Microsoft DOS and Windows command line
Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope
![Windows DOS command prompt window](png/windows-command-line.png)
Short for Microsoft Disk Operating System, MS-DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system created for IBM compatible computers.
MS-DOS was introduced by Microsoft in August 1981 and was last updated in 1994 with MS-DOS 6.22. Although the MS-DOS operating system is rarely used today, the command shell commonly known as the Windows command line is still widely used. Continue reading >>
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If you're new to MS-DOS or the Windows command line, see: How to use the Windows command line (DOS).
MS-DOS and Windows command list
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See the complete overview for a brief description on each of the following commands.
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Browse: internal commands, external commands, Recovery Console commands, and Windows Recovery Environment commands.