Windows Tools by Executable
A+ Core 2 tests whether you know which tool answers which problem, and the fastest way to hold forty of them is by their executable. Type the name in Run and the console opens; on the exam the name in the question is often the name in the table. The Settings app has absorbed much of Control Panel, and the last table says what still lives where.
Windows Tools by Executable · firsttry.app/cheatsheets/windows-tools-for-a-plus · original reference written from published exam objectives. Not affiliated with any certification body.
Management consoles (.msc)
| Run | Console | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| devmgmt.msc | Device Manager | Drivers, disabled or unknown devices |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk Management | Partitions, drive letters, initialize and format disks |
| services.msc | Services | Start, stop, startup type, log-on account |
| eventvwr.msc | Event Viewer | Application, Security, System logs |
| compmgmt.msc | Computer Management | Several of the above in one console |
| lusrmgr.msc | Local Users and Groups | Local accounts and group membership |
| gpedit.msc | Local Group Policy Editor | Policy settings on one machine |
| secpol.msc | Local Security Policy | Password, lockout and audit policy |
| taskschd.msc | Task Scheduler | Scheduled tasks and their triggers |
| perfmon.msc | Performance Monitor | Counters over time, data collector sets |
| certmgr.msc | Certificates (current user) | Personal and trusted certificates |
| wf.msc | Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security | Inbound and outbound rules |
| printmanagement.msc | Print Management | Printers, drivers and ports |
Utilities and system tools
| Run | Tool | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| msconfig | System Configuration | Boot options, safe boot, selective startup |
| msinfo32 | System Information | Hardware, firmware mode, driver and software inventory |
| taskmgr | Task Manager | Processes, startup apps, performance, users |
| resmon | Resource Monitor | Live CPU, disk, network and memory by process |
| regedit | Registry Editor | Direct registry edits, export a key first |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostic Tool | Display and sound device details |
| mstsc | Remote Desktop Connection | RDP to another machine |
| msra | Windows Remote Assistance | Invite someone to view or control your session |
| cleanmgr | Disk Cleanup | Remove temporary and system files |
| dfrgui | Optimize Drives | Defragment HDDs, TRIM SSDs |
| control | Control Panel | The classic applet home |
| winver | About Windows | Edition and build |
Control Panel applets (.cpl)
| Run | Applet | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections | Adapters, IP settings, enable or disable |
| appwiz.cpl | Programs and Features | Uninstall programs, Windows features |
| sysdm.cpl | System Properties | Computer name, remote settings, environment variables, performance |
| firewall.cpl | Windows Defender Firewall | Turn on or off, allow an app |
| inetcpl.cpl | Internet Properties | Proxy and security zones |
| powercfg.cpl | Power Options | Power plans, sleep and hibernate |
| timedate.cpl | Date and Time | Time zone, internet time |
| desk.cpl | Display settings | Resolution and scaling |
| mmsys.cpl | Sound | Playback and recording devices |
| main.cpl | Mouse Properties | Pointer and button settings |
| wscui.cpl | Security and Maintenance | Security status and reliability history |
Where it lives now
| Task | Settings app | Still in Control Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Windows Update | No |
| Add a user | Accounts | User Accounts (limited) |
| Default apps | Apps, Default apps | No |
| Uninstall a program | Apps, Installed apps | Programs and Features |
| Network adapter properties | Network and internet | Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) |
| BitLocker | Privacy and security, Device encryption | BitLocker Drive Encryption |
| Environment variables | Not in Settings | System Properties, Advanced |
Exams covered
Try it here
Two verified practice questions on this material. Answer one, and see the official page behind the answer.
2-10Security
A SOHO access point cannot run WPA3 or transitional mode. Which setting is the acceptable fallback?
2-2Networking
A new access point offers several security modes and every client is recent. Which is the most secure for personal Wi-Fi?
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