The Windows Command Line Prompt, also known as CMD, is a powerful tool used to execute system commands and utilities. One of the most useful commands available in the CMD is the OptionalFeatures command, which allows users to enable or disable optional Windows features. In this article, we’ll explore what the OptionalFeatures command is, how to use it, and what features it can enable or disable.
What is the OptionalFeatures CMD Command?
The OptionalFeatures command is a command line utility that enables users to enable or disable optional Windows features. The command is available in all versions of Windows, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. It can be used to enable or disable features such as Windows Media Player, Windows Search, Windows Defender, and more.
How to Use the OptionalFeatures CMD Command
Using the OptionalFeatures command is relatively simple. To use the command, open the Command Prompt window and type the following command:
optionalfeatures
This will display a list of all the optional Windows features that can be enabled or disabled. To enable or disable a feature, type the following command:
optionalfeatures /enable-feature /featurename:FEATURE_NAME
Replace FEATURE_NAME with the name of the feature you want to enable or disable. For example, to enable Windows Media Player, type the following command:
optionalfeatures /enable-feature /featurename:WindowsMediaPlayer
To disable a feature, use the same command but replace /enable-feature with /disable-feature. For example, to disable Windows Media Player, type the following command:
optionalfeatures /disable-feature /featurename:WindowsMediaPlayer
What Features Can be Enabled or Disabled with the OptionalFeatures CMD Command?
The OptionalFeatures command can be used to enable or disable a variety of Windows features. Some of the most common features that can be enabled or disabled with the command include:
- Windows Media Player
- Windows Search
- Windows Defender
- Windows Firewall
- Internet Explorer
- Windows Remote Desktop
- Windows Backup and Restore
- Windows Update
- Windows Media Center
- Windows Fax and Scan
- Windows Disk Cleanup
The OptionalFeatures command can also be used to enable or disable other features, such as language packs, .NET Framework components, and more. For a full list of features that can be enabled or disabled with the OptionalFeatures command, type the following command in the Command Prompt window:
optionalfeatures /?
Conclusion
The OptionalFeatures command is a powerful command line utility that enables users to enable or disable optional Windows features. The command can be used to enable or disable features such as Windows Media Player, Windows Search, Windows Defender, and more. The command can also be used to enable or disable other features, such as language packs, .NET Framework components, and more. To use the command, open the Command Prompt window and type the appropriate command.