Guide: Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue
A few days ago, I tried to fix the 100% disk usage error on my Windows 10 PC. Then I discovered that I could not type in CMD or command prompt. This started a new set of troubleshooting steps before I was finally able to fix both problems. I realized during my research that other Windows users were also facing the same problem. Most of them stated that they could not type or see what they were typing in CMD. So I thought of covering the topic in detail so that others would benefit. Without further ado, here are some ways to fix the typo in CMD.
1. Reboot and restart
It’s an old one trick but you will be amazed how often it works. Very easy to follow. Just save and close everything including CMD, restart your computer and restart CMD. If it doesn’t work for you, let’s take a look at other solutions.
2. Start as an administrator
As most of you may already know, Windows allows users to create guest accounts. These accounts can be restrictive because they are intended to allow others to use your computer without compromising your data and privacy. To use advanced features such as CMD, you must use an account with administrator rights. So make sure you are not using a guest account.
To take it one step further, when using your primary account, right-click on the command prompt and select Run as administrator. This ensures that CMD has the necessary permissions to accept commands from the user. To make this setting permanent, search for Command Prompt in Windows Search, right-click it and select Open File Location.
Locate the CMD.exe file that will launch the program, right-click it again and select Properties.
On the Shortcut tab, click the Advanced option.
Now select Run as administrator and save everything. After that, the command prompt will always run with administrator privileges, even if you don’t specifically choose it like we did before.
3. Use Legacy Console
The Windows 10 came with an advanced version of the command prompt that allows users to do things like resize the window and paste commands with the CTRL + V shortcut. However, Microsoft has kept the old console that you can switch to if you wish. Some users have reported that switching back to the legacy console fixed the problem for them. To do this, launch Command Prompt and click the little black icon at the top left to select Properties.
In the Options tab, you will find the option to enable Legacy Console at the bottom. Select it and click OK.
Note: You must close and restart the command prompt for the change to take effect. When using the legacy console, options such as CTRL shortcuts (cut, copy, or paste commands) are disabled, as seen in the screenshot above.
4. CMD.EXE or CMD.COM
It is possible that you are using COMMAND.COM (unknowingly of course) instead of CMD.exe which can cause this error. There is a difference between the two, if you are not familiar with the concept. Press the Windows + R shortcut to open RUN and type cmd.exe before hitting enter to launch Command Prompt.
You may also have malware on your computer with the file name cmd.com. When you just type cmd, Pathext searches for the executable file in the following order: PATHEXT = .COM; .EXE; .BAT; .CMD; .VBS; .VBE; .JS; .JSE; .WSF; .WSH As you can see, COM takes precedence over EXE which can cause the mentioned problem. You need to download Malwarebytes to scan your computer. I would also recommend that you run HijackThis and check for any infections. Download Malwarebytes Download HijackThis
5. Safe mode
If it’s not malware, third-party software can interfere with Command Prompt. By restarting your computer in safe mode, you will help find and eliminate viruses or malware that have escaped previous scans. To reboot in safe mode, press Windows + I to open Settings and click Updates and security.
Under Recovery, click Restart now button under Advanced startup.
You should now see a blue screen titled Choose an option. Click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Click Startup Settings.
Click on Restart.
After your system reboots, you will see four options with Safe Mode in the fourth position. Press F4 or 4 on your keyboard to enter Safe Mode. You will see some more options. Press F6 or 6 to select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Once Windows loads, check if the command prompt is working properly. If it does, then most likely malware or certain software has malfunctioned. To boot from Safe Mode, hold down the SHIFT key and click Restart under the power menu options. Again, you will see the Troubleshoot option as shown in the screenshot above. Select it and click Restart on the next screen.
Your wish is my command
Ideally, typing only CMD in the RUN dialog prompt should open the command prompt. You should be able to use it normally. But sometimes it doesn’t work as intended. While we’ve discussed several ways to fix this error, there can be other ways as well. If you found any other method that helped you solve the problem, please let us know. The next up: Could there be anything better than Command Prompt? Here are a few alternatives to CMD that are better than the original.
Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue: benefits
Faq
Final note
I hope you like the guide Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. For our visitors: If you have any queries regards the Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue, then please ask us through the comment section below or directly contact us. Education: This guide or tutorial is just for educational purposes. Misinformation: If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide “Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue”, then kindly contact us. Want to add an alternate method: If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide Fix ‘Can’t Type in CMD’ Issue, then kindly contact us. Our Contact: Kindly use our contact page regards any help. You may also use our social and accounts by following us on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter for your questions. We always love to help you. We answer your questions within 24-48 hours (Weekend off). Channel: If you want the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, then here is our Telegram channel.
