This is a question that just keeps coming up, so my goal here is to provide one simple blog post that has all the options so I can always just point here when I refer to the need for a command prompt or command prompt with admin privileges. If you have any comments or other methods you prefer, please comment and share!

If you are just running a quick command that does not require admin access, you can type it right into the Start > Search box. Just hit the windows key and start typing. When given a command it behaves just as the old "Run" dialog did.

Looking for that Run dialog? Given the above, you don't need it, but if it makes you comfortable: you can get it back by right-clicking on the task bar, choosing properties and then clicking the "Customize" button on the start menu tab. You'll find "Run command" about half way down the list, just check this box it to have it shown.

If you want to hunt for it, "Start" > "All Programs" > "Accessories" > "Command Prompt" is where you'll find it. You can also just type some or all of the title in that trusty "Start" > "Search" box I keep mentioning; just hit enter to have the item returned at the top of the search results launched.

However, quite often I find that the things you want to do from the command line need to be done with elevated privileges. Therefore you either need to create your own shortcut that is set to run with elevated privileges, or right click on an existing shortcut so you can choose "Run as administrator".