Example of Running a Batch File from Command Prompt

Running a batch file from the Command Prompt is a fundamental skill for anyone working with Windows operating systems. Batch files allow users to automate repetitive tasks, manage files and directories, and perform complex operations with a simple script. Understanding how to execute these scripts directly from the Command Prompt can enhance your efficiency and streamline your workflow. This guide provides a step-by-step example of how to run a batch file from the Command Prompt, including how to handle cases that require administrative privileges.

After reading this be sure to see how to create a batch file to backup files.

Example Path

Suppose you have saved your batch file named BackupScript.bat in the C:\Scripts directory. The full path to your batch file would be:

C:\Scripts\BackupScript.bat

Running the Batch File from Command Prompt

To run this batch file from the Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, you can search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and select it.
   • To open the command prompt as an admin, after opening the run box by pressing the winkey + R, after that type cmd and hit Shift + CTRL +Enter to run as admin.
2. Navigate to the Directory (Optional):
   • You can navigate to the directory where the batch file is located using the cd command: cd C:\Scripts
3. Run the Batch File:
   • Type the full path to the batch file and press Enter: C:\Scripts\BackupScript.bat
   • Alternatively, if you navigated to the directory where the batch file is located, you can simply type the file name: BackupScript.bat

Running the Batch File as Administrator

Whether or not you need to run the batch file as an administrator depends on the commands within the batch file. If your batch file contains commands that require elevated privileges (such as modifying system files or registry entries), you need to run it as an administrator.

To run the batch file as an administrator from Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win + X to open the Power User menu.
   • Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   • Alternatively, search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
   • To open the command prompt as an admin, after opening the run box by pressing the winkey + R, after that type cmd and hit Shift + CTRL +Enter to run as admin.
2. Navigate to the Directory (Optional):
   • Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where the batch file is located, if needed: cd C:\Scripts
3. Run the Batch File:
   • Type the full path to the batch file and press Enter: C:\Scripts\BackupScript.bat

Example Batch File for Backup

Here is an example of a simple batch file that uses robocopy to back up a folder and logs the output:

 @echo off
if not exist "H:\Backup of Pictures" mkdir "H:\Backup of Pictures"
robocopy "C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\My Pictures" "H:\Backup of Pictures" /e /nfl /ndl /np /mt /log:"H:\BackupLog.txt"
echo Backup completed successfully!
pause

Save this script as BackupScript.bat in the C:\Scripts directory and run it from the Command Prompt as described above. If you need administrative privileges for any of the commands in your batch file, make sure to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.