints the given file | |
| notepad | runs the Windows Notepad text editor |
| attrib (-/+r, -/+a, -/+s, -/+h) | changes a file's attributes (- deactivates, + activates, r: read-only, a: archive, s: systeme, h: hidden file) |
| format | formats the given drive |
| label | assigns a drive name to a drive |
| ver | gives the version number |