Fixed: Command Prompt Not Working in Windows 10/11

The Command Prompt is a vital tool in Windows that allows users to execute commands for system management and troubleshooting. However, users sometimes encounter issues where the Command Prompt fails to work correctly on Windows 10 or 11. This can be frustrating but don’t worry — several ways exist to fix this problem.

We will walk you through practical troubleshooting steps to get your Command Prompt working again.

Why is Command Prompt Not Working?

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand some common reasons why Command Prompt may not function correctly:

• Corrupted system files
• Incorrect settings or misconfigurations
• Malware or virus infection
• Outdated system drivers

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for applying the correct fix. Let’s examine some potential fixes for these issues.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Command Prompt Not Working

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

The Command Prompt may not function as expected due to a lack of administrative permissions. Running it with administrative privileges can resolve this.

Steps to run Command Prompt as Administrator:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
3. Try executing your command again to check if the issue is resolved.

This method ensures that Command Prompt has the necessary permissions to run commands that require administrative rights.

Check System File Integrity with sfc/ scannow

Corrupted system files can cause issues with the Command Prompt. The System File Checker (SFC) tool can scan and repair corrupted files.

Steps to run SFC:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Command Prompt.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type shell
3. Copy code: sfc /scannow
4. Hit Enter and wait for the scan to complete.
5. If any issues are found, SFC will automatically repair them.

Once the process is finished, restart your PC and check if the Command Prompt works as expected.

Check for Malware or Virus Infections

Malware infections can cause your system to behave unpredictably, including blocking the Command Prompt. Running a complete system scan using Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software can help detect and remove malicious files.

Steps to run a malware scan:

1. Open Windows Security by pressing Windows + I, then go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click on Quick Scan or Full Scan for a more thorough check.
4. Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

Invest in a third-party PC Repair solution with real-time malware protection, such as Fortect. Fortect automatically scans your Windows PC for potential threats, including viruses and malware, and provides real-time notifications whenever issues are detected.

If your Command Prompt isn’t working as expected due to malware, Fortect will automatically identify the problem and fix it within minutes. This solution resolves Command Prompt issues and boosts and optimizes your PC’s performance, ensuring it stays in peak condition.

After completing the malware scan and fixes, restart your computer to verify if the Command Prompt issue is resolved.

Download and install Fortect now.

After the scan, restart your computer and check if the Command Prompt issue is fixed. 

Reset or Repair System Settings

Misconfigured system settings can also prevent Command Prompt from functioning. Resetting or repairing Windows settings can help resolve this problem.

Steps to repair or reset Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose either to keep your files or remove everything for a full reset.

This method ensures that any system settings causing the issue are reset, giving you a fresh start.

Update Windows to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of Windows can lead to various issues, including problems with Command Prompt. Windows updates often include bug fixes that may resolve underlying problems.

Steps to update Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update and click Check for Updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Once the update process is complete, verify whether the Command Prompt issue is resolved.

Create a New User Profile

A corrupted user profile can cause the Command Prompt to malfunction. Creating a new user account can help determine if the issue is profile-related.

Steps to create a new user profile:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Under Other users, click Add Account.
4. Follow the prompts to create a new user account.
5. Log in to the new account and check if Command Prompt works.

If the issue is resolved on the new account, your original user profile may be corrupted.

Prevent Future Command Prompt Issues

To avoid running into issues with Command Prompt in the future, consider these tips:

• Regularly update your operating system and software.
• Run periodic antivirus scans to detect and remove malware.
• Use disk cleanup tools to maintain system health.
• Perform regular backups of essential files.

You can avoid many common causes of Command Prompt malfunctions by staying proactive.

Final Thoughts

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows 10 and 11, but it can sometimes stop working due to system issues, malware, or corrupted files. 

Following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and restore your Command Prompt to full functionality. Whether you’re running as an Administrator, checking for file integrity, or updating your system, these solutions can help you get back on track.

If you continue to face issues or suspect deeper system problems, consider using third-party repair tools like Fortect. These tools can automatically scan, fix corrupted files, and ensure your system remains malware-free.