doskey

Windows CMD · Terminal · reference only

What it does

Manages the console command history and creates macros: shortcuts that expand into full commands.

Syntax

doskey [opciones] [macro=orden]

Options and parameters

macro=orden
Defines a macro; $* in the command is replaced by the arguments.
/history
Shows the history of commands typed in the console.
/macros
Shows the defined macros.
/listsize=N
Changes the number of commands kept in the history.
/macrofile=fichero
Loads macros from a file.
/reinstall
Installs a new copy of doskey and clears the history.

Usage examples

doskey ls=dir $*
Creates the ls macro that runs dir with the same arguments.
doskey /history
Shows the commands you have typed in this console.
doskey /macros
Lists the defined macros.
doskey /listsize=100
Keeps up to 100 commands in the history.

Notes and common mistakes

Macros only exist in that console; to make them permanent, load them when opening it with /macrofile.
The F7 key and the up and down arrows let you walk through the history.

Related commands