Windows scripting reference

How to Create a Batch Script

This guide shows how to create, save, edit, and run a Windows batch script.

You can use batch scripts for simple automation, software deployment wrappers, troubleshooting commands, or repeatable Command Prompt tasks.

What is a batch script?

A batch script is a plain text file that runs Command Prompt commands in order. It uses the .bat file extension. Batch scripts are useful when you want to repeat the same commands without typing them manually each time.

File extension

.bat

Default shell

Command Prompt

Best for

Simple command wrappers, software install commands, file operations, and repeatable admin tasks.

Skill level

Beginner friendly when commands are copied carefully and tested first.

Step-by-step: create a batch script

Use these steps to create a batch script from scratch.

Create the script file

01

Create a working folder, for example C:\Scripts\MyTask.

02

Open Notepad.

03

Paste your Command Prompt commands into Notepad.

04

Click File → Save As.

05

Set Save as type to All Files.

06

Save the file with a .bat extension, for example run-task.bat.

07

Open Command Prompt in the script folder.

08

Run the batch file and verify the result.

Basic batch script template

This template shows a safe structure for a simple batch file: hide repeated command output, use the script folder as the working folder, run commands, and return the last exit code.

Copy

@echo offcd /d "%~dp0"echo Task startedREM Add your commands below this lineexit /b %errorlevel%

How to run a batch script

Open Command Prompt, move to the folder that contains the batch file, then run it by typing the file name.

Copy

cd /d "C:\Scripts\MyTask"run-task.bat

Useful examples

Print a message

echo Hello

Change folder

cd /d "C:\Scripts"

Run an installer

setup.exe /quiet

Return an exit code

exit /b %errorlevel%

Beginner checklist

Correct extension

The file ends with .bat, not .txt.

Plain text

The script was saved from Notepad or another plain text editor.

Working folder

The script is run from the folder where related files are stored.

Permissions

Admin tasks are tested from an elevated Command Prompt.

Testing

The script is tested on a safe machine before production use.