Rundll32 commands let you run specific tasks with just a single line. These shortcuts make admin tasks and troubleshooting easier, save you time, and even help identify malicious code. Learn all rundll32.exe commands, best practices, and common troubleshooting solutions in this article.
Complete list of useful rundll32 commands by category
Here are categorized tables of all rundll32 commands for Windows 10 and what they do.
System management & administrative tasks
| Function | Rundll32 command |
| Launch the About Windows screen | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,ShellAbout |
| Launch the Forgotten Password Wizard | Rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW |
| Force execute pending idle tasks | Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks |
| Set Program Access and Computer Defaults | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,3 |
| View Windows Features | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,2 |
| Go to System Properties – Computer Name tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Sysdm.cpl,,1 |
| Go to System Properties – Hardware tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Sysdm.cpl,,2 |
| Go to System Properties – Advanced tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Sysdm.cpl,,3 |
| Go to System Properties – System Protection tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Sysdm.cpl,,4 |
| Go to System Properties – Remote tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Sysdm.cpl,,5 |
| Open list of User Accounts | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL nusrmgr.cpl |
Control panel & settings shortcuts
| Function | Rundll32 command |
| Open Control Panel | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL |
| Open Date and Time | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl |
| Go to Date and Time – Additional Clocks tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl,,1 |
| Go to Desktop Icon Settings | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,0 |
| Open Device Manager | Rundll32.exe devmgr.dll DeviceManager_Execute |
| Open Ease of Access Center | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL access.cpl |
| View Environment Variables | Rundll32.exe sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables |
| Go to File Explorer Options – General tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0 |
| Go to File Explorer Options – Search tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 2 |
| Go to File Explorer Options – View tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 7 |
| Open Fonts folder | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL FontsFolder |
| Go to Game Controllers | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL joy.cpl |
| Open Indexing Options | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL srchadmin.dll |
| Go to Internet Properties – General tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl |
| Go to Internet Properties – Security tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,1 |
| Go to Internet Properties – Privacy tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,2 |
| Go to Internet Properties – Content tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,3 |
| Go to Internet Properties – Connections tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,4 |
| Go to Internet Properties – Programs tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,5 |
| Go to Internet Properties – Advanced tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL inetcpl.cpl,,6 |
| Open Keyboard Properties | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl @1 |
| Lock the PC | Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation |
| Go to Mouse Properties – Buttons tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl |
| Go to Mouse Properties – Pointers tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl,,1 |
| Go to Mouse Properties – Pointer Options tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl,,2 |
| Go to Mouse Properties – Wheel tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl,,3 |
| Go to Mouse Properties – Hardware tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL main.cpl,,4 |
| View your system’s Network Connections | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL ncpa.cpl |
| Open ODBC Data Source Administrator | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL odbccp32.cpl |
| Go to Offline Files (General tab) | Rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL cscui.dll,,0 |
| Go to Offline Files (Disk Usage tab) | Rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL cscui.dll,,1 |
| Go to Offline Files (Encryption tab) | Rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL cscui.dll,,2 |
| Go to Offline Files (Network tab) | Rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL cscui.dll,,3 |
| Open Pen and Touch settings | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL tabletpc.cpl |
| Open Power Options | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL powercfg.cpl |
| Open Printer User Interface | Rundll32.exe Printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /? |
| Open Programs and Features | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,0 |
| Go to Region – Formats tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Intl.cpl,,0 |
| Go to Region – Location tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Intl.cpl,,1 |
| Go to Region – Administrative tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Intl.cpl,,2 |
| Go to Security and Maintenance | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL wscui.cpl |
| Go to Set Up a Network wizard | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL NetSetup.cpl |
| Sound – Playback tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Mmsys.cpl,,0 |
| Go to Sound – Recording tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Mmsys.cpl,,1 |
| Go to Sound – Sounds tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Mmsys.cpl,,2 |
| Go to Sound – Communications tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL Mmsys.cpl,,3 |
| Go to Speech Properties – Text to Speech tab | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL %SystemRoot%\System32\Speech\SpeechUX\sapi.cpl,,1 |
| Open Start Settings | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 3 |
| Open Taskbar Settings | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 1 |
| Open Text Services and Input Languages | Rundll32.exe Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL input.dll,,{C07337D3-DB2C-4D0B-9A93-B722A6C106E2} |
| Open Windows Firewall settings | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL firewall.cpl |
Internet & network commands
| Function | Rundll32 command |
| Add Network Location Wizard | Rundll32 %SystemRoot%\system32\shwebsvc.dll,AddNetPlaceRunDll |
| Add Printer Wizard | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL AddPrinter |
| Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard | Rundll32.exe tcpmonui.dll,LocalAddPortUI |
| Clear browsing history in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255 |
| Clear browsing history and add-ons history in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 4351 |
| Delete cookies and website data in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 2 |
| Delete download history in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16384 |
| Delete form data in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 16 |
| Delete history in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 1 |
| Delete passwords in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 32 |
| Delete temporary Internet files and website files in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 8 |
| Open Organize Favorites in Internet Explorer | Rundll32.exe shdocvw.dll,DoOrganizeFavDlg |
| Run Network Troubleshooter | Rundll32.exe ndfapi,NdfRunDllDiagnoseIncident |
Hardware & device management
| Function | Rundll32 command |
| Open Device Installation Settings | Rundll32.exe %SystemRoot%\System32\newdev.dll,DeviceInternetSettingUi |
| Hibernate or Sleep | Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState |
| Open Map Network Drive wizard | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL Connect |
| Swap the left and right button functions of your mouse buttons | Rundll32.exe user32.dll,SwapMouseButton |
| Safely Remove Hardware | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL HotPlug.dll |
| Set Up a Network wizard | Rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL NetSetup.cpl |
| Sleep or Hibernate | Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState |
How to use Rundll32 batch commands in Windows (step-by-step guide)
Here’s how you use rundll32.exe to run dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) on Windows 10:
Method 1: Run rundll32 from the Run dialog
- Press the Windows key + R.
- Type a command (e.g., “rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL” to open the control panel).
- Hit Enter.
Method 2: Run rundll32 in the command prompt or PowerShell
- Open the Start menu.
- Use the search bar to search for Command Prompt and open it.
- Enter your rundll32 command line.
- Hit Enter.
How to create a shortcut for rundll32 commands
- Press the Windows key + D to go to your Desktop.
- Right-click on your wallpaper, hover on New, and select Shortcut.
- Type your DLL command line as the location.
Press Next, name your shortcut, and click Finish.
Learn more about rundll32
Rundll32 provides the avenue for automating time-consuming tasks, boosting efficiency in the workplace by streamlining the process.
What is the function of rundll32?
Rundll32 is a Windows utility that loads 32-bit dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) functions in Windows 10. This built-in tool makes DLLs functionally compatible, letting your applications use the code inside to run specific tasks.
These instructions—stored for memory efficiency—can change control panel settings and determine how programs interact.
In short, rundll32 acts as a proxy, letting your applications execute specific code indirectly. This differs from regsvr32.exe, which adds or removes Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and ActiveX DLLs in the Windows Registry.
Advanced uses of rundll32 commands
Rundll32 commands are extra helpful when you’re automating complex tasks. For instance, “batch files” (text files that send commands to the Windows command prompt) can also use rundll32 to call on DLLs.
They also come in handy when you run network diagnostics. With single commands, you can invoke the Windows Network Troubleshooter and access network settings—skipping the steps you take to open each screen.
Troubleshooting rundll32 issues
As convenient as simplifying your workload can be, you may see a few error messages along the way. If you do, don’t panic. Here are the most common rundll32 errors and how to troubleshoot them.
“The system cannot find the file specified”
This rundll32 error happens when the system can’t find the DLL file with the path you specified. To fix this, recheck the command’s file path (first part of the command), ensure the DLL is in the expected system folder, or try using its absolute path.
“The specified procedure could not be found”
This happens when the function you’re calling on doesn’t exist due to a typo or an unsupported format. To fix it, verify that the DLL is compatible with rundll32, check if the function exists using Microsoft documentation, or try a different/better command.
“Access Denied”
This error message is common with system-level files and happens when the command needs special permissions. To fix this, select “Run as administrator” when you open your batch file/command prompt, or double-check if the current user has the permissions needed.
“Invalid Syntax”
Missing spaces, commas, or incorrect arguments can lead to this error. To fix it, double-check your command’s syntax (e.g., <DLL_PATH>, <EntryPoint> [optional_arguments]), and review your arguments. Accuracy matters when running rundll32 commands, as even the slightest typo can lead to an error.
“The system cannot execute the specified program”
This error occurs when your DLL lacks the proper function or if the program it looks for is missing. The solution is to check if the program still exists and ensure file integrity using the System File Checker (SFC) tool.
“DLL not found”
Your DLL may not exist or is missing in your specified location. To fix this, ensure that it’s present and that the directory is correct. Otherwise, you may need to reinstall the application to replace any corrupted DLLs.
“Invalid function”
Your function either isn’t supported by rundll32 or doesn’t exist. Double-check the function you’re trying to call and read Microsoft documentation to see the functions that rundll32 can run.
“The application was unable to start correctly”
Either the rundll32 command or the DLL itself is the issue here. To fix this, update your system, as missing updates can cause compatibility issues. Otherwise, try running the command after a clean boot.
“Not a valid Win32 application”
You cannot run 64-bit DLLs on a 32-bit system/application, and vice-versa. Try looking into the file’s information to see if it’s a valid fit.
Nothing happens after a rundll32 command is run
This happens when commands need additional arguments or when your command doesn’t have a visible result as certain commands run in the background. Re-examine your command line to see if you left out any specific commands.
How to check if rundll32.exe is running in Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Alt + Esc to open the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab, and look for Rundll32.exe.
How to determine if rundll32.exe is legitimate or malware
Right-click on the rundll32.exe file and go to its file location. It should be located in C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64. If it’s not, there’s a high probability it might be malware.
Best practices & security considerations
Here are some best practices to follow when dealing with dynamic-link libraries and rundll32.exe.
Only use trusted sources
Rundll32 commands can run whole programs and affect system-level settings. With that level of access, it’s vital that you only use commands from trusted sources.
Regularly scan for malware
Malicious actors can also expose or steal your information by running harmful scripts on your computer via rundll32. With that in mind, always scan “rundll32.exe” processes with Windows Defender or third-party tools in your arsenal to keep your system secure.
Manage your active commands
Lastly, you should disable certain commands when they don’t line up with your current workload and already-whitelisted applications. Doing so reduces your points of vulnerability, lowers risk, and lets you enjoy much tighter security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is rundll32.exe, and what does it do?
Rundll32.exe is a program that loads and executes code stored in 32-bit dynamic link libraries (DLLs), letting you run complex code to automate various tasks on your computer.
Can I create custom rundll32 commands?
You can’t create custom rundll32 commands, but there are ways to design DLLs that can be run using rundll32.exe.
Is it safe to use rundll32 commands from online sources?
Rundll32 commands are generally safe as long as they are backed by official and high-authority posts.
What happens if I delete rundll32.exe?
If you accidentally delete rundll32.exe, Windows will become extremely unstable. Your system and multiple programs heavily depend on this program for functionality, so it’s best to keep it around.
You can perform a clean install of your OS or a full system restore to bring your device back to a point when the file was intact.
How do I restore rundll32.exe if it gets corrupted?
If your copy of rundll32.exe ever gets corrupted, don’t worry—there are multiple fixes you can try.
First, check your System File Check to diagnose and even replace the damaged file. If the damage is severe, use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) Windows utility before restarting.
If the fixes above don’t resolve the issue, try a System Restore or replace the .exe file manually by copying it from a different computer.
Lastly, perform a Windows Repair Installation—a process that reinstalls your OS without deleting your personal files. Starting with a clean slate often resolves the issue, but check for malware that replaces your rundll32.exe with a bad version beforehand.
Automate the process with rundll32 commands
Rundll32 commands are extremely useful in automating your workflow and large-scale network diagnostics in that they use stored code in 32-bit DLLs to send instructions to your Windows programs. Using these wisely lets you identify malware and streamline processes, saving time and resources.
Simplifying work can boost efficiency and give your team more time for better projects, but always triple-check the rundll32 commands you plan to run, especially if they seem new or suspicious.
