How to Open CMD on Windows 10 Logon Screen

As a computer user, you might have encountered different situations that demanded you to re-access CMD or Command Prompt on Windows 10 logon screen. If you are new to this, then you must be thinking that it is very difficult, and maybe impossible. But the truth is, it’s possible, and there are several ways and methods available to open CMD on Windows 10 logon screen. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Opening CMD on Windows 10 Logon Screen

Opening CMD or Command Prompt on Windows 10 logon screen is not an easy task. The reason is that Windows 10 default settings don’t allow any clicks or keyboard shortcuts to open CMD on the logon screen. You can only log in using your credentials or switch to another user or administrator account. Therefore, you need to prepare before accessing CMD on the logon screen.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before you start accessing CMD on the Windows 10 logon screen, here are the things you need to prepare in advance:

  • A Windows 10 DVD or bootable USB drive
  • Basic knowledge of Windows 10 Command Prompt
  • Basic knowledge of BIOS settings and boot order
  • A Password Reset Disk, if you have forgotten the login password

Method 1: Via Ease of Access

This method involves using the Ease of Access feature on the Windows 10 login screen. Here is how to do it:

1. On the Windows 10 login screen, click on the Ease of Access icon located at the bottom right corner.

2. A menu with several quick options will appear. Choose the "On-Screen Keyboard" or "OSK."

3. When the on-screen keyboard appears, press and hold the "Shift" key for five to six seconds.

4. A Command Prompt window will open.

Pros:

– This method is easy to use.

– No additional software is required.

Cons:

– This method is only available for Windows 10 versions before v1803.

– This method doesn’t work if you have enabled Secure Boot on your PC.

Method 2: Via Windows 10 Bootable Disc or USB Drive

This method involves booting your computer from a Windows 10 bootable disc or USB drive to access the Command Prompt. Here is how to do it:

1. Insert your Windows 10 bootable USB drive or disc into your computer and reboot it.

2. Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setting. It’s usually F1, F2, F10, F12 or Esc. Check your computer manufacturer’s website for more specific instructions.

3. Once the BIOS settings menu opens, change the boot order to boot from your Windows 10 bootable USB drive or disc.

4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS menu.

5. Wait for the Windows 10 setup files to load.

6. When the setup screen appears, choose your language and other preferences.

7. Click on “Repair your computer.”

8. Select “Troubleshoot.”

9. Click on “Advanced Options.”

10. Choose "Command Prompt."

Pros:

– This method works on all versions of Windows 10.

– It allows you to use Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Cons:

– Some users might not have the technical know-how to create a bootable disc or USB drive.

Method 3: Via Windows Password Reset Disk

This method involves using a Password Reset Disk or USB drive to access Command Prompt. If you have forgotten your login password, this is the way to go. Here is how to do it:

1. Insert the Password Reset Disk or USB drive into your computer and reboot it.

2. On the login screen, click on the "Reset Password" icon.

3. Follow the prompts to create a new password.

4. Once you have changed your password, click on the "Continue" button to get back to the login screen.

5. Click on the Ease of Access icon.

6. Choose "Command Prompt" from the menu.

Pros:

– This method allows you to reset your password if you have forgotten it.

– It’s a safe and secure way to access Command Prompt.

Cons:

– You need to create a password reset disk or USB drive in advance.

Method 4: Via Windows 10 Installation Media

This method involves using the Windows 10 installation media to access Command Prompt. Here is how to do it:

1. Insert your Windows 10 installation media into your computer and reboot it.

2. Follow steps 2-6 of "Method 2: Via Windows 10 Bootable Disc or USB Drive."

3. Choose "Command Prompt" from the Advanced Options menu.

Pros:

– This method works on all versions of Windows 10.

– It’s similar to using a bootable USB drive or disc.

Cons:

– You need to have the Windows 10 installation media in advance.

Why Can’t I Access CMD on Windows 10 Logon Screen

Here are some reasons why you can’t access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen:

1. Windows 10 default settings don’t allow any clicks or keyboard shortcuts to open CMD on the logon screen.

2. If you have enabled Secure Boot on your PC, it blocks any attempts to access CMD on the logon screen.

3. If you have forgotten your login password, you can’t access CMD on the logon screen.

Fixes:

1. Use any of the methods listed above to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen.

2. Disable Secure Boot on your PC.

3. Create a Password Reset Disk or USB drive in advance.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips you can use to make it easier to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen:

1. Create a Password Reset Disk or USB drive in advance.

2. Always keep a Windows 10 installation media on hand.

3. Familiarize yourself with BIOS settings and boot order.

5 FAQ’s about Opening CMD on Windows 10 Logon Screen

Q1: How do I create a Windows 10 Password Reset Disk?

A: Follow these simple steps:

1. Insert a USB drive into your computer.

2. Search for "Password Reset Disk" in the Windows 10 search bar.

3. Click on "Create a password reset disk."

4. Follow the prompts to create a password reset disk.

Q2: How do I disable Secure Boot on my PC?

A: Here is how to do it:

1. Reboot your computer.

2. Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS settings.

3. Look for the "Secure Boot" option.

4. Change the settings to "Disabled."

5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS menu.

Q3: Can I use a different bootable disk other than Windows 10?

A: Yes, you can use any bootable disc or USB drive that contains a CMD line.

Q4: Can I access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen without any additional tools?

A: No, you need additional tools to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen.

Q5: Is it safe to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen?

A: Yes, it’s safe to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen if you know what you are doing.

In Conclusion

Opening CMD on Windows 10 logon screen may seem difficult, but if you follow the methods and tips provided in this article, it’s easy to achieve. Knowing how to access CMD on Windows 10 logon screen can come in handy in many situations, including when you have forgotten your login password or need to fix some system errors. Remember to always prepare in advance before accessing CMD on Windows 10 logon screen.