As covered in another article, you can use the Win+X shortcut to open the secondary, or "secret" Windows Start menu. One of the shortcuts mentioned in the article talks about using Win+X followed by pressing either the A or C keys.
Both of these shortcuts can be handy. However, notice that the result can be different based on what you have selected to be displayed—either Command Prompt or the newer PowerShell. With a simple setting change, you can decide which one is activated when you press Win+X followed by A or C. Let's take a look at how to modify this:
Figure 1. The Taskbar Settings section of system settings.
Now, depending on the setting you chose, either Command Prompt or the newer PowerShell will open when either Win+X then A or C are pressed.
This tip (7635) applies to Windows 10.
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Discover More2020-08-18 16:22:46
David H.
Thank you, Eric, for taking the time to give a detailed answer to my question!
2020-08-17 14:08:40
Eric
@David Both are usable. If you have a preference of one over the other, you can use the one you're comfortable with. Microsoft has announced (back in 2017) that PowerShell would be replacing Command Prompt. Fast forward to 2020 and they are both available, make what you will of that. However, if Microsoft announced that one is replacing the other, then I would wager that before too long one (typically the oldest) could go away. CMD or (command Prompt) is the more limited of the two. Powershell is regarded as being more powerful and robust.
2020-08-10 12:23:53
David H.
What is the advantage of using Command Prompt over PowerShell? Doesn't PowerShell do all that Command Prompt does and more? What is the difference between the two? Just curious....
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