Customizing Your Console: The TITLE Command in Windows
You’re staring at five Command Prompt windows, and they all say the same thing:
“C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe”
Which one is running your backup script? Which one’s compiling your code? Which one is secretly waiting for you to press Enter?
If this sounds familiar — say hello to your new favorite command: TITLE.
What Is the TITLE Command?
The TITLE command changes the text shown in the title bar of a Command Prompt window.
That’s it. Simple. But incredibly useful.
Why Use It?
- Keep track of multiple running scripts
- Identify background tasks in minimized windows
- Make batch files look more polished
- Add a little personal flair to your CLI tools 😎
Basic Syntax
You’re staring at five Command Prompt windows, and they all say the same thing:
“C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe”
Which one is running your backup script? Which one’s compiling your code? Which one is secretly waiting for you to press Enter?
If this sounds familiar — say hello to your new favorite command: TITLE.
TITLE Your Custom Title Here
The text can include spaces, numbers, emojis, or even jokes. Windows will display it at the top of the CMD window.
✅ Example 1: Change title on the fly
TITLE Running Backup Script...
Your terminal will now show that in the window’s title bar. Perfect for visual reminders.
✅ Example 2: Set a title in a batch script
@echo off
TITLE Daily Build Automation - Please Don't Close This 🙏
:: Yeah! You can use emojis if you wish for more fun!
echo Running build...
:: your build commands here
pause
This way, when someone (like future you) opens the script — they immediately know what’s happening and hopefully don’t panic-quit it.
Bonus: Combine With START
If you’re launching multiple CMD windows from a script, you can set titles for each:
START "Ping Google" cmd /k "title Pinging Google & ping google.com"
START "Local Server" cmd /k "title Dev Server & python -m http.server"
Now your windows will be labeled before any output even appears.
In a nutshell:
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
TITLE My Script | Sets the current window’s title |
| Used in batch files | Adds context, reduces user confusion |
Works with START + cmd /k | Launch labeled windows from scripts |
| Can include emojis, spaces, symbols | Adds clarity or fun |
Final Thoughts
The TITLE command may not save the world, but it will definitely save your sanity when juggling multiple terminals. It’s a little touch of polish that makes a big difference, especially in batch scripting or automated workflows.
So next time you’re writing a script, setting up an installer, or just want your terminal to feel more personal — throw in a TITLE command.
It’s free, it’s fun, and it might just prevent you from accidentally closing the wrong window.