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

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

Open Notepad.

Paste your Command Prompt commands into Notepad.

Click File → Save As.

Set Save as type to All Files.

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

Open Command Prompt in the script folder.

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.

@echo off
cd /d "%~dp0"

echo Task started

REM Add your commands below this line

exit /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.

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.