Mac Owner using PC: How to Use the 'open' Command in Windows

As a macOS user, one question that always bothers me is what is the Windows equivalent of the open command used in macOS.

When I’m using the macOS Terminal, I usually open a file using a default program by using the open command like this:

open filename.txt

How about on Windows?

Not in the mood for reading? Watch the video instead.

The answer is: start.

In Windows, you can use the start command to open a file, folder, or even a website URL.

For example:

• Open a text file with the default app:

start "C:\demo\hello.txt"

• Opens a folder in File Explorer

start "C:\demo\"

• Open a website in your default browser

start "https://www.junian.net/"

Note that this is similar to how the open command works on macOS, where you can use it to open files or folders with their associated application.

Video

Conclusion

As usual, if you have any questions or a better method, leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

References

• Windows equivalent command for “open” command on Mac? - Super User