Below are the steps on how to get out of an MS-DOS prompt or a Windows command line window.

Exit Windows command line window

Type exit and press Enter to close the Windows command line window.

  • See the exit command page for additional information about this command.

Exit MS-DOS prompt and load Windows

If you’ve completely exited Windows and are only at an MS-DOS prompt, it may be necessary to reload Windows. If the exit command does not work, type win and press Enter to load the Windows operating system.

  • See our exit definition for further information and related links.
  • See our exit command page for additional information about this command.
  • MS-DOS and Windows command line help and support.