---
title: "Execute Command Prompt Step"
url: "https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/execute-command-prompt-step"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-03-30T13:31:14.594Z"
---

# Execute Command Prompt Step

The Execute Command Prompt step runs specific commands in the Windows Command Prompt (CMD). You can use it to automate tasks that need command-line execution, like running scripts or system tools.

## How to Use Execute Command Prompt

This step lets you run CMD commands or applications right from your Robotiq.ai process.

### Step 1: Add the Execute Command Prompt Step

1.  Drag and drop the **Execute Command Prompt** step into your process flow.
2.  (Optional) In the **Step name** field, give the step a custom name. This helps you find it in the Process Editor.

### Step 2: Set up the Command or Application

1.  In the **Path to application** field, type the full path to an executable file (for example, `C:\Windows\System32\ping.exe`) or a CMD command (for example, `dir C:\`).
    -   You can use a variable you already have or a direct value.
    -   Keep in mind that when executing commands using this step, the default working directory is: C:\\Windows\\System32
2.  (Optional) In the **Application arguments** field, add any arguments for the application or command.
    -   For example, if your application path is `ping.exe`, the argument could be `google.com`.

### Step 3: Get the Output

1.  In the **Variable name** field, type the name of an existing variable or make a new one.
2.  This variable will hold what the command puts out.
    -   If the command gives back a value (like `echo Hello`), the variable will have that value.
    -   If the command doesn't give back a value (like `mkdir new_folder`), the variable will be empty.

**Important:** This step can't start an application window that other steps in your process need to refer to. Use the [Open Window Process Step](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/open-window-process-step) for that.

## Parameters Explained

**Step name** (Optional)

-   A custom name for the step in the Process Editor.

**Path to application** (Required)

-   The full path to the `.exe` file or the CMD command you want to run.
-   **Example:** `C:\Windows\System32\ipconfig.exe` or `ping google.com`

**Application arguments** (Optional)

-   Extra settings for the application or command you put in "Path to application."
-   **Example:** If "Path to application" is `C:\Program Files\MyTool\tool.exe`, "Application arguments" could be `--config myconfig.txt`.

**Variable name** (Required)

-   The name of the variable that will hold the command's output.
-   You can make a new variable or use one you already have. See [Define Variable Step](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/define-variable-step) for more information.

## Related Articles

-   [Open Window Process Step](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/open-window-process-step) - Learn how to open and work with application windows.
-   [Set Variable Value Step](https://docs.robotiq.ai/en/article/set-variable-value-step) - Learn how to handle variable values in your processes.

## Need Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Join the [Robotiq Community](https://community.robotiq.ai/home/) to get help from other users and the Robotiq team.

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